Argo's in the Grey-Bruce Area -- New with questions

[ooojer]

Hello everyone!

This is my first post here. I am sure more will follow.

I am from Midwestern Ontario and was wondering if there is anyone else in this area whom knows either a good dealer or mechanic with whom has great knowledge to help my quest to do a rebuild on an 8x8 argo. Including where to purchase parts.

It is an 70's Argo with a lot of work to be done.

I do appreciate the knowledge that is here as well so please advise on what I should do.

Questions I have are: Should I upgrade axles? Will I have to find someone to machine them as they are that old? Should I upgrade motor? What kind of costs would it take to do a ground up restoration? Do I have something of value for someone else whom is doing a rebuild and go with something newer. Also, feedback on best places to get new or used tires

I do want to have this up and running before summer, with an option to purchase a second if possibly by end of year.

If I have not posted in the right spot, l will do my best not to repeat

Looking forward to hearing your suggestions.

P.S Is buying parts online a good idea? If so where? Thanks again!

[northernboy]

I was form the Tiverton area of the Bruce and now live in Fort McMurray. I just bought my first Argo 2011 Avenger 750 hdi

[spookum]

The honest answer to your question is "maybe" I did all the work myself and it is possible to build an amazing machine. That vintage of Argo, the weak link is the axle pins. If it were me, and I wants to keep costs down, I would spend the time to upgrade the two front axles to HDI axles.... Which involves making the inner frame "longer" this is money well spent because the front axles are obsolete. You could then use some of mr adair's plastic bearing extenders and have a bit better of a machine... Atleast more durable....

Honestly, if you can Change tho oil in a lawn mower, or car, you can change axles and bearings.


Maitnece is the most important, keep your chains lubed and tensioned, and learn how to jack the Argo up to feel for bearing slop.

You can be as mild or as wild as you would like buddy. It is all up to you! Here is what I did to my 8 wheeled 70s Argo... But it is kind of an extreme case.

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/argo-atvs/22921-master-build-thread-k-i-t-t-but-aplicable-all-others.html

[spookum]

I hope this covers your Argo year?

http://www.argoadventure.com/uploaded/files/Argo%20Parts_Service_Operators%20%20Manuals/77-90%206x6%20Models/670-00%20Parts-and-service-manual-for-1970s-argo.pdf

[ooojer]

Thank you Spookum.

That is an awesome rebuild, and good advice. I am very excited to get this project started. Just need the weather to change a bit as there is no way I can get to the Argo to start at it.

As time goes I will update and look forward to suggestions and the great knowledge that is out there.

Jer

[spookum]

Good luck buddy! Remember, if you take all 8 wheels off, it becomes a giant plastic sled that can be drug quite easily almost anywhere.... Especial over a trail of snow packed the day before.

[Clif]

I'm in Crawford, West Grey If you are looking for info on the Argo!

[gotrippedoff]

I bought a 1979 Argo 6x6 that luckily all the major components were in good condition engine, trans, tub, frame, axels, axel pins (had to adjust with hammer). But I did have a lot of work done on it. New Chain tensioners (customized, won't find them anywhere), chains and drive chain from axel to Trans (Ebay diamond chain), spark plug, air filter, gas line, seats and seat covers (wood was rotted out underneath), drive belt, adjusted handles and brakes, oil change, exhaust, window seals, tighten up window frame and I am sure some other things I forgot. I also added some accessories including trailer hitch, trolling motor, trolling motor mount, off road lights, bilge pump, marine navigation lights, accessory switches, marine battery with feed from main battery for charging or use incase primary battery dies. So all of that work was about $1000 in shop time at 50/hour, plus about $700 in parts and accessories. So that will hopefully give you an idea of what I did and costs associated.

[gotrippedoff]

Argo Adventure | Argo Atv | Argo Parts
Jackson Hole Argo Home Page

I have purchased parts from them, and they seems to have or know where to get parts for older argo's.
As far as tires, I just purchased six with rims from the adairargosales ebay store, will let you know how that goes when I get them in on Tuesday.

[eightwheeler]

What all questions do you need answered? Do you have the 3 bolt lug nut axles?

[ooojer]

@eightwheeler Yes I have those 3 bolt lug nut axles. It also has a Chaparral motor. The motor was spitting out gas through exhaust manifold (didn't do it at the start). I want to make sure it will last me a while or do I upgrade it. I do see people putting in small car engines?? I kinda like the thought of that. If that is the case, is it for more speed or torque? transmission changes? Right now beyond me but I would like to hear more about it.

Looking for a good mechanic in the Grey-Bruce area, with reasonable rates. I know I would like to upgrade a lot of parts. Need newer tires. I like the idea of doing HDI on front and back and be able to use tracks. It has a small hole that is under the second wheel on the passenger side front. And of course it has the droop. I have looked at some of the ideas how to fix so that shouldn't be an issue. Also I am sure it can be patched easy enough. I do not believe it gets water into the tub part. I have a neighbor who does work on glass boats and has offered to help.

I want to be able to put some money in, just don't know if there is anyone in the area that can recommend someone to go to for help and parts?

As always I appreciate the knowledge here.

@gotrippedoff I do like what you have done!

[Stuffengineer]

Bernard's in Flesherton is a Argo dealer in that area. Where in West Grey are you? I have a place between Durham and Priceville.

[eightwheeler]

I'm sorry I don't have time to physically help you but can offer help on here for ya, your upper body is lower than newer models so you are limited to engine choices but B&S Vanguards fit under there nicely you even keep the stock belt so I would recommend you find yourself a nice little 18hp vanguard, if you keep your eyes open on kijiji once in a while they come up fairly cheap