Belly band question

[AK_Taxidermist]

I've done a search and found some related info. What I'm wanting to know is this. I'm going to have to remove the top half to attach a winch mount to the inside. Being new to Argos...

1) How is the rubber belly band attached? Any advice on removing it before I actually pull it off?

2) How are the upper and lower halves attached? I've seen mention of both staples and nut/bolts.

3) What's the best way to reattach top, bottom and belly band once the winch attachment is installed?

4) Any chance anyone has some close up shots of top/bottom attachment or belly band reattachment they'd be willing to post?

I am not a complete imbecile with mechanical toys but it's not second nature to me either... I did not grow up with a wrench in my hand. I just like to research things as much as I can before I have a chance to screw things up.

Thanks in advance; have a terrific day!

Terry

[Mike]

The rubber band is stretched onto the seam. Just get it started coming off and it should come off fairly easily. You will probably find that the halves are riveted together. You have to drill out the rivets to split them and re-rivet the halves back on.

With that said, I don't think I would split the halves to install a winch mount. You should be able to get to everything by working through the hood opening.

[ARGOJIM]

Like Mike wrote you shouldn't have to halve the machine and it is attached as stated, the bumper is a pain to get back on once it shrinks. You should be able to slide hoop in through the hood opening, if you have the instructions they decent, on a Conquest you have to remove the radiator overflow and start in on that side( will probably have to push the other side inward to fit through the hood opening to clear both feet) and if it has an alternator kit it's a bit more trying. The rest is fairly easy but I would tap the solenoid holes before installation and pre assemble the solenoids if you have the dual solenoid set up.

[AK_Taxidermist]

I will take a closer look. I guess to my eye it looks awfully tight in there, as far as attaching anything. Mine is a 2002 Vanguard. I'm kind of thinking I won't be purchasing a commercial kit. I have a couple of friends who are talented mechanics/welders and I planned to have them build me something. I live in a remote bush village. In addition to whatever the kit would cost, shipping would be killer. I have access to a lot of free metal, as well as my friends' skills. Like I said, it looked tight looking in through under the cowling. I would have guessed that more room would be needed, hence my thoughts the top would have to come off. Thanks for the replies, and I welcome any other thoughts or suggestions on the matter from others. Mike and Jim... Thanks!

[ARGOJIM]

If you are custom fabbing a bracket, and want to do so, halving the machine will help. The Argo kit mounts to the frame in the pre tapped holes and the hoop ties into the upper with an inner and outer plate, if your machine has the round tube in the front of the frame have the fabber make a wedge to help support the hoop on hard downward pulls.

[KBSAK]

A warm sunny day with the Argo out in the sun would help take the belly band off if you choose to do so out where you're at (unless you've got a nice warm shop.

As for putting it back on, a soak in warm / hot water helps to re-install the band.

If you plan to half it, plan on doing other maintenance items that are easier to do with the increased access.

[srfnson]

I replaced the vinyl bumper on my bigfoot and it was easy to get it back on even in -20c weather thanks to the tips I got on this forum.

I put it in a large mess bag and put it in my clothes dryer for a couple of minutes. Softened it right up and went on very easy.