My Max II resto

[Drewstang]

I've been looking for one of these for a while after seeing a guy in Cincinnati make one into a tank for airsoft. He used a Max IV and fabricated a turret and full enclosure. I want to make something similar but that I can still use for trail riding. I started asking around and looked at several over priced examples before I found out a co worker had this one for $150. Its a 1985 with the Tech 16 hp engine. He said he started working on the engine and it had no spark and gave up. I got it home and parked it outside until I could get some room in the garage to start a full resto.

Yesterday I pull the upper body off, vacuumed out the leaves and gunk in the tub and set the engine off to the side. I started assessing what it needs and what it will need to be road worthy again. So far, it needs everything, lol. The frame is bent, 3 axles are slightly bent, all the bearings are bad, one drum is bent, one chain is missing, and one sprocket is bad.

Here' s a pic when I stopped last night:


The plan is to pull the axles and get the frame out. Then repair and reinforce it and give it a coat of POR15. I'll post pics as I go.

[jpswift1]

Cool! I love seeing these restoration threads. And you got this for $150?! WOW, what a DEAL! The Tecumseh OH series engines were great and they were used in many AATVs. The only real flaw with them is the crummy Walboro carburetors. I'll give you a few pointers on your machine. First off, you can get the bearings and chain from Buffalo Bearings. They deal with many, many 6X6World members and they're excellent people, offer great prices, products, service. Tell them you're from 6X6World and they'll take very good care of you. Their number is (716) 874-1720. You'll need 62mm OD triple lip sealed bearings with a 1.25" ID. Next, the Tecumseh engine most likely lost spark because the ignition module went bad. Unfortunately they don't make these any more and they usually sell on ebay for the same price of $150 that you paid for your machine. You can search around a bit and possibly find one for cheaper than that though. It's possible to straighten the axles in a press, and any other parts can usually be found by placing a wanted ad here on 6X6World. Also, one more bit of advice, NEVER, NEVER deal with Richard Clark. He had burned many new folks to the 6x6 hobby, his prices are rediculously high, his parts are of VERY poor quality, and his customer service is horrible. Good luck with the project and we're all here to help you along. Welcome to the site!

[Drewstang]

62 mm or 72 mm? I've read several threads about RR's service and pricing. If I go through him, its going to be $1200 for everything. Got any sources for axles, tires, and sprockets? I found RR to be high and I mentioned picking the items up since I live so close and they acted like it wasn't an option. Tanks for the heads up and warm welcome.

[jpswift1]

62 mm or 72 mm? I've read several threads about RR's service and pricing. If I go through him, its going to be $1200 for everything. Got any sources for axles, tires, and sprockets? I found RR to be high and I mentioned picking the items up since I live so close and they acted like it wasn't an option. Tanks for the heads up and warm welcome.

Richard Clark won't let you pick it up because then he won't make all that extra money by charging his ridiculously high shipping and "handling" charges. When someone orders from him, he empties your pockets every way possible.

Your bearings would be 62mm if it's a 1980's machine. Just make sure you get triple lip seal ones. For sprockets, you can order them online from Surplus Center - Hydraulics, Engines, Electrical and More or call Buffalo Bearings at (716) 874-1720. They deal with G and G gear, the company that supplies Recreatives with the factory Max sprockets. As far as axles, you can have a machine shop make some up based on your old ones, or get them directly from Recreatives. You can get a set of 6 brand new Carlisle AT101 tires for about $400 shipped. These are the same ones Recreatives uses on the new Maxes. Here's the link:

Carlisle - AT 101 Chevron

[amphibious drew]

I found RR to be high.

Maybe that's why he doesn't post his prices. It all just depends on how much his next fix will cost him.

[jpswift1]

Maybe that's why he doesn't post his prices. It all just depends on how much his next fix will cost him.

Hahahahahahahahaha! Could be.

[Drewstang]

Cool, thanks for the heads up and links to the suppliers. So I made some decent progress today and I just took a break to grab a bite to eat. I'm going to get the trans out tonight and start pulling the small brackets off. Here's some pics from today:

[Dave Smith]

Nice photos. They'll help when it comes time for reassembly. My son wanted to use my max as a paintball tank. Yeah, it wasn't going to happen. Looking forward to following your progress.

[Drewstang]

I haven't got a master plan together yet to figure out exactly what I'm going to do. I know I want a body band and a windshield for sure. A roll bar, winch, and rear storage are needs. I learned alot from the last game I played using this go kart:


I went head to head just once with this:


There is a M134 minigun sticking out of the turret and a M1919 sticking out the front windshield. Vehicles could be engaged by ground players but the only hits that could take us out were nerf rockets. All it took was surprising a squad of guys and me getting lit up on my left side to know I needed a full inclosure.

[jpswift1]

You're moving right along on this project......great to see that. A sandblasting and a fresh couple coats of Rustoleum gloss black and that frame will be looking like new again.

[Drewstang]

Thanks, I'm trying to get it wrapped up this winter and ready for gaming come spring. I didn't get the trans out as I had planned. I had my annual physical this morning (volunteer fire fighter) and my arm is sore from the tetanus shot. I have to work tomorrow and Friday, maybe Saturday so progress will slow a little. I don't have a sand blaster so wire wheels and cordless drills will be the main source of cleaning for now.

[Drewstang]

So I took a long winter break from working on this thing to finish a man cave room in my basement. Now I'm back at the resto project and I've got everything off but the sticks. The left stick is seized on the rod that runs through them and the frame rails. After I get it apart, I'm going to pursue the steering wheel conversion. I'll get some pics up as soon as I get some taken.

[amphibious drew]

I used acetone down the sticks and down the side of the rod last time I had one really stuck. We had already used heat in combination with some good penetrating fluid and had no success. After a few acetone treatments and a week of sitting, the stick was free again.

[Drewstang]

I cut the rod that holds the two rods in the frame. I was a little impatient and tired.

[dzg]

[IMG]

I went head to head just once with this:


There is a M134 minigun sticking out of the turret and a M1919 sticking out the front windshield. Vehicles could be engaged by ground players but the only hits that could take us out were nerf rockets. All it took was surprising a squad of guys and me getting lit up on my left side to know I needed a full inclosure.

That thing is seriously badass.