The POLARIS Playmate advertisement slogan
stated: "You're free as the wind on
a Playmate,
the compact snowmobile with big ideas about performance."
Referenced as the "FUNMOBILE" for youngsters
featuring a 12" all rubber
track and weighed in at 215lbs.
Single Cylinder Engine Options ranged
from 150cc Husquavarna or 164cc &
175cc Polaris engines.
The 1970
Polaris TX300 Playmate was the next step up.
The open hood with it's twin heads
popped out and the offset red stripe
made this unit very sporty looking.
It had a super high headlight
placement and a large rear seat / tunnel
mounted fuel tank.
This story is
about a fine little Polaris TX300 restoration by three brothers.
Not just any three brothers, but the
Jacobsen
Brothers' from Missoula Montana.
Ken, Les & Steve
Jacobsen A.K.A., "Montana
Starfires" !
When it comes to Vintage Polaris Snowmobiles
these brothers break
the trail on restoration in the Northwest
and on a National level.
1970 Polaris TX300 Playmate - 2010
Photo before it's retoration.
The 1970 Polaris TX300
hood.
Les said he did the hood
first, to get it out of the way and inspire the rest of the project.
He explained how the
little tunnel on the playmate was tweeked and had wild factory welds.
"Smaller isn't always
easier" was his comment.
Fiberglass in Progress
Fitting the hood to the belly pan and
sizing up the engine hole.
The modified version of the TX hood
looks better than factory fresh.
The old chrome skis
Fresh Paint, Bushings, Grommets, bolts,
shocks & runners.
The tunnel restoration.
The Belly Pan begins the metal work
restoration process.
Primer and block sanding making the
tunnel better than it ever was.
Steering loop back on
the tunnel, more primer and block sanding to make this unit straight.
Fresh Blue Paint !
Now that is a belly pan!
Notice how the welds around the spindal cups are flawless.
This tunnel is lost in it's own reflection
of "show quality" perfection.
If it is not available fabricate it
yourself ! The making of the shroud.
Now this unit is getting ready for
some wrenching and careful assembly.
Jumping forward to total
assembly, you can see that not a single hose, nut or bracket
was compromised on this
sled.
The baby blue paint is
overwhelming with gloss to the point of looking like Willy Wonka Candy.
Twin Pipes on that little
headed vintage 2 Stroke Smoke Unit look exceptional.
The clutch and chain
case looks better than when it was originally made in 1969-70.
Restored and assembled to perfection.
The little fuel tank is extremely cool
looking next to the custom seat.
Driver Point of View on this Playmate
makes you want to ride !
The custom fit of the hood is elegant
and the results of refined craftsmanship.
Eye Popping for any Vintage Sled Enthusiast
!
Without the headlight, this TX300 looks
like a "factory" race sled.
Bernat or Eastman would really liked
a sled like this back in the day.
Polaris TX 300 Playmate MOD CUSTOM
!
Montana is "God's Country" especially
in the Winter.
Pop those blue caps off the carbs and
fire it up !
Right down to the warning and driver
instruction decals, this sled is an incredible
combination of Polaris Factory details,
restoration and modified innovation.
LOOK at the paint !
THE END
2008 was the first time I had ever seen
The Jacobsen's 1973 Polaris TX Starfires.
Since then, their sled's have always
been more than kind to the camera lense
and a highlight here at SnoProUSA.com
for everyone to view.
~2008~
Montana Starfires - 1973 Polaris TX
Starfire race sleds featuring the
intimidating shark mouth and eyes.
The "Flying Tigers" of the Oval Track !
~2009~
1971 Polaris TX 795 "2+1"
This photo was taken at the NWMOVS
Racer's Reunion / Open House.
~2010~
The 1970 Polaris
TX300 [featured in this article] before
the restoration at the
Northwest Museum of Vintage Snowmobiles'
2010 Open House.
~2011~
WSVSA Western Round Up
- West Yellowstone Montana
One of the Polaris RXL's that Steve
Thorsen raced in 1978.
~2011~
Seeley Lake, Montana in the local Polaris
Dealership Showroom.
VINTAGE POLARIS TX Starfire
Custom and POLARIS TX 2+1
Restored and Owned by the Jacobsen
Brothers
Ken
Jacobsen, Levi LaVallee and Steve Jacobsen.
Levi LaVallee rides Polaris Sleds and
is The World Record Holder on
flying them too.
2010's
RECORD JUMP VIDEO
2011's
RECORD JUMP VIDEO
This is what happens when a young Daredevil
from MONTANA
combines POLARIS
and RED BULL!
1972
Polaris TX Starfire - CUSTOM
~2011
VSCA National Championship Winner~
THE JACOBSEN BROTHERS - Missoula, MONTANA