The master build thread for K.I.T.T But aplicable to all others.

[spookum]

This thread is to be the master thread of the argo build. I am going to reinforce the frame, tie it more efficiently into the body, and put HDI axel shafts in it. Also, a geo metro engine with Polaris RMK clutches will be inserted. I dont know what it will be when i get done, but this is the beginning.

Before we get started, i would like to point out that im doing this build in my gravel drive way, I got a 220 wire feed and stick welder for 300 dollars, and a Oxy-Acytlne rig for 200 bucks, and a new grinder from wal mart for 30 dollars. I dont have an air compressor, so all wrench spinning will be done by hand. I believe that if anyone drags home a GOOD tub and good frame and a transmission for ANY and i mean ANY AATV you should be able to apply the formula im attempting to put together. I just happen to have an Argo.

The beginning:




Note the polairs primary in the background



Put on some marvin grey for the geo and argo... no luck. Guess ill have to do it the hard way



Looks kind of cool with HUMVE doors.. but that is probbably a month away



My super visors, supervising and hiding tools



working on GEO wiring



upper body off



Saggy sides



saggy bottom tub too







Still Lots of work to be done. It has the LONG axels in the front, anyone have a neat fix for that to replace with short ones?? I know i am going to have to build some more frame but if you had any pics that would help.

Looks like the picture links as URLS arnt working for the new album. It can be seen here until i get it figured out. The tear DOWN of old green

[Mike]

Looks like the picture links as URLS arnt working for the new album. It can be seen here until i get it figured out.

Just look below each picture. Copy that URL in the box and paste it into your thread. It's that easy. You can read more here: http://www.6x6world.com/forums/6x6-w....html#post5175

[LarryW]

Sounds like a good thread to follow. Looking forward to watching it!

[spookum]

Just look below each picture. Copy that URL in the box and paste it into your thread. It's that easy. You can read more here: http://www.6x6world.com/forums/6x6-w....html#post5175

Thanks mike, i have never scrolled that far down... better keep an eye on me and make sure i dont screw up!

Thanks LarryW. I hope somone does this to an attex, or a max or anything else. All you need is a G-10 engine and HDi axels....

[Rock Doctor]

Nice project machine. Are you installing the HDI Outer Axle Bearing Assemblies to go along with the axles?
I never bothered with the HDI Axles in my machines, just did the bearing upgrades.

RD

[MIteyMT]

Watching from remote location. Spookum told me "I'm not going to buy another argo" the other day. I have some doubts, but you get the point. I am excited to see this thing fly, and have the strength to back up the speed. Oh ya, sure laughed about the Marvin Gaye part!

[spookum]

Nice project machine. Are you installing the HDI Outer Axle Bearing Assemblies to go along with the axles?
I never bothered with the HDI Axles in my machines, just did the bearing upgrades.

RD

Beings how old green had the 62 MM out board bearings and pinned axel shafts, to upgrade to plain SPLINED axels and the HDi bearings didnt make much sense. I may as well go for the HDI axels. kind of like "in for a penny, in for a pound" Im also goingto run tripple bearings per axel and put exension on all all eight.... I can load it like you do RD and then throw two more moose on top!

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MIteyMT

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MIteyMT is offline Master Mudder MIteyMT is on a distinguished road

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Jun 2009
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Watching from remote location. Spookum told me "I'm not going to buy another argo" the other day. I have some doubts, but you get the point. I am excited to see this thing fly, and have the strength to back up the speed. Oh ya, sure laughed about the Marvin Gaye part!

.... so i went to quote you mitey, and i over did it.... but what i want to know is the "MIteyMT is on a distinguished road" HOW DID YOU GET ON A DISTINGUISHED ROAD.. me thinks i just highjacked my own thread...... Please do help out all you can. Kust figred out that i have to move the frame in thr front, the HDi axels arent long enough... this should be fun! did you get your plane ticket for september yet to go swamp donkey hunting??

[spookum]

Back to the OP. Been fishing and twisting wrenches on other folkes stuff. Time to get the fenders lifted!

Saggie girl:




Screw the 2X4 down, just screws and a fender washers about 14 of them.




Wedge the board up with what ever i had laying around. I went well beyond what i thought i needed, as i know it will fall back down a little.



