6x6Talk Forum

General Category => MAX: Talk pertaining to Max ATV => Topic started by: Tyler J. on April 06, 2021, 03:49:49 PM

Title: 1989 Max II
Post by: Tyler J. on April 06, 2021, 03:49:49 PM
Hey everybody! I'm new to the forum and hopefully a 6x6 owner by this weekend. I have found a running and driving 89 Max II for sale in my area and want to make sure I'm getting a good deal before I pull the trigger. It looks solid and mostly unmolested (except for a bad paint job) for a 30 yr old machine. I have seen pictures of it running and driving well. If the tub isn't damaged and the frame is good is it worth $2000? I'm going to look at it this Friday. 
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: ascaw on April 06, 2021, 04:26:33 PM
That is a good question.  Does it have any accessories such as a winch, roll bar, windshield, tracks, canvas cover, etc?  What engine does it have?  Have you ridden in it or driven it?  How is the operation of the engine and transmission?  How are the bearings and axles?  What about the chains and sprockets?  How are the tires?  Does the wiring look good or has it been spliced, cut, repaired, etc?  Has the machine been restored or redone recently?  There is a lot to look at and to consider when pricing these.  If it is a good turn key machine with some accessories and little to no maintenance needed then the price may be ok but if it needs work and has no accessories then that price is high.  I would guess a machine that old will need some work unless the owner has really kept up with maintenance.
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: Tyler J. on April 06, 2021, 05:36:21 PM
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/784558228822262/
This the link for the listing. I’ve seen a video of it being ridden but other than that this is all I know.
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: ascaw on April 06, 2021, 06:28:32 PM
It has 22x11x8 Goodyear Rawhide III tires and a factory roll hoop.  It should have factory seat belts also.  Engine is either 16 or 18 HP.  No pics inside to see the mechanical parts.  Not worth the price based on those pics IMHO.   twoCents
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: Tyler J. on April 06, 2021, 06:35:47 PM
What would you say it’s worth from what you can see?
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: ascaw on April 06, 2021, 08:25:41 PM
No idea.  I would have to see inside and all the mechanicals just to get an idea what work it may need.
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: Argo8x8 on April 06, 2021, 08:46:01 PM
Honestly it should not be painted, just check condition of body, frame and transmission, no matter what the seller says.
Axles, bearings, chain, control cables can all be replaced with ease.

Hope this helps
Jeff Bar
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: Tyler J. on April 06, 2021, 09:45:51 PM
Ok thanks for all your input! I’ll see what the drive train and frame looks like before I decide. Will that paint be difficult to strip? Is the body Fiberglass or some sort of plastic?
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: ascaw on April 06, 2021, 10:49:48 PM
"Is the body Fiberglass or some sort of plastic?"

Should be HDPE.
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: ascaw on April 06, 2021, 10:58:29 PM
Argo8x8 is correct about parts being able to be replaced.  It will also depend on how much $$$ you want to spend and what you want to do or are able to do with your resources (tools, shop, time, etc).  You can easily go down the rabbit hole when repairing or replacing parts.  Starting with one thing can turn into many.
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: Tyler J. on April 07, 2021, 03:34:40 PM
Alright I will keep that in mind. I would like for it to be ready to bash with my sons this summer and do any repairs and upgrades over the winter. I'll take a look and let you know if we make a deal. Thanks for the advice!
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: ascaw on April 11, 2021, 10:44:40 AM
Tyler, did you get a chance to look at the Max II and if so how did it look?
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: Tyler J. on April 12, 2021, 02:12:12 PM
Yes sir. We made a deal! It runs and drives really well and the bearings have no play. I changed the engine and T-20 oil and have already float tested it. I'm really happy with it so far. The main issue is that the parking break handle is broken off and missing. Does anybody have used parts or will I need to fab something?

Tyler J.
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: ascaw on April 12, 2021, 05:36:51 PM
Congratulations.   dance  Glad to hear you were able to make a deal.  Wedge might have a used handle as he rebuilds 6x6's and has some parts (new and used) he sells also.  Send him a PM.  You can also try 6x6parts.com but I didn't see any on there.  You may have to call them and ask.
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: Tyler J. on April 12, 2021, 05:44:49 PM
Alright I will do that. One other thing. What is the "red spring" upgrade? I've read about the benefits to low-end torque, but I'm not sure if it is upgrading the clutch or the T-20.

Tyler J.
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: ascaw on April 12, 2021, 06:51:16 PM
The spring is in the clutch.  It will hold the clutch in "low gear" longer.  Depending on what you are using the Max II for, you may not need to change it.  If you are just going to use it mostly as a play toy leave it as it is.  If you are going to do a lot of heavy or hard work with it you may want to change it.

Also, post some pictures of it when you get a chance.   nopics
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: Tyler J. on April 13, 2021, 09:58:05 AM
trying to figure out how to post pics
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: Tyler J. on April 13, 2021, 10:00:26 AM
It's not pretty yet but I think that's why I like it. I don't feel guilty for modding or upgrading it. >:D

Tyler J
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: ascaw on April 13, 2021, 10:32:36 AM
Looks like you are having fun and have a nice riding area.  Are the woods available for you to ride in also?
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: Tyler J. on April 13, 2021, 10:49:37 AM
I picked it up on the way to visit my parents in TX and this is one of their neighbors places. I live in OK. I don't have a place to ride but I will be going on a 4-wheeling trip in Arkansas in July. I have 2 months to make this thing a beast!
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: ascaw on April 13, 2021, 11:11:00 AM
Compared to 4 wheelers it already is a beast.   whistling  banana
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: Tyler J. on April 14, 2021, 05:35:15 PM
For sure! Quick question. My Max came without a seal on the seem so water in pretty quickly from the wheel splash. I bought the seal but I want to make sure there’s no particular way to do it. Do I put it on the bottom shell with the bolts already clipped in place?
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: ascaw on April 14, 2021, 06:36:48 PM
Apply it to the tub.  I've seen it done both ways, with or without the bolts installed.
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: Tyler J. on April 15, 2021, 12:24:15 AM
Alright thank you. Have you seen anyone relocate the battery to the back by the engine and put a flip-up seat with a storage box on a Max II? I like that idea as a winter project.
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: ascaw on April 15, 2021, 07:56:44 AM
I have seen all kinds of modification to these.  The battery to the back for sure but the jack shafts may be in the way for a flip up seat with storage under it unless you only use the stock battery box as your storage.
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: Tyler J. on April 15, 2021, 09:02:41 AM
Having a little waterproof case that slid into the stock battery box was the original idea but that’s a lot of work for a little bit of storage. Might be better just to have something that mounts on the fuel tank rails under the dash.
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: ascaw on April 15, 2021, 12:29:25 PM
Storage is at a premium in the 6x6's.  I've seen lots of different styles of racks on the front, back and on top of a roll cage.  There is a little room under the dash on both sides of the fuel tank on a Max II that some guys have made into storage areas in various ways.  Just be careful of weight limits and center of gravity if you float it on water.
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: Tyler J. on April 15, 2021, 01:24:26 PM
I don’t plan on needing large amounts of storage. I just want a place to keep tools, extra plugs, bolts, flex tape, etc for emergencies. I’ve been looking at the sealed boxes they have at HF. Just having a place to staff that would work. I’ll kick around some ideas.
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: Tyler J. on April 16, 2021, 01:44:24 PM
Does anyone have any good LED headlight options? I found a few that would work but they're around $90 a piece.
Title: Re: 1989 Max II
Post by: WFO on April 16, 2021, 08:50:39 PM
i just use the halogen replacement lights