Old Argo value?

[Tremmorkeep]

My neighbor has an orange 8x8 argo he says has a kohler 440 in it. Its been sitting for about 10-15 years. Its going to need new tires and who knows what else. It ran when he parked it last (according to him). We're trying to figure out what a fair value is on it (I've loved amphibious vehicles since I was a kid). He says this one has a bench seat in the front, gas tank is under the front seat, and 2 benches in the back. Its all covered up so I havent had a look. Is there any idea what the value of something like this would be?

[curtisbyrne]

take a look take some pics and we will see.

[Tremmorkeep]

I'm not sure he'll let me uncover it. I'll snap what I can of it and post them tonight. I dont know what year...the headlinghts are little round ones about 3". Silver rail around the back..

[Tremmorkeep]

tires look to be 700$ for a new set...so I'm thinking it cant be worth more than a couple hundred bucks...but thats just a guess.

[dirtdobber]

I'm not sure he'll let me uncover it

Your neighbor wants to come up with a fair price, yet he might not let you uncover it? Sounds odd, unless there's more to the story.

[Tremmorkeep]

The 'more to the story' is he's not sure he wants to let it go...and if he doesnt, then he doesnt want to mess with it. I've known him a while....he's got about 8 projects he's also going to fix up 'someday'. So its one of those that he may let it go....(probably depending on the price) or he might not, in which case he just wants to leave it covered up with the tarp...and then boards on top of the tarp. its not a simple matter of uncovering it as it is 'digging it out'. For my part...its got to be cheap with a near 700$ just for tires at this point....Anyone have ideas on year or value? My best guess is that its a 71 Argo 8 based on what I can find. I've not found any values for that though.

[ve1sar]

Hi, I don't know if you have purchased the Argo or not but I would not pay much for it. I don't want to insult you but from what I see just in the pictures I would turn around and run away from that Argo as fast as you can and not look back.
That Argo is a vast money pit. you don't know if the engine or the transmission is any good for starters. There could be water in the engine or the transmission. The Argo has been stored out doors an has been sort of covered over. I would guess by looking at the pictures it is full of water. The water will cause you to by all new chains because they will be seized up. You will need all new bearings, axles. and seals and sprockets. Because it most likely has water in it, the frame is most likely rotten. You will need new tires and rims. What I have said here is just the beginning for you. I you are looking to purchased a used Argo buy one that is 1990 an up. Sorry if I may have insulted you. Just trying to save money for you Good luck. Paul

[Gruffy]

2 questions: What is your time table for having a running argo and are you prepared to put ~2k or greater into it?

I ask this as I just finished going through a 1991 argo and the basic repairs (chains, idler shafts, brake discs, bearings, belt, battery, etc) was over 1500 USD. If I had needed tires or had to get into the engine/transmission I would have easily been over 3K.

It looks like a cool project to get into, but you could be buying a glorified bathtub if the frame is gone.

[North Country Tough]

Mid seventys probably a Kohler 440 ams if you are super mechanically inclined and are not in a big hurry to ride it and can spend the time to research and locate parts on the cheap and have all kinds of time and need a project it would be a great machine for that purpose other than that what I can tell you about that vintage of Argo is the mechanical brakes are substandard and were barely up to the task for a six wheeler,the axles are a pinned style and the pins were prone to breakage,the 440 ams was a pretty fair motor in its day but heat issues plagued it and were some of the last motors if its original to be built in Canada parts are hit and miss,if it was givin to me and I was feeling nostalgic I might give it a go as I liked the two stroke days but if I was looking to build a machine up for a true purpose I would save up and buy a later model twin cylinder four stroke splined axles hydraulic brake machine you will end up closer to the price of one of these than you think to redoo that ole bird.JMO NCT