So we're thinking of buying this $100 6x6

[HeatherSchmidt]

As the post states, were wanting to buy and restore this argo, pix included

We ascertain that it's a mid 80's model, with a Kolher V Twin 17hp. It's complete and last ran 6 months ago when the owner shredded the old rusty wheels off the hubs. It has alot of frame rust but not eaten away yet. We think we can sand blast it and weld on some reinforcements. Do you guys think it's worth it?3_imagejpeg952.jpg3k23m83o65Y65V45W0b4r156afac1f5161089.jpg1_imagejpeg952.jpg3n73mb3l05W65U55P0b4r6e814b8bf5001f69.jpgimagejpeg952.jpg

Story is that he got it from a hunting club, they used it in salt water hence all the rust. We figure for $100 it's decently priced.

We think it'll need to have the frame taken out, and blasted for rust, painted, put new bearings/seals and new wheels and tires. It also needs a good clean from the pressure washer and possibly some Jasco to take off the paint that they tried to color it with. Its a horrible red/orange thing. Probably doesn't come with a backrest or too much in the way of accessories. There also is probably going to be some other issue as to why they just let it sit and rust away... we'll see.

[LarryW]

Well, it is pretty bad but for $100 you cant go to wrong. With the reinforcements to the weaker areas it may still have a chance. If the tranny is still good, maybe you can find a good deal on a used frame. Maybe you can still get a new one from ODG? Or a whole other argo with a bad body? Its a tough call. If you like messing with them and getting them all back in shape then go for it. If not, you can probably find one for the same price you will have into it already running.

[Mike]

If you like messing with them and getting them all back in shape then go for it. If not, you can probably find one for the same price you will have into it already running.

I think that is key, you will probably end up having to put more money into that to get it running than you could buy a newer year model, better Argo for. If you just like the rebuilding process and don't mind spending a lot of money on it, then go for it, but just know going in that you will probably be spending a couple of thousand dollars to get it into good shape depending on what it needs. I'm definitely not trying to scare you away from a rebuild. I don't like to see any machine go to the landfill and we have seen several members tackle machines in similar condition with outstanding results, but we've also seen even more people buy machines like that and then after spending hundreds of dollars, they only then realize that the machine is going to need a ton more money and work to make it reliable.

Just as an example of unexpected costs, Larry mentioned the transmission. Who knows if it works and what may be wrong. Also, things that you may not think about at first are axles and sprockets. With that much rust, it is likely that you will have to cut many of them with a torch to get them out. You may also end up ruining your sprocket tubes depending on just how bad the rust is. If you had to replace the sprockets and axles, that alone is going to set you back substantially (financially).

Again, not trying to sway you one way or the other but rather give you things to think about if you haven't already. In the end, you could just buy it for $100 and see what it needs. Then, if it needs more work then you think, you're only out $100.

[Noel Woods]

I'm with Mike. This C-Note machine will likely cost you several thousand dollars to work everything out on. I'd just find an early to mid 90's Max or Argo, or older Hustler. $2500 will get you a running machine, maybe that needs minimal work. $3500 will get you a fine machine these days, $4500 will get an excellent machine.

[HeatherSchmidt]

I know that according to the owner it runs and drives, its just that the wheel hubs deteriorated which is why the wheels are off. Priced some definite parts, its over 500 in wheels, tires, and axle seals/bearings. We're going to clean the carb get the engine running and bolt on some temporary car tires to see if she has any problems, if so we'll re sell it to someone as a parts machine.

Not trying to make a new machine, just make a fun beater.

[eightwheeler]

wowsers lol thats alot of rust! looks like your in for some work, it probably would have been a bit cheaper to fix up if it just had the single 50 chains but yeah like Mike said it will get costly especially with 50-2 chains and sprokets and 16 bearings

[HeatherSchmidt]

How much do you think id be worth if it was in "ok" condition. Meaning it ran, floated, but looked like a beater? Trying to price out what it'll be worth if it was a runner.

