We Bought a 6x6 Amphibious ATV on Craigslist!
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
We have been wanting to do a 6x6 build for a while and just didn't know where to start until we found this beauty on Craigslist. A 6x6 amphibious ATV by Amphicat built in the 70's. Our plan with this off road boat is to add some snowmobile power with a 2stroke snowmobile engine!
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My old neighbor had one of these on tracks with a plow, always made my day seeing him scoot around his driveway after it snowed haha
@GrindHardPlumbingCo
2 жыл бұрын
Haha! Thats awesome!
@skysteiner
2 жыл бұрын
@@GrindHardPlumbingCo PUT TRACKS ON IT! at some point... and maybe at that point, put some kind of roll cage that makes it look more like a tank. edit: you can call it the Tank Yut! (not sure if that's the proper spelling of Edwin's favorite expression)
@IllegallyAcquiredKIA
2 жыл бұрын
@@GrindHardPlumbingCo I say just lift it with knobby tires
@dietznutz1
2 жыл бұрын
Not trying to piss you off but "plough"
@mrfilmer9270
2 жыл бұрын
@@IllegallyAcquiredKIA I'd say there's not enough wheel well space to do that
In Canada they were under the brand of “ARGO”. In Northern Alberta hunters used them a lot. They could hall a fully dressed moose out of the bush and swampy areas. You could get tracks and a soft can for them. Some people would mount a small outboard to the back in order to increase the speed in water.
@thatgraysuburban
2 жыл бұрын
One of my parents friends have one. And it is AWESOME
@TheAussieRepairGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Argo as a brand is still alive and well.
@NoZenith
2 жыл бұрын
I really wanted one of these as a kid in Michigan too... this definitely doesn't look like the Argo I remember though. A neighbor had one and I think they were slightly larger... I HAD THE CATALOGS AS WELL from the MSU Agricultural Expo
@deeznuts2541
2 жыл бұрын
You are correct
@Joopyter724
2 жыл бұрын
Same in the uk
A buddy of mine had one late 90's. He did an engine swap and some other mods to get it up to 40m/hr ish. His was a 4 seater and would slide (fully loaded) all day long. Such fun.
I’d like to put my vote in to make it have a lot more torque than it ever deserves instead of a ton of speed
@unprofessionalgaming7760
2 жыл бұрын
I second this but speed would be cool as well just a little sketchy lol
@SirZeck
2 жыл бұрын
Yesss!
@freedomofmotion
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah plus one to this. Maybe put something almost sensible on it like a ex 500 engine. 4 stroke, 50 hp but bullet proof engine design. Perfect for an amphibious vehicle.
@magnetmannenbannanen
2 жыл бұрын
convert it to hydraulic Drive.
@Rich77UK
2 жыл бұрын
Torque is King. HP is overrated unless you want speed.
My Dad worked for Magna America Corporation in Raymond, MS, the maker of the AmphiCat!. He would bring one home all the time to tinker with, engineer changes and generally just for us to have fun with on the weekends. Good times, wish he had actually bought one.
Who else lives vicariously through this channel?
@tonyborrill1789
2 жыл бұрын
I live in the middle of a large city and have no room for a workshop and I don't have a garage either.. These guys are living the dream.
@ogt92fromthe1step9
2 жыл бұрын
Not a word I hear everyday but when I do, I immediately equate it to Tool. Vicariously I, live while the whole world dies You all need it too, don't lie 🤟 Or Austin Powers 🤣👌
@GrandmasFolly
2 жыл бұрын
@@ogt92fromthe1step9 excellent song, that.
They usually have a plug in them So that you can drain them without flipping it too haha. Nice find guys!!! Can’t wait to see what power you give it!!!
@GrindHardPlumbingCo
2 жыл бұрын
We'll have to look for that next time...
@UmmmmmmmWhat
2 жыл бұрын
The plug could be missing, or, the rubber dried out on it. That could be the whole reason it was taking on water.
@NVMDSTEvil
2 жыл бұрын
@@UmmmmmmmWhat looks like it has bad wheel bearings, but given how much crap got in there's a heck of a hole somewhere.
@krissfemmpaws1029
2 жыл бұрын
@@GrindHardPlumbingCo I know you have already made up your mind to repower the Amphicat with, as a former owner of the same model machine that transmission and drive starts coming apart with much over 35 horsepower. I would suggest looking for a Borg-Warner T-20 skid steer transmission. I can tell you what you are going to break first... it will be the internal drive chain inside the case. It is a #40 chain as I remember but some early units did have #35 inside the case. Yes I know you need content for your videos... so anything I say is mute.
