Just got a Hustler 6x6

[Kansashustler]

Howdy to All,
Here ore the pics of the Hustler I just got from the wifes Uncle. Pretty rough but it runs and drives! Definitely needs some Love!!!! It's gonna be a fun project for sure!

[boncrshr]

I like the rollcage...looks pretty light. Looks like the front and rear rawhides have pretty good tread...just need two more of those. Looks much better than mine did...the most important thing is that the T-20 works and you only need two tires! Those two things are about the most expensive issues that you usually run into. Good luck!

If you care about the appearance of the body (I don't care too much) there is some good info on here about cleaning them up and making them look new with a heat gun.

[Kansashustler]

Boncrshr,
It is a cool rollbar, it has snaps all up and down the bars for a vinyl top/winshield. It appears to be factory or else someone did one heck of a job building it!!?? The tranny does work well but the shifters have been redneck engineered, you have to reach back and put both sides in gear one at a time! I really don't know how they were form the factory?? Not a big deal but not original. I also will be needing a hand throttle as it has a trolling motor foot pedal mounted on the floor and it definitely does not have a spring type return. It has a newer engine but I fear it is a bit small, its a 9hp Vanguard single cyl. but it starts and runs good so I guess it will work for now! I'll probably just play with it for awhile before tearing it apart for up grades!

[boncrshr]

Hey Kansas,

If you need me to, I will take pics of the shifter set-up so that you can see the original?? As far as the hand throttle, I highly recommend calling Recreatives Industries and switch to the new Max throttle, it is metal and much sturdier! Price is about the same...

9HP will probably only hold you over for a while....as we always keep wanting more and more. You going to buy something new or find a used motor? There seems to always be good deals on newer used motors popping up...I bought my Honda 20HP new from Tulsa Engine Warehouse, they shipped it free and there was no sales tax.

[Kansashustler]

Boncrshr,
Apic of the shifting mechanism would be great! I'm not really sure what I'll do engine wise yet, but Tulsa isn't too far from me, thanks for the tip!
Kansas

[jpswift1]

Hey KansasHustler, Boncrshr is a Hustler expert and him and I have helped each other along with our Hustler builds. That machine sure looks like it has a lot of potential. That rollcage is a factory original option. It looks like the machine has a flat twin Briggs I/C engine in it so I would say that it is a 1982-1985 Hustler 950 model. Nice rig, and we all look forward to seeing it restored.

[ygmir]

welcome KansasHustler.
I got one fairly recently, too. Looks to be the same model.
Mine came with a 16 h.p. B&S.
Boncruchr has a good design working for chain adjuster/Idlers........you might want to check them out if you need to dig in there......

[boncrshr]

Thanks JP, wish it was true...

I will try and take some pics this weekend as I re-assemble from this last teardown.

Hey ygmir,

JP and I were talking about something this past week, and I was wondering, have you had any factory welds crack/come loose on your Hustler frame?

Mine has had problems where the front crossbraces meet the frame....

[Don]

Hey, Kansas;

That's a great machine to start with, and you're already in touch with a couple people that can help you out tremendously. I don't know what work you plan to do with the body, but I heard from a good source that if you spray it down with WD40 and power wash it, most of the paint will flake off.

Good luck on the project.

[ygmir]

crshr:
I'll check closer, I've not noticed any broken, but, I have noticed a fix or two........
One of the PO's was prolific, if not talented, at welding......
It looks like they tried different things.....
it came with a lifting loop, welded to the frame at the balance point. It was nice for lifting, for sure, but, really messed up the foot room in the backseat......
I removed said loop......
I'll check and report back........
Henry

[boncrshr]

Hey Kansas,

Here are pics of the complete shift linkage minus the rods that attach to the T-20 diamond shifter (if you need pics of those let me know), hope this helps. I was cleaning and re-assembling, figured it would be a good time to take pics.

Shift linkage pictures from friends & fun photos on webshots