Advice for newbie! - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

kiddcrock · 12-15-2006, 12:40 AM

I recently picked up a 1999 Formula 500 Fan with 3200 miles. For the most part, this is all new to me and I was hoping for a little advice.
1. The sled seems to run well and as far as I know, everything is stock, no studs, pipes, etc. From a maintenance standpoint, is there anything I should look out for with this particular machine? Any problem areas?
2. What do you guys do when your seat cover is torn? Ebay, upholstery shop, sew one up yourself?
3. Is there a good source for reasonably priced plastic skis? I'm not sure I would notice a difference but, one of my steel ones is bent and thought I would check my options.
4. I can't figure out what chassis this is. The s-chassis and ck both look the same to me. Anybody know?

Thanks to all in advance and sorry about all the questions in one thread. I searched the forum but it didn't really bring up anything worthwhile. I really appreciate the practical approach most of you seem to take toward this sport and would like to express my gratitude.

**RJ Gleason** · 12-15-2006, 02:01 AM

If the rip is very small, you can use a vynal glue to repair and stop the rip from getting any bigger. For larger ones a patch works as a temporary fix until you can get a new or good replacement.

**smallengineguy** · 12-15-2006, 07:00 AM

Go to the misc parts section of this forum, then click on parts links here. Tons of suppliers there.

upersleder · 12-15-2006, 10:57 AM

you can search ebay for a nice set of used flex ski's can get them reasonable and they will bolt right on. same for the seat, just keep looking. on my FII and 00 MXZ i used ROX sled treads, you can find them here

Rox Risers Handlebar Risers for Snowmobiles, ATVs, and Motorcycles

kiddcrock · 12-15-2006, 01:19 PM

Thanks for the replies everyone. Will a 2000 MXZ700 seat fit my 1999 formula 500SL? I still don't know what chassis it is.

dobbs · 12-15-2006, 02:39 PM

The 700 is a ZX chassis and yours is the S-2000.

It won't bolt on but i have seen REV seats put onto ZX chassis with a lot of work done to them.

kiddcrock · 12-15-2006, 03:04 PM

Thanks Dobbs. Is there a list somewhere that tells what years and what machines are what chassis? That would be a great resource if anybody could put one together.

RMK 600 · 12-15-2006, 03:37 PM

I dont know of a list but ski-doo.com has pics of all their sleds back to 97 just like looking at the brochure from that year!