New Guy

[geojanitor]

I'm a new guy to the forum. I just finished restoring a 96 MAX II this winter (so to speak, I am still adding stuff as I have time). It was a real fun project to work on and I am happy with the machine so far.
To date I have:
Replaced all drive chains
Installed a new drive belt
Installed a new throttle and choke cable
Machined 2 solid axles (to replace bent axles)
Plated and re-welded frame where it had been bent / broken
Steamcleaned everything
Ground, sanded and painted frame
Installed carrier bearings for front two axles
Installed new wheel bearings
Installed new brakes (still not satisfied with the drums and need a park brake)
Patch hull where tires had rubbed holes due to axles running out of alignment
Fabricated and replaced gaskets at wheel bearings
Installed grease fittings on back 4 axle shafts
Installed new brass bushings on back 4 axles, machined new carrier rods for axles
Painted Body and Hull
Installed a blade style (6 gang) fuel panel
Rewired lights / replaced as necessary
Installed a bilge pump
Installed a recessed backup light in the center back of body
Build front rack and winch mount

I still would like to build a back rack that would allow (fairly easy) access to the engine bay so if anyone has any pics / advise I would appreciate it. I also want to install aluminum kick plates where I drag my feet climbing over the body but I haven't found a cheep source for the aluminum yet. Finally I would like to install a park brake, I am thinking about using a solenoid to block the chain (bar through chain link on each side) like on a skid loader but I don't know if it will release under load.

[mudbug3]

geojanitor

Big welcome to the amphibious forum. You did a great restoration job on the 96 MAX II. Big thumbs up!

[Mike]

Welcome to the site. You have a great looking Max. For a parking brake, as long as you still have the springs on your laterals, you can just put the transmission in reverse and it won't budge.

[geojanitor]

Mike, thanks for the comment. I think I have the springs on the laterals (I put back everything like it came off but that may not mean anything) however, on a steep hill it will still roll when I get it into reverse (it will set still on a moderate grade and you have to pull the sticks back to get the unit to back up). I also have the problem of shifting to reverse on a hill (drum brakes up front don't do much to hold the machine even though they are new, clean, and tight) too so I would like to come up with something to hold the machine. I am currently carrying a piece of firewood . Can you describe the springs you are talking about and where they are located? Could my springs be too weak? Do you have any other ideas? I though about disc brakes but I just do see where to put them with the limited space in the max II.

[Mike]

If it holds still on a moderate hill then the springs are working properly. You are correct though it won't help if you go to shift gears on a hill. However, the drum/foot brakes should hold you. If you are looking for disc brakes, Recreative Industries uses disc brakes on newer Max II's. Mine has disc brakes but my older Max IV has drum brakes. Both work well though so I don't know why yours wouldn't hold. Maybe someone else has some ideas.

Good luck!