I've seen a few of those fore sale. Glad to see you got your hands on one.
@GrindHardPlumbingCo
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah! We are stoked to have one!
@maulerrw
2 жыл бұрын
Ive honestly never thought of looking up amphibious vehicles for sale. I just looked them up, I found a thing called an Argo, its like 20k though but looks utterly wicked. its an 8x8
I remember watching a show on the television called The Banana Splits and they had these buggies. So cool to see one again
@coolcat406
2 жыл бұрын
I used to watch that and the munsters after school, funny
You laid down a lot of faith into that puppy when you backed it off the end of the trailer lol I puckered up waiting for it to tip backwards
@JRP3
2 жыл бұрын
Yup, as you can see from my avatar i flipped mine over backwards once, after adding 250lbs of batteries and making it electric.
Loved driving this thing!
@GrindHardPlumbingCo
2 жыл бұрын
Yeww!
@Rattus-Norvegicus
2 жыл бұрын
Did you use a different mic for this episode, Ethan sounds like his nuts dropped or something. No seriously though he does sound deeper than usual.
@dustinlamont9477
2 жыл бұрын
@@Rattus-Norvegicus sounds like an accidental audio pitch shift happened somewhere in the edit
I know a guy that built suspension systems for these,, Rule number one,,, anytime you go swimming,,, get it off it’s wheels, grease the outer bearings,, grease, rotate, and repeat in 1/4 turns, you should have drain plugs,, snap ins,,, ditch them and use boat plugs,,, and set up a bilge pump, that’s what a lot of us 6x6 enthusiasts do,,,, be glad to lend assistance anytime, guys, luv your builds,,, oh as far as your chains,, use a product called Chain Wax,,, it’s the absolute best stuff to use. I have a Buffalo Truck. Oh turn your tires around, backwards,,, chevron pointing up, that trick carries you through the water faster
That’s a snow blower engine? The death scooter engine would be perfect 👌!! Great vids!!
@GrindHardPlumbingCo
2 жыл бұрын
That's exactly what we are thinking!
Those things are amazing we call them Argos in Canada I’ve been around them my whole life almost. The only thing that I think they need is better tires for the mud and they should float if there working probably and they are also very useful in the winter if you have tracks for it but hey I’m just excited to see what on you guys have planned for it
@GrindHardPlumbingCo
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah! Super cool machines! We're excited to make it better!
@2jzfox...
2 жыл бұрын
It was built in Air Ontario. My neighbors family created this monster.
@zackb-wheal6771
2 жыл бұрын
Good day fellow Canadian 😎💪
@brycebecker2227
2 жыл бұрын
Ya they are sweet we used to have an 8 wheel one that we used for ice fishing but my only complaint was that it was slow but it could go anywhere you wanted
@justinjohnson2125
2 жыл бұрын
We call them Argos in Pennsylvania too. My grandfather had two and they were unstoppable.
if the tank power wheel thing would fit on this that would be awesome
@GrindHardPlumbingCo
2 жыл бұрын
That would be perfect!
@shelbykingnfs7216
2 жыл бұрын
Ooo amphibius tank power wheels!
Remember my father got me an action age scrambler 6x6 when I was a kid..I've been hooked ever since easily funnest machines ever built
I want to say they used to be advertised in the back of the boy scout magazine Scout Life.
Me and my brothers bought one of these that wasn't running back in the mid 90's. I remembered it running in the early 90's when the former owner had it. It was an Attex brand. We did some bondo work on the tub, put new tires on it, and put some paint on it. Never did get the old two stroke running. I sold my part of it to my brothers, and they sold it in the early 2000's to a guy who was going to restore it and get it running.
These things are dope! Great find I’m sure y’all will transform this beast
@GrindHardPlumbingCo
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! That's tge plan!
@dafuqwrongwitu
Жыл бұрын
@@GrindHardPlumbingCo found a chaparral 6×6 out here in Denver for $2500
Dude my grandpa had the exact same one ours had a top with windshield, doors, and Trax's!!!!!!! That went over the tires!!! It does float. We took ours in the Columbia River in Washington, I jumped it and scared the crap out of him. He was 70 spilled his Rainer beer. This is awesome guys ,we had problems with it skipping the chain drive all the time
Hey guys a word of caution you have an early Amphicat and that transmission and drive were designed for a 22 to 25 horsepower JLO 2 stroke with a CVT system... much over 35 horsepower you start breaking stuff inside the trans.
