1980 Hustler/Sidewinder build

[turtlecrawler]

2012-01-01_14-23-08_989.jpg2012-01-01_14-22-49_622.jpgWell here we go....I am new to the AATV world but I thought I would dive in and build a little Hustler I purchased less than a week ago. The plan is to tear it down to the frame, clean it all up, replace what is needed and fix what may have been done to it by its previous owners..... I will post pics as soon as I figure out how......

[turtlecrawler]

Here is some of the tear down pics.....Trying to figure out how this thing comes apart.......2012-01-02_22-54-16_810.jpg2012-01-05_19-58-21_614.jpg2012-01-05_19-58-39_652.jpg2012-01-05_19-58-33_446.jpg

[turtlecrawler]

Here is a couple more.....2012-01-05_19-58-52_156.jpg2012-01-06_14-34-50_469.jpg2012-01-05_19-59-27_801.jpg2012-01-05_20-00-09_683.jpg2012-01-05_19-59-38_597.jpg

[Stonewall]

Looks like you've got a pretty good start, do you have any specific plan for what direction you plan to go with this project? Looks like your rims are wider than your tires lol...

[Hazard85]

Well turtlecrawler, it looks like we are starting our projects at the same time, but I'm already winning the race because my frame is more rusty than yours! Isn't that like winning a race by being the slowest?.... Haha. Mine came with about an inch of mud/rotting leaves/pecans/spiders/bugs/god knows what else in the bottom. Good luck with yours...I'll be watching for updates.

[turtlecrawler]

Stonewall.......The wheels have to be at least 10 inches wide....I haven't measured them yet....The plan are building an awsome hunting rig..with of course a little water playing. I am looking at going with 24x11-12 for tires. I was thinking about 25's but I might want to play with tracks someday.

[turtlecrawler]

Hazard85....I am still finding things in the belly of my rig as well..hopefully I will get the motor out later this week....then the axles and the frame....then starts the huge parts list that I am afraid of......LOL

[Hazard85]

The good thing about these machines is they are mindlessly simple. If your T20 is in good shape, then you shouldn't get hit with a huge parts bill.

[turtlecrawler]

Hazard85.....I know it needs some seals....but the rig was running when I got it. It has a fairly new B&S 18hp motor...only 20 hours......The tranny mount needs some love as well...It needs a drive belt very badly....so I don't know what shape the clutch is in.....only time will tell as i tear into things.....

[LarryW]

Cool! Dont look to bad of shape really. Congrats on your new hustler! Thanks for the pictures too!

[Stonewall]

If you plan on running tracks on that machine you can't go any larger than 21" tires, and you'll have to have wheel spacers. Is there enough of your drive belt left to get a part number?

You should go ahead and go through the T-20, they are pretty simple, and Mike's guide in the articles section makes it a breeze. You can call Recreatives Industries and get any parts you need for it. At the very least you should put in new seals, gaskets, o-rings, and fiber thrust washers.

[turtlecrawler]

Stonewall....The tranny is going to get a once over......I have seen Mike's post and will use them as a guide.....with any luck...gaskets, seals, o-rings and thrust washers is all it will need....I will have to do some more searching so I can tell if anything else is wrong with it when I open it up.... As for the drive belt I will have to do some looking.......

[turtlecrawler]

Engine and tranny comming out in the morning....Will try to pull the axles tonight...Does any one have tips on removing old paint off the upper shell ?????

2012-01-06_14-34-50_469.jpg

[kpike52]

Paint remover. no joke.

[hydromike]

Paint remover. no joke.

Mr. Pike's right. HDPE holds up really well to most chemicals for at least a little while. Paint thinner, mineral spirits, acetone, Graffitti-off (or whatever it's called.... sold at most Lowes/Home Depot) all do an OK job. Different paints respond differently to different removal techniques. After you begin to get the paint off, the poly may acquire a light "haze", or appears to have faded a bit. A good dollop of WD-40 on a rag brings the shine right back.

Cool looking project...