Best AATV Network Ever

[amphibious drew]

The title says a lot, but I want to thank some of the members on here. Egoperf gave me a few items in the last couple of weeks including 6 near new pink tires. Yes pink tires I am man enough to rock them. He also gave me most of a Max IV roll cage. Thanks Tom you are awesome man. The tires need put on rims, but will make an excellent back up set for trail rides. As far as the cage goes, it was missing just the rails that attach to the body. MaxIV Mark and JPSwift helped clean up the uprights on the cage and turn my old swim platform into the base for it. After a few hours at Marks shop, we had the cage all set up on his Max IV and it looked stellar. I can't wait to get it on my machine. Once that was done, they encouraged me to get started on a custom build. We are taking a Max II frame and chopping it to fit into a Gotcha body I had laying around. We got the first cuts done to the frame last night and have put together an actionable plan to make the coolest 4x4 atv ever. I don't know if the build would be possible without the help from Jeff and Mark. Thanks for the help guys.

Also, I would like to ad that I received a PM from JoeMeg yesterday morning needing some yellow Abs for his colt project. I would have given what I had left to him from my colt build had there been any remaining, but I used it all. When I picked up swift to go to Mark's, I mentioned Joe needed some and swift quickly gathered a small pile of broken body parts to donate to Joe's build.

Recently I read on here that it takes $2000 to rebuild an AATV after one has been acquired. With a network like we have, that is not the case. JPSwift, Don, George, and a few others helped me to acquire the parts to build my racer for a total investment of around $850 and the machine has all new bearings, axles, and rims on it. JpSwift, MaxIV Mark, and Egoperf helped me acquire and build my splinned axle Max IV with brand new tires and rims and a custom cage and factory winch mount for a $1600 total investment to date. And finally, Max IV Mark and JPswift are currently helping me with the t-20 Gotcha build that we estimate will be done for under $1000 total investment. Building on a budget is not only possible, but realistic to do when you utilize the best AATV network ever. Thanks to those mentioned and everyone on here that takes the time to help fellow members out, and a special thanks to Admin Mike for setting this site up and ensuring it maintains its focus on furthering our sport.

[JoeMeg]

"Also, I would like to ad that I received a PM from JoeMeg yesterday morning needing some yellow Abs for his colt project. I would have given what I had left to him from my colt build had there been any remaining, but I used it all. When I picked up swift to go to Mark's, I mentioned Joe needed some and swift quickly gathered a small pile of broken body parts to donate to Joe's build."

Thanks Drew and Jeff you guys rock! I should be able to get to Meadville in the next couple weeks.This site is loaded with the nicest folks you would ever need to know.Everyone shares a great passion for these machines

Joe.

[kghills]

Recently I read on here that it takes $2000 to rebuild an AATV after one has been acquired. With a network like we have, that is not the case.

While I understand your excitement and agree that the 6x6 world network helps forum members an incredible amount I do not think you should lead the casual reader to believe that it is an easy task to come in under 2K to bring back an older AATV. Yes if you wait around, get lucky and spend hours looking you may be able to come in at a lower dollar figure but the reality for most is high quality parts available when you need them cost real money. Do the math. Quality NEW tires that ride good and swim, new beadlock rims, adapters, diamond chain, new triple seal bearings, drive belt, trans parts and rebuild, engine parts and rebuild, exhaust, lights, wiring, powder coating, paint etc. not to mention time and fuel. Now add in the purchase price of the project. Probably between 3 and 4k is more realistic for most builds if the machine is in rough shape to begin with.

And yes the network is awesome.

Keith.

[mudbug3]

While I understand your excitement and agree that the 6x6 world network helps forum members an incredible amount I do not think you should lead the casual reader to believe that it is an easy task to come in under 2K to bring back an older AATV. Yes if you wait around, get lucky and spend hours looking you may be able to come in at a lower dollar figure but the reality for most is high quality parts available when you need them cost real money. Do the math. Quality NEW tires that ride good and swim, new beadlock rims, adapters, diamond chain, new triple seal bearings, drive belt, trans parts and rebuild, engine parts and rebuild, exhaust, lights, wiring, powder coating, paint etc. not to mention time and fuel. Now add in the purchase price of the project. Probably between 3 and 4k is more realistic for most builds if the machine is in rough shape to begin with. Keith.

I agree with all you said!

[MAX IV Mark]

I believe in the below theory, It all depends on how you want play the game.

Fast, Good or Cheap. Pick two.

Below is The Designers Holy Triangle! When creating a project, clients must choose only two out of the three options. They can't have it all. It's a reality of life, clients must deal with it. Designers must deal with it.

Good + Fast = Expensive---Choose good and fast and we will postpone every other job, cancel all appointments and stay up 25-hours a day just to get your job done. But, don't expect it to be cheap.

Good + Cheap = Slow---Choose good and cheap and we will do a great job for a discounted price, but be patient until we have a free moment from paying clients.

Fast + Cheap = Inferior---Choose fast and cheap and expect an inferior job delivered on time. You truly get what you pay for, and in our opinion this is the least favorable choice of the three.

[guyfox]

[QUOTE=MAX IV Mark;132428]I believe in the below theory, It all depends on how you want play the game.

Fast, Good or Cheap. Pick two.



This is so true but the problem with most people today it that they want it all....."Good, Fast and Cheap"



Should also mention that this is the BEST site out there....Thanks Mike and to all that have offered advise and words of wisdom....and of course my favorite part.....VIDEOS....

[George]

This place and the folks here rock!