The first thing I thought was the Power Wheels tank
God that pond has potential. In the valley, plenty of cover, little bit of water and a couple fish and you got an amazing pond
We fixed one up in the late 70s as kids . We went everywhere in it. Floated across deep creeks slowly . It had a bench seat so three of us fit in it . We put a snow mobile motor in it because it had no motor when we got it. Lots of fun.
i would like to vote for wicked suspension. Just the smoothest ride. Make it float.
They used to sell these from Sears when I was a kid.Everyone wanted these at the time.Awesome to see it again.
Best memories in my childhood in the late 1960s and early 1970s was our yellow ATV. Snow, sand, swamps, mud. Even a little girl could fix the engine (temporarily) with a shoelace.
This vehicule looks so cool Can't wait to see the upgrades! Cheers from France 🇫🇷
I can't wait for these guys to upgrade that thing
About time you got a new build going can't wait
I've always wanted one of these!
@GrindHardPlumbingCo
2 жыл бұрын
They are so cool!
Hear me out... hear me out.... BANSHEE MOTOR!!
@GrindHardPlumbingCo
2 жыл бұрын
Hahaha! That would be epic!
Sweet little find, will make another mad project.
Saw one of these out fishing in the middle of no where with my Dad when I was about 7 and it blew my mind.
You guys should get one of the harbor freight 22hp vtwin engines in that puppy
@Partnerthedog
2 жыл бұрын
How about a fuel injected Honda CBR300R sport bike engine it makes 30HP and its small enough with a 6 speed transmission
@Jacobtheunwise
2 жыл бұрын
@@Partnerthedog needs torque. You would have to rev that engine way to hard
Also a double axle trailer with a high flex hitch to haul overlanding camping, fishing, cooler,, etc gear!!
My dad had several of the amphicat when I was a small kid I loved them. Always wanted to get one and put suspension and a larger motor on it.
I hope you build this into a proper Grindhard custom job, 8 wheel drive with tracks & a full roll cage, fitting a small diesel engine with a Turbo & changing those controls to a stearing wheel preferably the steering wheel that was uses on 'Kit' the knight industry's two thousand. Epic
Super excited for this build. I used to dream of owning one of these when I was a kid too
Can't wait to see how you guys figure out how to make it fast and turn better and all the things!!
Love it... scrappy is nearly done... so this could end up being my favourite build tube project
That's a cool ride can't wait to see what y'all do with that thing.
Looking forward to the full send!
I also saw one of these in a catalog as a child. Always wanted one. My grandpa got one then was able to sell it at a substantially higher price. That's what he was all about regardless if you bought it for me so I never even got to drive it. This is definitely the tightest turn donuts you're able to do with such little power. LOL. Looking forward to this build.
I grew up with an Argo 8x8 in the’80’s. Thanks for the flashback.
I have an argo 6x6 and one of these amphicats. Very fun vehicles and good for recovery and snow (with tracks it is better). Excited to see what you guys get up to with it!
thee best page ive followed on youtube hands down!!! I cant wait for more content
I got to ride in one of these when I was a kid in the 80's. Haven't seen one since. I remember it was really fun.
I've wanted one of these since seeing them on TV every week on the Banana Splits show !! (Yeah, I'm that old) The drive system looks a LOT like the Sherp setup...
Can't wait to see what you guys do to it!
SICK! When I lived in Florida, i got to play with my friends Argo Avenger, we rallied it around his ranch on dirt trails and mudded/floated it on a recently flooded river. The same snake infested river that we sank his dad’s willys jeep!
Had an argo 6x6 back in the day. So fun
That thing is every boys dream! Awesome! I love you guys! Thank you for sharing!!
I would love to see this redone with power and suspension!
it's a baby sherp!
@GrindHardPlumbingCo
2 жыл бұрын
Haha! Exactly!
Sick!!! Any motor head as a kid wanted 1 of these. Least everyone I evey talk to had a dream of owning 1.
Can't wait to see more of this beast!
Those things are cool and always wanted one when I was younger
Someone I know in Idaho bought one of these called a "Argo" and swapped the motor to a 900cc I believe and this thing rips, so fun!
Video 3 of asking for you to fix the fire truck so you can spray water on the track to keep down the dust.
Very cool litle vehicle looking forward to see what you make out of it
When going mud bogging, attach tow rope BEFORE entry !!
