Things to watch out for when buying a Cletrac?

[Skiroule69]

Hello everyone! I'm new and glad to be here! Might as well get right into it! Roughly a month ago, my high school buddy's dad passed away and left him all the equipment, vehicles, and tools. Due to lack of storage space, he's going to be liquidating a few things. When he asked me if there was anything I was interested in, I immediately spoke up for his dad's vintage snowmobile (my main addiction) and the Cletrac that I haven't seen in 30+ years.

Back then it still ran and was usable, but I gather it has sat for decades and the engine is now seized. Not long before his dad passed, he had given it a diesel fuel enema and was trying to get it freed up. Beyond that I have no idea what condition it's in. I wish I could provide you guys with information on a year and model, but the 15 year old kid I was then didn't pay attention! All I remember is that it had a pretty wide stance, sat up off the ground a bit and was stick control (so not an early model with a steering wheel).

I've been looking at pictures and wonder if it's an HG-68, but I'm not 100% on that. I called 'dibs' on it for now, but while he's sorting through the estate, I'm trying to gather some information on what I should be on the lookout for when I finally am able to see it up close, and a very general ballpark value. My buddy hasn't got a clue what it's worth, so I'm trying to come up with a baseline to start with that's fair for both of us.

I know very little about these machines beyond what I've watched on Youtube. Besides checking track, sprocket, and roller condition what else should I be on the lookout for? As I gain more information I'll keep you guys updated. I'm excited to finally see it once he gives me the word. His dad was always a really nice guy to me, and I'm thrilled with the idea of resurrecting one of his old machines.

[CDXXVII]

Hi,
The Cletrac HG and Oliver OC3 are pretty common since there were many built over more than 10 years. They are close cousins with similar appearance. The manufacturer's plate can be found on the bell housing. If present, it will say what model and serial number. From the serial number you can determine the year of manufacture.
Most were used hard so I would inspect the frame where it attaches to the transmission and where it attaches to the track frame.
I can't say to much about the value. I see parts machines asking $500-$800 and runners $2000-$3000. The 68" gauge machines are less common.