[jpswift1]

Well, I'm going to add this. Your first machine is nearly always your most expensive. But as you learn the ropes and make connections with good suppliers, shop around on ebay and Craigslist, and can trade parts within the 6X6World Network, you can then begin to build a nice machine on a budget. Sometimes, part of the challenge of a good build is to do it on a budget. Cost has always been something I figure in because I would never go out and just buy something at the first place I see it. I personally love to take on a challenge of building a high quality machine on a budget. I feel like I'm getting pretty good at doing it because I've learned a lot about AATVs, especially with helpful friends and family and this site. With that being said, I've haven't spent $2,000, $3,000 or $4,000 on any of the vintage machines that I've built and they're all put together with high quality parts and are just as capable (if not more capable) and reliable as a brand new machine. With the knowledge that 6X6World and its great members have provided me and the years working on AATVs, I can look at an AATV and put a total cost together for the build in my head before I even take on the project. This will tell me whether or not it's cost feasible to take on the project or just use it as a parts machine. I then try to help other members put their machines together for the best price when they ask for pointers with their builds. A perfect example is Drew's Max IV. He wanted one, but he didn't want to spend many thousands of dollars on a machine right away so after searching for a couple months, and asking for my assistance, I found him a 2000 Max IV with splined axles with no engine or transmission. MaxIVMark, Egoperf, and I then helped Drew get the rest of his machine together with fabricating, parts sourcing, and pitching in and helping with any extra work he may have needed done. It has brand new wheels and tires, wiring, cables, bearings, an axle, cage, etc etc. And for $1,600. It's totally possible and by spending a little time, doing your homework and having the helpful members of the 6X6World network pretty much anyone with some time, mechanical skills, and dedication can do it.

Like Mark said, it's not always possible to have good, cheap, and fast. When you spend some time building your machine, you also know your machine inside and out, and this is extremely valuable knowledge to have, especially when you or someone you're riding with has a machine that has an issue on the trails. You might throw a chain off a sprocket as new chains stretch a bit and then you lose drive on one axles.......almost immediately you know what the issue is because you've put the machine together or have worked on them before. For the person that doesn't have knowledge of a machine and hasn't turned wrenches on things before and just decides to go out and buy something brand new, they would be left wondering what happened and not know how to start troubleshooting the issue. And the Argo, Mudd Ox or Max warranty service won't be sending a tow rig to get you and your machine 5 miles out of the woods. That's another great part of this hobby. EVERYONE always helps one another out. Go on a trail ride sometime and you'll see old stuff, new stuff, and both will have issues and the group stops and we all begin to help get the issue fixed. I've never seen that much of tightly knit community of all the hobbies I'm into.......it's like we're family.

Here's the advice I'd like to give a new member to the hobby that may be interested in restoring a vintage AATV.

-It's completely possible to build a good, high quality, capable, and reliable machine on a budget, many of us here have done it. You won't have to spend thousands of dollars doing it if you do your homework and keep an eye out for a deal on a machine that's a good starting point and isn't going to need everything replaced. Which takes me to my next point......
-Run the machine past us before you jump into it so you don't take on something that's a money pit, we'll be happy to steer you in the right direction. Post the ebay ad, Craigslist ad, or pictures of the machine behind your neighbor's garage. We can provide our knowledge to help you determine a rough estimate on cost and whether to take on the project or not.
-Print out and refer to the 6X6World used AATV buyer's guide before you buy a machine.
-Keep in mind that your first build will usually be the most expensive because that's how you will learn. The next one will be less expensive because you'll know the ropes and learn from the mistakes you made with the first one. And yes, you WILL buy more AATVs....it's rare that people stop at just one.
-Remember what MaxIVMark said about Cheap, Fast, and Good. You won't be able to have a machine all rebuilt in tip top shape right away. You can certainly have good and cheap, but it will take a little time to get there, but don't worry we'll all help you get there if you are determined to do so.

Happy 6 wheeling!

[thebuggyman1]

I believe in the below theory, It all depends on how you want play the game.

Fast, Good or Cheap. Pick two.

Below is The Designers Holy Triangle! When creating a project, clients must choose only two out of the three options. They can't have it all. It's a reality of life, clients must deal with it. Designers must deal with it.

Good + Fast = Expensive---Choose good and fast and we will postpone every other job, cancel all appointments and stay up 25-hours a day just to get your job done. But, don't expect it to be cheap.

Good + Cheap = Slow---Choose good and cheap and we will do a great job for a discounted price, but be patient until we have a free moment from paying clients.

Fast + Cheap = Inferior---Choose fast and cheap and expect an inferior job delivered on time. You truly get what you pay for, and in our opinion this is the least favorable choice of the three.

I'm disappointed in JP....he's slipping. I expected the very next post to be his, slamming R.R. saying "if you deal with him you only get to pick one, and that one can't be cheap, and probably isn't going to be good either".

Edit: Dog gone it Jeff...you beat me to the reply. But where is the criticism of R.C.?

[kghills]

I'm disappointed in JP....he's slipping. I expected the very next post to be his, slamming R.R. saying "if you deal with him you only get to pick one, and that one can't be cheap, and probably isn't going to be good either".

Edit: Dog gone it Jeff...you beat me to the reply. But where is the criticism of R.C.?

I think Jeff was on the other line with Richard ordering parts for his next build so he didn't want to upset him.

[egoperf]

We are all here to help out. This is the greatest forum on the net. You will never find a greater bunch of people. Thank yo Mike for all your work putting this site together. I have been on this site since the begining, there is no better. Drew thanks, what you said means alot.