Heat up with a butane torch, till the bend on the fender becomes glossie... and vola... let stand for 24 hours for plastic to fully set.

[spookum]

First desighn flaw: The HDI axels are going to be too short in the front now what?

So in short, the front axel are too long. The HDi axels wont reach the inner frame rail. So now i need to build a piece of frame, notch it to fit around the jack shaft, reinforce the heck out of it, all the while maintaining alignment of the axel.... Unless somone has a better idea?

Standing in front of the argo, the "long" axel shaft is in front, jack shafts behind.




Standing next to the argo, from left to right, long axel shaft, jack shaft and then on the right, normal length shaft.

[MIteyMT]

Ok, so my gut says to mimic the pipe bumper in thee magnum frame, and your problem is an opportunity. All newer argos have a caged outer front bearring bolted to the "pipe bumber" inside the frame. To avoid a lengthy meaningless description, look at your second "side" photo, start in the upper left hand corner, and work that heavy wall pipe in there. Since you do not have the tub clearance to put it inside the tub, I would build a three piece internal pipe that bolts very snugly to the front and to the inner frame rails, and then make your late model pipe bumper, but "half pipe" style externally. For a good example of sandwiching the body, look at the tow ball on that machine for a model, and then slap the much-needed uhmw full body pan on there to tie it all together. Ok, so I guess I am going to have to draw it after all

[spookum]

yes please do, im not sure how that will allow me to run a HDI axel in the front? But thanks for helping good buddy! cant wait to see the drawing. guess i had better go get that frame out of there so i can do some work on it! And they quit putting the tube in there for the HDi machines.... different bearing extensions too!

Fenders up



other side up



That didnt turn out too bad! Im sure ill have to do it again before i put it all back together, i keep on leaning on them and putting heavy stuff on it!

TIRE RUB OF DOOM:



more rub... i see daylight!



there is a hole in the argo dear friends dear friends with what shall i mend it dear friends dear friends..... what is the red stuff? silicone or fiber glass???? HMMM

[spookum]

Video of my helpers removing the lug nuts.... ages 24 months and like 40 months..

[spookum]

Argo axel removal:

Step one, get a big hammer and a drift. Unscrew all flange bolts inner and outer, unscrew the locking collars on the bearings. Use PB blaster liberaly.

Smack the stupid out of the axles from the inside of the frame using the drift and hammer, or if that wont work, turn the Ball Ping hammer around and have helper whack it with a splitting maul!



Except for the right rear axel. I can move the bearing down the shaft but not off!

Time for the secret wepon! A custom built aatv axel extractor, it has in the past SHEARED set screws and amazed people! Special thanks for AKbufftruck!



that part is clamped on. Now to assemble the part that attaches to the axel flange:



or if i had no flange, in the case of a broken axel (if it slides, i can beat the end of the axel stub till it flairs out)



This is how it looks assembled. Just back up the inner nuts and turn the outer screws to put tension on the axel shaft.



Tension, PB blaster, smack the silly out of the axel, and smack it some more.

I think it has enough bow in the inner frame rail. How much further can i bend it and not permanently deform the frame? If i couldnt move the out board bearing i would be forced to measure and cut 2X4 wood to shim one frame to the other.... and then i could REALLY pull on it and not worry about bending the frame.

plan B: (plan c is the old cutting torch, but i dont want to do that in the plastic tub)

HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW SUCKER?????





Hind sight being 20-20 i think i mushroomed the end of the axel by hitting it too hard for too long and not in a strait line. A bigger diamater drift would have helped with that! It was really hard to get the tube for the sprocket off, so i took a little bit of material off the end where it could have been mushroomed, and slid it off by hand!

Special thanks agian to the great AKbufftruck for the sweet tool! hope i never see it again

[guyfox]

Looks like you have a nice job ahead of you.....But on the bright side you have 2 GREAT helpers to keep you in line....

[spookum]

Looks like you have a nice job ahead of you.....But on the bright side you have 2 GREAT helpers to keep you in line....

You know it! The great thing about the helpers is that when this is done, they will tottaly be dady's little girls. Spending time like this helps (i have been told) when they bring home mr wrong, they *may* take dad a little more serously.

Now the TOUGH part. Grinding and welding with them around. Not quite big enough to stay out of harms way, and not look at the arc.