I can not wait for this build
Guys, take all that current drive out and get a used zero turn mower as a donor for the drive and power plant. Sooooo much better with 25 or so HP and hydrostatic drive. A friend did it with an 8 wheel drive and its sweet! His next "upgrade" is putting a real boat prop in the rear of the vehicle that is driven with the rear most axle. I asked how he would keep the water out and he said he "has a plan". lol
Back in the 70's my friends (brothers) each had a six wheel ATV similar to this one. They were water tight and could go just about anywhere. The tires were the trick and were quite different then what we see here. Going up hill, over rocks and in shallow water and mud was not a problem. They were water tight and didn't leak, and the engine being new was capable of what this one was not initially at least. I have always wanted one too, but they are a little pricy now. I wish I had the skillset and resources that you have.
Always an awesome video!
HELL YEAH BIG ENGINE AND COSTMETIC UPGRADES BABY!
Had one in the 70s powered by a 40hp 2-stroke and a throttle on the right control stick, Same basic setup. It was pretty dang fast! Used a Torque Converter like a snowmobile. I believe the make was "Hustler", IIRC.
I had one that was fun.had to plug the drain holes in back bottom tubb with boat plugs
I was obsessed with Max ATVs as a kid -- so cool. Very similar type machine to this one.
The engine sound and immense speed. Yes this one is really a war machine a tank. Til it come from a corner and the enemies will shit there pants from laugh and lose the fighting spirit.
this is going to be awesome! I'm 30 and still dream of having one! I'm excited about this build
That thing just is just dripping with fun.
I think putting a jet ski motor would be fitting but if not a snowmobile engine will always be a go to
Can't wait guys !!
Canada here...enticer 340 to start...exciters and phazers...etc...excellent platform excellent choice...giv er...keep turning that wrench... one love
im so hyped for this build
Great find. I’m actually making a kayak Gokart and I’m almost done with it.
Can't wait to see this thing with a bigger engine
I had a Max IV. I loved it. Used Richard's Relics to get some parts for the skid steer transmission that mine had.
There was a kids tv programme in the 60’s/70’s called “The Banana Splits” and the characters used to drive those, they had one each….. great to see one again, cheers.
@Mariazellerbahn
27 күн бұрын
.... and Space 1999.
full suspention tracks would be amazing !!!!!
is it just me or do both of their voices sound lower? is the audio weird for anyone else?
@GrindHardPlumbingCo
2 жыл бұрын
Weird I am not sure why?
@tirefire-vy8tf
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah it's definitely lower
@garrettstevens2232
2 жыл бұрын
I thought the same. I was wondering if the video was running at like 95% speed or something.
French also build lot of these ! Even 8x8 versions ! This was FIRE in the 70/80's !
Look forward to this! Seal the tub so it will actually float.
You guys are teh best man I love these videos!
Love a good argo,we use em often here in labrador Canada for hauling out moose quarters
Chains would be awesome too
yes brothers im from wa nd love yas stuff !!! 2 kids i got and they love to help with the drit bikes nd my car's cant wait to show them you guys 👌
You guys have a major task on your hands yet again. 1byone you are fulfilling the dreams of guys like me from Kentucky LOL. You've made Power Wheels Epic you've made a Honda Odyssey even more Epic you made a monster four-by-four Mower, and now this. Now you have the responsibility to make one of these cool and perform well. You guys are my hero.
I used to have a swamp fox. Awesome toy
If you Take some tractor tires and cut out the side wall. Deflate the tires and slide the cut one over all three then reinflate. It makes some cheap tracks. You can use cable to make sidewall chains if needed.
Had one in Massachusetts in the seventies. Could never keep it running for more than a few days at a time. It was pretty clapped out. And I was ten. Big fun when it did run...
I’m 40 and remember these as a kid. Super cool.
500cc 2 stroke 6 wheeled atv!!! Now that's gonna be EPIC! 👌
Love this new build !!! Man that’s going to be a beast !! 🔥🔥🔥🐐🐐🐐
1974 Kawasaki H1, it had a triple 500cc two stroke. That's what that needs! It would sound so bad ass!
I have one of those!!!!! I never thought I'd see one on a popular KZread channel. I bought my Amphicat my sophomore year of highschool (2011) and I've been working off and on ever since. I'm so excited to see what you guys make of her in future videos! I have an extra t-20 skid steer transmission (a real trans for 6x6 ATVs not the crappy break rotors) I'd be happy to hook you guys up if you need anything or questions! Info on these is hard to come by....
Plz build a sick roll cage or shell for the top maybe even some homemade tire tracks for the snow awesome build guys keep it up waiting for the 12 valve build
Hey ghpc! Love the vids. If you add a separate propulsion system for in the water that would be awesome. Like a screw that gets powered by the same engine instead of the slow way it's now. Love the vids, much love from the Netherlands