The Big 5 (Attex 8x8)

[jpswift1]

I got the 25" Rawhide IIIs mounted on the 8 wheeler over the weekend after getting the majority of the skid plate completed. Wrestling with the UHMW is pretty tough, but it should prove to be a pretty reslilient material. I had to make a little extra room for the tires with a torch; just enough to soften the ABS and make some "fender wells" in the lower body. It's stiffening up remarkably, and the bigger tires really make it a formidable looking machine. Lots of clearance, and great approach angle. I have to finish the skid plate, and then work on the rest of the engine bay over the next several weeks.




More pics in my gallery...


~m

Great work, Mike! This is turning out to be an amazing project. Not only did those tires improve the approach angle, but the departure angle looks to be an impressive 90 degrees. I can only imagine the capabilities of a true 8 wheel drive, T-20 equipped AATV. This thing is going to be unstoppable!

[George]

Very cool Mike. I hope we'll get to see it an event someday. I guess you're going to have to make some tough decisions now with your trailer/pickup space.

[hydromike]

My very own thread!

thanks Mike...

The idea is to have it done in some fashion for the Ledges ride. It won't be finalized, but I'd like to have it there to put some hours on it. I just got back from RI to pickup more rivets. I hope to get those installed tonight and wrap the remainder of the skid plate up. After that, I think I'll try to get the clutch and engine mount finished, and hope to start on the rear engine cover. Lots and lots and lots to do!


~m

[AndyL]

hydro, have you ever thought of making it a springer? maybe an 8x8 is overkill to make a springer?? who knows...

[mark m.]

Wow Mike! That really looks sic looking. Love those fat meats on there.

[mightymaxIV]

Impressive

Mike that is an impressive amount of quility work. That machine with 8 25" tires and a T-20 should be unstoppable. Perhaps you should take the finished product to R.I. If you can do it on your own surely they can build an 8x8. Congradulations!

[evil8x8]

Looks great!!! A machine like that deserves a winch. I can't wait to see how it will sit and move in the water. I don't think anyone has see a machine like that in the water.

[lewis]

Looks good Mike!!!! Can't wait to see a video of that machine at work.

[650ARGOINIOWA]

attex 8x8 in kansas

Theres another one of these for sale on e-bay item #300318568600 in Hays Kansas says its a 1972 Attex 400 chief 8x8.

[mudbug3]

( QUOTE ) " I can only imagine the capabilities of a true 8 wheel drive, T-20 equipped AATV. This thing is going to be unstoppable! "


jpswift1

Well spoken I,d say.

[hydromike]

Thanks for all the kind words folks....

I started on the engine cover last night. I basically have the lower frame for the engine cover complete, and it's tied into the rear seat mount. In order to incorporate a little more of the original machine into the final product, I'm going to try to keep the old cargo rack on the back, which mounted to the engine cover. I've done a lot of mocking up and balancing parts in mid air to check to see that the final lines don't look all goofy. The pics don't show much, but I'm just posting them as I take them to remind myself exactly what I've done. Pics in the gallery....



~m


EDIT: (around noon... same day...)

Theres another one of these for sale on e-bay item #300318568600 in Hays Kansas says its a 1972 Attex 400 chief 8x8.

I see this machine has been relisted. Apparently, ebay has an issue with posting the accurate placement of decimal points. It appears that the $420.00 opening bid has erroneously appeared as $4200.00. Strange.

[hydromike]

So, Big 5 got a paint job and some graphics over the weekend. The camera makes the numbers look a little fuzzy, but they're a bit more crisp in person. Juuuuuust the right amount of overspray.


More pics in My Gallery....

~m

[Meinfield]

Awesome! Nice work.

[jerseybigfoot]

Wow, can't wait to see her perform.

[lewis]

Nice

You have made that machine look new again. Great work Mike. Can't wait to see it in a video. What is the plans for the power plant, 4 stroke or 2.


Lewis