is RIM and a RI max II or IV the same thing

[JOHNMcDANIEL0322]

could someone explain to me the differences between a RIM and a max because the body moldings look exactly alike

[Robinhood02]

they are the same , just a RIM is usually an older one

[thebuggyman1]

OK, here is a few Q's for the history buffs: Does R.I.M. stand for Recreative Industries Max? Was there a difference back then, such as perhaps the standard model had a 295 single cyl jlo and the RIM had a twin cyl????? Were they all from the early 70's

[hydromike]

RIM stands for

Recreation
Industrial
Military

Development of the original RIM machine has very little to do with Recreatives Industries. The RIM was the brainchild of engineer Howard Gerber, who worked for Attex and RI during his career. I don't know all of the specifics, but you can come down to Ashtabula and talk to Mr. Gerber about it this spring if he comes by (more than likely).

Attex brochures actually list the "Attex 750", which was a RIM in Attex disguise, which sort-of opens the flood gates for the makings of real AATV drama.



RI eventually "snatched up" the design and used it as the basis for their Max IV. In the beginning, the 484 Chaparral was the only option, but I think they had single cylinders (OH160) available at some point along the line in the early-early Max IV days.....

~m

[thebuggyman1]

Do any of the Attex 750's exist? That would be a cool one to have!

[hydromike]

It would be WAY cool! I wonder if you could make a new one with the Max IV molds from the '90s, early 2000's. It'd probably cost you a good amount, but I bet it's feasible. You'd only need a good friend on the inside, and a sheet of yellow HDPE.

[racerone3]

At one point there was a rumor that RI would custom mold bodies in any color they could get the plastic. I always figured that if a Max IV found it's way to my house, I'd have a yellow upper molded and badge it up as an Attex 750 just to be different

[Stonewall]

Are there any 1000s still around anywhere? That rig is awesome!

[Don]

The 1000 was also known as the Attex Bigfoot and was powered by two OH160s, if I remember rightly. I think Matt O has one.

I looked for a 750 long and hard a few years back and was finally told that the one in the picture was probably the only one that ever existed and is most likely an empty shell of a RIM painted yellow. Talk about a let-down! I've always had the same idea as R13 about making my own.

[George]

Howard Gerber was at Ashtabula last year. He had some great history lessons for a handful of us regarding this machine, RI and Attex. I think he was there in 2009 too.

Great stuff!

[LarryW]

I think they made a few attex bigfoots. 4 if I remember right. Matt does have one but it is rough. Still cool and in reality it is just metal so it could be brought back with some man hours. Don, I think you are right with the 2 oh160. I do know it was twin engine. Each one running a trans. of its own. Matt told me the trans was the same that the sierra trail boss used. I dont know if that is true or not because I have not really ever checked out a trail boss that closely.

The way I see it, it was a lot easier for attex to produce a brochure then build some of the machines/options. There are those mentioned here, the fender flared dual wheeled attex 225/hustler option they only produced 1 of and the 208tt brochure showing that "other" style rear hood with exhaust coming out the top.

208tt.jpgattex-6x6-225-hustler.jpg

[Dirty Harry]

WHOA!!! That dual-wheeled "Hustler" looks really cool!!! Too bad that never saw the light of day. Thanks for sharing that, Larry. A neat piece of history.

[LarryW]

WHOA!!! That dual-wheeled "Hustler" looks really cool!!! Too bad that never saw the light of day. Thanks for sharing that, Larry. A neat piece of history.

Not a problem Dirty Harry, I got that info from Jim Gerber. The Gerbers are the ones that helped make the history! Along with David McCahill. I have tracked down that same one in around 8-10 different photographs. I have a 225/hustler and that is why I really wanted to get a hold of that option until I found out they only made one. I would love to recreate it some day but its easier to think about it then do it. Kinda like the brochure things, lol.

I just made an album with the photos I have found of it. Most are from car and driver magazine march 1970. Other few where from an event at some place? Vermont? I cant remember? Maybe someone else remembers?
Attex Dual wheel 225/huslter photos. - Amphibious ATV Pictures

[JOHNMcDANIEL0322]

dang guys thanks for all of the responses they all helped very much. now i think i want to buy a attex haha. the 1000 bigfoot is sick and i would love to see one in person or in any real photos. and the dual wheel attex is awesome. i bet it was a BA in the mud water anywhere

[LarryW]

Joes Garage!!! Thanks Joe! He has some pictures of one here.....Joe's Garage... Attex Page

The problem with the real early attex like the 225 hustler was the axle design. One end was connected to the sprockets with a 1/2" squared end. Was very weak. Sucked with 1 wheel. I cant imagine it with 2. If I do ever make my own it will use the later first generation attex axle design which I have had great luck with. Even though it is still only 1".

You cant go wrong with buying an attex. If possible try a superchief or tomahawk because they have a poly body and a t-20.