Anyone ever heard of a Drago 2?

[hwally]

I live in Mexico and just bought a 6-wheeler branded a Drago 2. From all of the pictures I've seen I'm pretty sure its a Max 2. Right now I have it disassembled and am cleaning it up. I'm waiting on the paper work so I'm not sure what year it is.

[wedge]

If you can post some pics !

[hwally]

I'll get the camera out. I've got it all apart right now but you'll be able to see what it looks like.

[hwally]

Here's a side shot of the body. I just got the papers and it's a 2001. All the running gear seems to be the same as the early Max 2's.

[hwally]

Here's a shot of the front.

[ARGOJIM]

Very interesting hwally, it does look similarly frame based.
Lets see a picture of the lower body as I don't see one in your gallery, I do like the split shifters.
The lower body seems as if it may be straight across looking at the upper body pics, the upper body seat wells look like Max and the engine access looks like early Max.

[hwally]

Here's some pictures of the tub ARGOJIM.

[hwally]

Another picture. I haven't figured out how to post multiple photos in one post. I tried copying multiple urls but only the last one shows up when I paste.

[ARGOJIM]

It certainly looks like a MaxII lower with the main differences quickly seen of, the 3 ribs on the bottom, the straightened body seam and where the outer exhaust hump is.

A quick frame question, the rear chain adjusters are different for sure, are the front chain adjusters located on the jackshaft tower?

[hwally]

The front chain adjusters are on the jack shaft tower. Another difference I've found is the axles are all 4 lug. The axles are 1 1/4 and hollow with only the outer bearing and a bushing on the inner end. I'm going to install an inner bearing, just seems like a better idea. I'm pretty sure this company is out of business and I haven't found any info on them on the internet. The body does have a tag with a serial number etc. I live in Mexico and it's the only one I've seen down here. I'm having a lot of fun working on it.

[ARGOJIM]

I looked for the thread and the pictures showing how some people have installed the 2 bolt cast flanges for the inner bearing to no success, if you look though the Max gallery you will find them.

Basically the left side is straight forward just bolting the flanges to the frame rail, the right side is a tad more complex as the c-channel faces the wrong way requiring mounting tabs welded in.

A more intense installation was done by Jerseybigfoot who also converted to newer style splined axles and sprockets.

[Mike]

I haven't figured out how to post multiple photos in one post. I tried copying multiple urls but only the last one shows up when I paste.

Keep two windows open. One for the post and the other to browse your photos. Copy one URL from the photo and paste it into your post. Don't hit reply yet. Now go back to your photos and copy the next photo. Paste it into your post. You can do that as many times as you like. Then when you are done, post your reply.

Thanks for posting the photos. I love seeing unique machines like this.

Also, I wouldn't paint it if I were you. Paint doesn't hold up on HDPE and it will crack and flake off, even if you use plastic paint. Instead, you can use a heat gun to bring the body back to life. There is a video in the how-to section on the front page of this site showing you how if you are interested. I look forward to watching this Drago 2 come back to life.

[hwally]

Thanks for your kind words and patience Mike. I'll try it again. I got the frame stripped of all the rust and loose paint. I prepped it and then painted it with good old fashioned red lead paint, like they used on world war 2 battleships. They still sell it down here. My next step will be ordering the bearings and flanges. While I'm waiting for those I'll start assembling what I can. Thanks for the advice on the paint. I need to seal a few bolt holes in the lower body and seal off the old, over the rear tire muffler hole. Seems like a bad place to put a muffler. I also have a few cracks to repair on the body I'll need to study up on that.

[hwally]

Thanks ARGOJIM for taking the time to answer my post. I'm a pretty good fabricator so I'll enjoy the challenge of mounting the inner bearing flanges. I'm still researching bearings and flanges. It's going to cost a bit to have them shipped down here.

[ARGOJIM]

So this had bothered me as I'd seen the lower before, kinda figured jpswift would have chimed in but guess he is busy with the new residence. I found this last week.

Looks like the lower is Max from the pre Wallach's days of Max. Very early version, slightly modified mold.