questions on the 430 Auto...

I've got a few questions on the Auto, specifically the 86 430 Auto.

My Auto needs some new "Auto" decals that ride on the shrouds. See picture below.
Does anyone know where I can get a pair? The usual sources don't have them, in fact, I've never found a source.

My 86 Auto has 11 t front and 54 t rear sprockets. My Auto climbs hills like no standard bike can, as we all know.
I think Autos typically use a similar tooth count. Could I go to a 53 t without losing too much climbing ability? Does anyone run a 53 t?

My 86 Auto with the rest of the herd:

I got my decals from vintage stickers (france)
They aren't in pics on his website but he made them in black, and also in blue if you want.
http://vintage-stickers.com/epages/...2-4a64-bcdc-63c3adb93c60/Categories/HUSQVARNA

Thanks, Michel !
Nice, black decals would work.

I do believe that stock gearing was 12/54. I have always run a 12/53, I've tried different gearing such as 12/56 but always come back to 12/53.

I got some NOS 'AUTO' stickers off of Huskydoggg a few years back when Steve owed the business in Edmonton, he has since then sold off all the Auto parts to TriTrophy in Oregon. And sold the entire business to a fellow in Ontario, Canada. http://www.huskydoggg.com/Home.html

Good luck, and oh yeah, hills don't exist when riding the auto.

The smaller the sprocket the more the chain coming off the sprocket, the drive one, has a tendency to smash into the swingarm/swingarm protector.

Paul,
Thanks for the information on the sprocket sizes. I'll think I'll try a 12 / 54 combo. As fran...k says above, a smaller front sprocket can cause trouble.

This Auto came from the widow of a one-legged guy who rode it and he probably geared it low for ease of use!

The 11 / 54 I have now seems OK, and I was climbing some steep rocky single track with no problem. For the mountain terrain I ride, lower gearing is better.

As you say, it's amazing how the AUTO powers up hills. No standard bike can touch it.
What a fun bike to ride! It certainly builds confidence that you can take on anything.

I know Dave at TriTrophy well, he lives close by. He's been a great resource for 430 Husky parts and advice.
Dave

Good point, fran...k. I'll try the 12t front sprocket.

Paul,
A couple questions on your 86 Auto setup...
What spring rate are you running in your rear shock? Mine is a 5.6 Nm and it seems too soft. I'm trying to get the sag setup correctly. What sag are you running?

Also, it looks like you have a bolt through the kicker stop. Is that to keep the rubber bumper from falling out? Good idea, the bumper never wants to stay put!
See this pic of your bike:

I wish I had an auto, what a cool bike.
Go 55 or 56 on the rear sprocket
Any graphics place will make nice decals for you.

The spring is stock, what ever came on the bike. I'm about 180LB with riding gear, seems right for me. You have to remember the first single shocks didn't have high and low speed damping adjustments like the new stuff now a days. I find it takes the huge hits great, it's the little choppy stuff that kills me. I seem to remember wearing a kidney belt back then, I guess that's why.

As for the kick start stop, it's just a piece of rubber hose held in place with a bolt. Lost the original 30 years ago.

Sorry for the late reply,

Paul.