going to look at a Hustler, any tips?

[ygmir]

Geeze, watch the puns.......hahahaa

anyway,
I think I've lined up a time to check out the Hustler I posted about a while back.
I'm wondering if anyone has any tips as to what to look for/at?

Here's a pic of it, I hope.......it's from the ad, so, I can't get any more.

Here's the text of the ad:

1978 Briggs 18 hp w electric and rope start
Alternator and backup pulse charging
Bilge pump & Heater
OHV and Marine Registration
New Optima battery, motor, trans,Main drive chains & idlers,Tires, Wheels.
seats 4

Thanks for any input,

Ygmir

[Don]

1st rule: just buy it.

If it were me, as long as I didn't have to take out a second mortgage to buy a lime green HDPE Hustler, I'd take it home with me. That is a very unusual machine you're contemplating, so you may want to put up with a few odds & ends that it needs.

Seriously, check the bottom of the body for holes and cracks. If you can jack it up, shake the wheels up and down to see if the bearings are tight and if you can't jack it up, shake the wheels side to side. Look for leaks under the transmission and engine, broken chains, sprockets, etc. anything you can see with the covers off.

Good luck with it, and take pictures after you bring it home!

Don

[ygmir]

Thanks Don,
What does HDPE stand for?
sorry, I'm new at this.......

[jpswift1]

It is the type of plastic which the bodies are made from known as High Density Polyethelene.

[micmac]

HDPE is very hard to paint successsfully I wonder if it is painted that color or is that the color it came in originally.

[jpswift1]

Mike, that is an original and very rare early 1980's Hustler color.

[micmac]

Jeff,

Thanks that is a neat color

Mike

[jpswift1]

It sure is a neat color. I wish Hustler made more machines like this.

[ygmir]

yeah, I like the color, although, I'm partial to cammo (see my post relating the the only 6x6's I have now)
He said on the phone it has lots of extra parts and a roll bar not pictured.
I'm hoping it's as nice as the pic, he says it's in the back of his shop and he'll need notice to "dig it out".....

[ygmir]

going to look at Hustler tomorrow.

Hi all,
I finally got an appointment to see said Hustler, I posted about a couple of weeks ago.
any last minute tips as to what to look for?
Does the trans. have clutches? or, is it hydrostatic?
Sorry,
I'm really new to AATV......
But, if I score, I learn fast.

thanks
Ygmir

[jpswift1]

The T-20 actually has brake bands, drums, and planetary gears. The T-20 is going to most likely be in good shape because they are bullet proof units that last a very long time. Besides checking the play in the wheel bearings by moving the tires, check to see if the machine steers properly when you drive it, and check to see if it drives in reverse. The T-20 might not go into gear easily, but this is normal. Just rock the machine and rev the engine a little and it should engage. Other than that, just take a look over the body, check the engine oil, etc etc. If you need wheel bearings or seals and gaskets for the transmission, the parts are all still available and very inexpensive. Even if there are some minor issues with the machine, I would say BUY IT, just because it is an ultra rare Hustler and they are very well built machines. I think you will be happy with it and we will all help you along with anything you might need. That's what 6x6World is all about. Let us know how it goes.

By the way, take a look in the "Articles" section of the site and you can see what the T-20 transmission looks like inside.

[ygmir]

I got it!!

Hi all,
I got the Hustler today, came with a roll cage, some chain, sprockets, a few extra rims/tires, and some little other stuff..........He gave me an extra belt/clutch assemble.
He said it works good, seems lower low and higher high, but, the belt seems to ride up and almost out of the groove,so, he changed to to the stock one that's there now........
any thoghts?

I'll post some pics a little later.
He changed it to 4 bolt aluminum rims, and, put new tires on it........
He added a bilge pump, and, a car type alternator. New Optima battery, too.
All the bearings seem tight, the chains and sprokets look good.

it has some misc. holes and defects in the body, one fair sized looking patch underneath, that, he said should be fixed right before "swimming".......
Is there a preferred method of fixing the HDPE body?

I'm so excited, I'm all a-quiver..........hahaha

Pics later,
Ygmir

[hdble]

Hey,

Congrats,sounds like you got a nice setup.
I look forward to seeing some pics when you post them.

[jpswift1]

Congrats on the purchase of a really wonderful machine! You now own a super rare, very well built 6x6. Post up some pictures for us, and some shots of the clutch setup and we can help you configure it.

[ygmir]

pics posted

Hi all,
I created an album, I think......in the "other AATV" section of the gallery, I didn't see a class just for Hustlers........
It's titled, "my first Hustler".....

Can/should I link from there to this thread?
sorry, I'm new here and just not sure about protocol.

Thanks,
Ygmir (Henry)