Identifying Year of Max II

[Rottsrool]

I'm reading all the posts concerning age of machine, this past weekend I purchased a MaxII and was told it was 2001, now here's the funny thing, on the plate riveted in the cockpit is serial number...29459 this doesn't come close to any other serial numbers I have seen listed here.
Any clues?

[jpswift1]

I'm reading all the posts concerning age of machine, this past weekend I purchased a MaxII and was told it was 2001, now here's the funny thing, on the plate riveted in the cockpit is serial number...29459 this doesn't come close to any other serial numbers I have seen listed here.

Any clues?

Post some pics of the machine and we'll be able to tell you the approximate year. Does it have rectangular headlights and splined axles? If so, it's a 2000 or newer. Sellers often misrepresent the years of machines because they don't know so they just make a year up to make it look good for the sale.......I've seen machines that were represented incorrectly by two decades or more.

[Rottsrool]

6x6 age

Not sure if the picture uploaded, but no it has round headlights, I'm not sure what you mean by spline axle.
I suspect it's older then 2001 as the engine looks old.
I'm almost afraid to find out what I've been sold.

[amphibious drew]

Not sure if the picture uploaded, but no it has round headlights, I'm not sure what you mean by spline axle.
I suspect it's older then 2001 as the engine looks old.
I'm almost afraid to find out what I've been sold.

It's got round axles and on OH series Tecumseh. It was manufactured sometime in the 80's most likely.

[Rottsrool]

Thanks, thats what I was worried about, that it is far older then the seller told me, it runs but needs a good tune up, I paid $1700
A bit much I think if it was built in the 80's.

[jpswift1]

Thanks, thats what I was worried about, that it is far older then the seller told me, it runs but needs a good tune up, I paid $1700
A bit much I think if it was built in the 80's.

Is it the Tecumseh OH160, 180, or a Briggs Vanguard? If it's a running and driving 4 stroke machine for $1700 you got a good deal. There haven't been all that many changes made to the Max AATVs from the 80's to the 90's.

[Rottsrool]

Thanks for the good news, It's a Tecumseh OH 160, it's needs some bits and pcs and a good clean up. Getting it tuned up next week.
I have figured out that parts are not easy to get, even simple things like spark plugs and air cleaner.
Thanks btw for all the info.

[CBass]

I jut got caught up on the past few post. I saw the Serial # of 29459 and like you stated it doesn't fit any where on the list. If I wouldn't know better by looking at the list and what JP and Drew had to say, don't you think someone could of stamp a 2 in front of the 9459. I that was the case it would make it an early 90's model around a 1992 or so. Being in a job were most items are inventoried by serial number I have seen some shady stuff go on just like this.

[PlumCrazy]

I jut got caught up on the past few post. I saw the Serial # of 29459 and like you stated it doesn't fit any where on the list. If I wouldn't know better by looking at the list and what JP and Drew had to say, don't you think someone could of stamp a 2 in front of the 9459. I that was the case it would make it an early 90's model around a 1992 or so. Being in a job were most items are inventoried by serial number I have seen some shady stuff go on just like this.

And of course that is fraud.

[Adondo]

Post a good high res macro shot of the serial plate. That way, we could all judge if the font is the same, the type the same size, it's lined up straight with the rest of the numbers, it's the same depth, etc. It's not that easy to hand-stamp a number and have it look perfect.

I've made lots of stamped items for various whatever things, and it ain't easy getting the characters straight and evenly spaced with hand held stamp sets. If the factory use stamps that fits a jig, and my plate appears to have had it done that way, they'll all be straight and true. Adding a number after the fact is always going to look a a little bit "off." Also, you have to whack the character stamp, so you get different depths. A factory jig-stamp is usually pressed instead of hammered. And, you get ONE chance when whacking a stamp, there's never a second hit because the stamp's always a little misaligned making for a crappy job.

If it is an extra number, it might be a cover up for a stolen one or the like. There would have to be a nefarious reason to add a serial digit.

[Rottsrool]

Check this out,

Well check this out, this is the plate riveted on the body, now I'm a bit wiser thanks to you guys. It looks home made. Oh dear !

[Adondo]

The photo's blurry, but good enough to see it's engraved rather than stamped.

And, what's a "Mod max" ? Mod might be an abbreviation for "model," but it's odd Max isn't capitalized. Also, the "II" is lower case.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.

[jpswift1]

Wow, that is 100% completely homemade! Here's another way you can find out the approximate year. Look at the ID plate on the transmission Get that number and call Recreatives and they'll provide you some valuable information. Amphibious Six-Wheel Drive All-Terrain Vehicles: MaxATVs - Call 1-800-255-2511

[Mike]

I wonder why someone took the time to even make that? At first I assumed the worst, that it was done to deceive a buyer but I guess it could have been made to satisfy a VIN number for hull registration or registration for the road? Of course, if you are going to make a number up, why would you choose that number and not a longer number that wouldn't give you trouble during the registration process.

[Rottsrool]

Thanks everyone for all the info, when I get a chance I will look for the number on the trans, and call, I will let you know.
I know the photo is blurry but not only is the plate engraved but there's also what looks like a hard hat and pheasant on there.
Strange to say the least.