Attex Inspection

[bgriep]

I will be going to look at a 400 chief Attex this weekend. It is posted on route 6x6 .com the only Attex in IOWA. The owner say’s will need Teflon chain guides soon. The picture shows one axle has been updated to bolt on rim’s other two axles’ original is this ok to run this way? How about two axles updated? Do these original engines run warm? I have downloaded the pre-purchase checklist.
Another question is, is there any thing that is known to the attex that I need to be concerned about problems that is? With this model.
Thanks’ in advance bgriep@gmtel.net

[Don]

Taking a copy of the checklist is a good idea. The body looks like it's seen better days, and the engine isn't original (actually a newer model of the JLO with 5 ports and more horsepower). As long as the tires are all the same size circumference, it's not a problem running the flotations with tire/rim combinations. Two-strokes in general are susceptible to heat, but the JLO is a pretty solid model. I don't think of anything peculiar to Attex that isn't on the checklist. It's easy enough to replace the nylon on the chain tensioners.

Just my opinion: The price is a little high for a machine in that condition.

[hydromike]

If the machine is close enough to you to conveniently take a look at it, it would be a good way to become familiar with the Attex model, and how it's put together. I'm going to agree with Don that the body is pretty hammered, and the asking price is sky-high. These machines are rarely ever worth the sum of their parts, and this looks to be a good example of that. I don't want to disuade you from buying something you're excited about, but maybe you could look around a bit longer and find something that hasn't been repaired in the same fashion this one has....

[amphibious drew]

I would agree about the body being beat. My colt project had crappy repairs like what I am seeing in the pictures, and I have about 25-35 hours into trying to get it back to shape. The rivets really would concern me. Its like that thing was slammed into a wall. Make sure the frame is ok.

[RocketHurricane]

Looking at the photo of the engine in the ad, and it looks like there are some repairs to the inner hull sides on either side of the engine bay. You can see what looks like caulk or something on the angled step that's right above the muffler on the left side, and a bit on the right also. Is this a common weakness to the attex chief? I've seen another one with repairs in that area. Is it something to be concerned with structurally? Doesn't seem like it would be an issue for going in the water, it's so far up and on the inside of the hull.

[hydromike]

You can see what looks like caulk or something on the angled step that's right above the muffler on the left side, and a bit on the right also. Is this a common weakness to the attex chief? <snip....>

It's not really a structural issue, and does't affect water proofness at all, since it's on the upper tub, and on the inside, like you say. This sort of damage is pretty typical of the Chiefs; it's where the seat mount/engine cover ride against the upper body. The seat cover ends up wearing through the upper body. I don't know what the owner tried to repair it with, but I imagine it can be removed and repaired more appropriately, or at least made to look a bit more attractive.

[bgriep]

Thanks’ Guy’s for the input, the owner has lowered the price for me so I would come look at. What do you think is a fair price just by looking at picture? Maybe $800.00? Depending on condition of course. I was hoping to use this for trapping. I have spot's I can not get to with my quad runner. So I plan on driveing this like I stole it. According to the year this should be an ABS body right?

[jpswift1]

According to the year this should be an ABS body right?

That's correct. Attex didn't go to HDPE bodies until 1976.

[RocketHurricane]

It's not really a structural issue, and does't affect water proofness at all, since it's on the upper tub, and on the inside, like you say. This sort of damage is pretty typical of the Chiefs; it's where the seat mount/engine cover ride against the upper body. The seat cover ends up wearing through the upper body. I don't know what the owner tried to repair it with, but I imagine it can be removed and repaired more appropriately, or at least made to look a bit more attractive.

Thanks for the confirmation. I could see how that might be a wear point.

Why do some Chief's get the crack in the hull side below the muffler mount? Is that from motor vibration?

[hydromike]

Why do some Chief's get the crack in the hull side below the muffler mount? Is that from motor vibration?

Good question.... I have two Chief bodies that have it, and two that don't. It's a pretty common malady, though. I wouldn't think it's from motor vibration. My guess it would be that has a lot to do with the stresses in the lower tub (from twisting) eventually finding the weakest point. For such a large hole, there's very little support around it. All of the other holes in the lower tub (axle holes) are held much more rigid by the frame. It's not that hard to fix, though.

[bgriep]

Attex purchased thanks’ for all the heads up replies, I did go threw the inspections and found an additional axle that needs replaced. And the priced for the unit was dropped again. Was getting ready to go home with empty trailer and the wife offered yet a lower price and he accepted so now I am a attex owner.

[Mike]

Congratulations on your 6x6.

[gearhead1937]

Congrats. Going to start a complete tear-down refurbish on mine but we will have to get together when they are both running.