[eightwheeler]

depends on where you are located and do you think it will really run? i was just thinking of what the pistons might look like if it sat that long with a valve open lol or did you guys get it going?

[racerone3]

I will play the opposite side of the coin on this one. For a $100, grab it. A pressure washer will remove a lot of the scaly rust from the frame, and most of the paint from the body. Get the engine running and see how it goes. I happen to enjoy bringing machines back from the grave, and would JUMP on that for $100

[marshgunner]

I would also buy it. I have thrown away $100.00 on a lot worse stuff.

[HeatherSchmidt]

Good point guys, its just $100, you could either blow it on hookers or Argos! lol. The guy says that he had alot of interest in it and someone even out bid us by $50 bucks however he said since were first, we get first crack at it. Seems like an honest guy to me.

We'll get her running when we look at it. If its seized i wouldnt touch it. From the pics it looks like the inner bearings are greased, we think that we can jack it up and spin the tires to determine...
A: axles bent?
B: bearings shot?
C: loose chains

I also would like to see if I can get some 5 lug wheels screwed in, then we can move it and see if it works ok. I read that the max diameter of the tire is 25in otherwise it'll rub the other tires, we plan on putting 2-4 ties front and back, make it a quad and test her out if possible. Some say that with proper maintenance that they last forever, others say they are always a breaking down, I don't know who to believe.

Story is that it was owned by a hunting lodge who drove it in the salt marshes and setup fake ducks in the water, apparently the seals started to go on the AATV and took on a bit of water, after that they just let it sit and traded it to this guy who I am buying it off of.

As it is now the parts are
Argo outer wheel bearings/seals $30x6=$180
Tires/Rims Goodyear 25/11.5/9 $109 pair x3=$327
Total: $607

From some of the posts we were reading the transmission is $2k, however fixing various problems inside the transmission is much cheaper then replacing the whole thing. We're experienced with ATV transmissions.

I see these 6 wheelers going around $2k-3k here for the older versions in good shape.

I personally don't get how some people can spend $4000+ on an ATV, or $10k for a UTV, or even more for these things. If you compare it to a car its a complete rip off. Car companies spend millions of dollars on research, accident testing and government compliance and have much much more to them then these power sport machines which are basically a seat 4-8 wheels and a single cylinder motor and a bit of tubing.

Of course the AATV's are slightly larger and the new ones have some electronics in them finally, however they are still basically a little bit of wiring, a small 2 cyl motor, a frame, and plastic boat body. some wheels. I see atv motors and even these v twins for $2000 dollars! thats the same price of a car motor.

[Castro]

its about production numbers. They dont make millions of aatvs like they do cars.

[vader8x8]

Deleted? Really? Is honesty illegal?

[Beeman]

Deleted? Really? Is honesty illegal?

I guess that all depends on what you're being honest about :P

Pick it up. $2000 - $3000 to do it right... a couple bucks to do it... not so right. If you're the kind of person that runs with it and doesn't need a dependable machine, than it won't cost you a ton (just get the engine runnin and dump the chains in kerosene for a couple days)... and if you can have fun on the trails with the risk of a broken (place part here) part than that is almost all what matters. I think we've all been there at some point... the jalopy with a 1/16 tank of gas and a squealing belt (or something that rattles) driving to meet our lady/boy friends.

Just remember a couple things:
-if you can't make it dependable, make sure you take actions to protect not only yourself, but others.
-if you're out on your own (which you shouldn't be anyways even with a dependable machine), take measures for issues that may occur.

I've been there before and all in all I can say, just because you get something going doesn't make it safe!

[thebuggyman1]

"As it is now the parts are
Argo outer wheel bearings/seals $30x6=$180
Tires/Rims Goodyear 25/11.5/9 $109 pair x3=$327
Total: $607"
I think you forgot the price of the wheels. The tires alone are $109/pr. on Ebay. The wheels are an additional $50-75 each plus shipping.
The sad reality is that tires/wheels add up fast especially when you are buying 6 or 8.