Used Older Machines are NOT Money Pits...They're a DEAL!

[techfx]

I am not the most experienced mechanically and don't need the most reliable stuff since I only ride a few times a year usually around small dirt/sand playgrounds. I say the older machines are worth it because a.) you can always find/make a friend to help b.) if you can find a quality restored machine (by someone reputable) even if you aren't mechanically inclined, it is likely the best value around. That being said, If I had the cash, I would love to also have the latest/greatest technology along with my older machines and try to keep our few manufacturers in business.

[Guy]

Then I went online and shopped like crazy, and bought 9 new Carlisle 22x11x8 Chevrons and had them shipped to me for $800.

$3,100 now, and more to go.


Planter Bob

As a fellow Alaskan, I must ask.... from where did you get the tires?

[countrycummins99]

though my max is not that old its still neede alot of work i have had the machine down to the bare tub twice i know its every nook and cranny now including rebuilding the t20 i wouldnt of had it any other way

[smog]

I have an Argo 8x8 industrial&commercial made in 1987. As it's made out of standard industrial parts, it very easy to rebuild and the parts are easy to find. The only thing too pricy to change was the upper body. That's why I chose to start the Centaur conversion project (see argo section). Then, reselling the unused parts almost repaid for the lexan, sheet metal and steel needed for the conversion.

Now, I may look for a used MAX IV in upstate NY or VT so I can try that T20 tranny my US friends keep talking about. (or if I could find a hustler bigfoot...)

[simpleton7016]

I agree with everything said. I have only moderate mechanical abilities, but there is nothing in the Terra Tigers that I can not handle (anymore at least). And that is what is so invaluable about a website like this. Everytime I have needed tips, I have received them and it makes it so much easier. I have gotten some very good deals on these 40 year old machines and even a few freebies. But I will add one caveat to the mantra about old stuff: when you see a craigslist ad that states "won't take much to get it running", or "just needs a little work', more times than not there are a lot of hidden flaws. I would say that you can expect to spend at least $1,000 to $1,500 on any machine that is 40 years old (tires, chain, bearings, etc). But that is still a steal.

[mark m.]

If the rest of you "old stuff" guys will wear one, so will I.

I'm in!

[lewis]

i may be able to have one made tomorrow. I will try to get a sample.

[Don]

Now that would make the perfect shirt for the Over 50 Class. Don't you think? I'd wear one.

If the rest of you "old stuff" guys will wear one, so will I.

[lewis]

Yea!!!!

Long Live Old Stuff!!!!!!!!

[Model Citizen]

Long live old stuff!

Now that would make the perfect shirt for the Over 50 Class. Don't you think? I'd wear one.

Bridget

[Don]

Geez, my old Hustler did turn out to be a bit of a money pit compared to my other machines, but I wouldn't trade it now for anything new. Long live old stuff!

[lewis]

counterpoint

All great points guys!....but each and everyone of you guys are mechanically inclined to work on these machines. What i hate to see and i take this a little personal when i see a fellow that wants to get into this sport and he buys something that is totally worn out and has no ability to work on it. Each and every one of us know a person that fits this criteria. Anything can be rebuilt, and it is exactly like you have posted, it is exciting hunting,scavenging, building and watching it come to life again and when you crank it for the first time it is like music to the ears. I also look in yards and fields and listen for whispers of " old so-and-so has one of those" . So i go and check for another possible rescue. lol, kinda addictive.

Where one set of people excel with old machines, others fail miserably and here is what they say. " I had one of those....it was a piece of junk" There is no changing their minds about this. A newer running machine would have been best for this group of people.

I am glad that your machine has worked out great for you and it sounds like you have built a fine machine. Sounds like you did your homework and then some. Congrats!

[plott hound]

you fellows in the states are fortunate to be able to find lots of parts and pces.as well as whole machines unlike in my area of the great white north.i looked and looked for a cheap older argo,found one selling for 2500 bux and by the time i got to it a bidding war had broke out.sucker sold for 3500 bux.when i found the one i have now the guy wanted 3000 bux for it,i offered him 1700 and he accepted the offer.damn argos are rare like hens teeth around here plus used parts are virtually non existant.all in all though i hope that i made the right choice by rebuilding this old I/C argo,figured it would be way cheaper then paying 20,000 bux for a new one.

[jpswift1]

Very well said! Excellent thread and thanks for taking the time to post this. I couldn't agree more with you guys. Just about all of my machines that I've ever owned are old machines. I started this hobby not that long ago when I was in still in high school and didn't have much money. My friend and I fixed up his grandfather's Max II that was given to him with a blown JLO engine. We did everything on a shoestring budget (like in Hydromike's signature, "Shoestring Hardtails"). We scrounged up old snowmobile engines, old pieces of steel for engine mounts, and worked on making things run as best we could. Ever since then I've been learning more and more, buying and fixing and upgrading old machines with modern tires, axles, engines, and other parts, and scouring the web for good deals and horsetrading parts with friends to make all this happen. I wouldn't ever be able to do what I do and have all the machines that I have if I didn't have all the great friends that help me out and do things on a budget like many of us here do. I'm always looking for old broken down machines that haven't run in years behind people's garages or out in the pasture, through word of mouth, or on Craigslist, ebay, and other classified ads so that I can restore and rebuild them to their former glory. Just like Hydromike, I hate seeing these awesome machines just rot away or just get junked. Thanks to the 6x6World website more of those old machines are finding good homes which the new owners will provide them with lots of TLC to get them looking great again and back on the trails. The hobby has been really growing in the past 3 years and more and more people are realizing how capable these machines really are.

[hydromike]

I tend to lean toward the older, used machines for a myriad of reasons. With updated technology in the newer machines (splined axles, better tires, better engines), it's really a simple task for anyone with minimal technical ability to retrofit an older machine. As with any other hobby, it's critical to shop around, educate yourself, and know exactly what you're looking for. It's not always a case of finding an absolutely screaming deal on a machine and having something that runs like a top. Half the joy I reap out of this hobby is taking a derelict machine sitting behind a shed, and transforming it into a running machine, versus it being sent too a scrap yard, or a landfill.

I've had my share of luck, but only because I'm constantly scanning the countryside where ever I go.

I found the RIM for $1100, and could have driven it home. The machine you see today is roughly a total investment of $1500.

I think I have a total of $2k to $2.5k invested in the tank.

The EFI Chief body was free. Bought the engine for $500. All summed up, I think it's about a $900 machine.

GeoJem's racer was transformed from a free body (gave JP $20 in beer money) with a free engine (thanks you-know-who), and probably around $600 in parts, total. The transmission in that machine was a $60 wonder from a Chaparral that I yanked from a fencerow.

My point in all this rambling, is that for some folks, the best part of the hobby is amassing all the parts, and going through the challenge of finding that one little thing you need, and resourcing through what is the best community of folks I've had the pleasure of knowing. I get all teary eyed when I see a new member pull a camo'd attex out of some field. You know he's excited. Many of us have been there. <sniffle>

So, yeah. I'm looking for a 980 Bigfoot project. Everybody keep your eyes peeled.
~m