Fully Rebuilt - 8x8 Amphibious Vehicle Argo REBUILD Ep.10

The last episode in the busted rusted neglected 8x8 amphibious vehicle rebuild. This time the chain tensioner wear blocks get CNC milled at my friend's place @blackloopcnc9415 . Since we ran into a time pinch I finished off the ends of the milled blocks at home on my manual mill. And I must say - these PE blocks came out nice. Who needs dealerships and retail stores when you have a CNC... :) After the tensioners were installed I split the chains into proper lengths and installed them. Since I bought this machine from an auction in parts it was missing a couple of things. One of the things was magnetic drain plug for the gearbox. I used the drill chuck in my milling machine as a jig so I could guide the magnet into a plug filled with resin. After the resin hardened I could release the chuck and voilà - a DIY magnetic oil drain plug. Then it was time to repair the backrest. Or that's what I thought... I ended up cutting the thing apart and completely redoing the cross bar. I cut up an old and hated spring bed end frame to get the proper bends from and it all worked out nicely. Super satisfied with the result. Then I installed the wheels. At first I thought that a wheel is a wheel but no! You have to match the air pressure in all the tires and measure the circumference of each tire individually. The tallest ones have to be installed in the middle of the vehicle, smaller ones on the ends. Also different tire pressure is used on the axles - 5 psi front, 7 psi in the middle two and 6 psi on the rear axle. So go figure, the internet told me this. After that I poured in some fuel into the fuel tank and cranked it up. But it didn't start. The fuel system had to be primed since it was taken apart and completely drained. After priming the Argo just sprung to life. Everything seemed to be working properly. It did for a while. And then things happened. Check it out! I hope you enjoy this as I did.
Now back to the swingblade project. And yeah, go check out the winners of the poll from previous episode in the community tab.
8x8 ARGO rebuild series full playlist:
• 8x8 ARGO Avenger REBUILD
This 8x8 ARGO sparked the homemade tracked amphibious vehicle build series a couple of years ago that you can watch here:
• Tracked Amphibious Veh...
My other videos: kzbin.infovideos
Support me on: / donndiy
Follow me on: / donndiy
#donndiy #8x8 #trackedvehicle
Welding equipment borrowed from Spetselektroodi AS, Estonia:
Fronius TransSteel 2700 welder
Optrel Crystal 2.0 Welding Helmet
Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP plasma cutter

[@DonnDIY]

More fabrication videos on: kzbin.infovideos You can support me on: www.patreon.com/DonnDIY Follow me on: instagram.com/DonnDIY

[@allenperrott318]

I was nearly as excited as you to finally start it up and blissfully pull her out into the sunshine.....tks for taking us along as you rebuilt your machine.....you have taken great care of it and it will do the same for you.....taking you into the variety of places in a style that no other single machine can match. I am a huntsman and have used an older '82 for years....made a deal I couldn't refuse on a 2000 conquest.....it's basic design solved all the main issues I experienced with the '82.....axle pins shearing and steering issues because of the non-hydraulic manual steering setup. Now, after going through it in not quite as much detail as you did, my bliss in using the machine is increasing withe every bug I work out of it!!! Thanks so much for sharing your repair journey!!! Trails are happier with an Argo.... the "go" is built in, as they say.....so many happy trails to you!!!!

[@nickhammond1692]

12:12, best reaction to the mini burst of power.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks for sharing with us Donn, enjoyed the videos a lot and glad the test driving found the problem before you were all through with the rebuild . Stay safe and keep up the good work. Fred.

[@65cj55]

Cool fun, i remember The Banana Splits zooming around in theirs, loved that show as a kid.

[@AW-Services]

First and foremost, Donn, it's been an absolute pleasure to watch your channel, tooling, and projects evolve. This episode has been incredible and well done to you 👏

[@DonnDIY]

Much appreciated!

[@jlucasound]

@@DonnDIY So good. You do everything right. The car companies do NOT want you. 😮

[@scottsorby7966]

What a great ending to the restoration, but I bet the wife gave you a hot ear for pulling donuts on the driveway 😂😂😂 Seriously though that looks like it will be very useful (and a lot of fun) around the farm especially in winter 👍 Thanks for the share, be safe

[@DonnDIY]

I'm the one occasionally grading the driveway, she didn't mind. 😀 Yes, let's hope that it's gonna be useful.👍

[@karlchristoffer1275]

I think the Missus gave him a rake so he can rake the roads great again... 😂🤣 Great show!

[@tedbastwock3810]

Professor Donn 🙏Someone give this man a PhD in kick-ass ingenuity.

[@ondrahouska8035]

Very Nice Works Mr Diy. ❤ 😊

[@davidsmith6001]

Yet another fine fine job indeed....

[@rjung_ch]

Doing donuts like Ott Tänak! 👍💪✌

[@DonnDIY]

Vehicles are breaking the same way as with Ott Tänak as well... 🙃😅

[@rjung_ch]

@@DonnDIY I know, he has had so much bad luck with the car, time penalties as well. He could be #2 in the championship easily and fight for 1st with a better car. Ford must do so much better. I think Ott is one of the best.

[@marcuspaul169]

Excellent job and a shame the gearbox went sideways! Tire profile should face into the opposite direction, though. The way you put them, they'll get clogged more likely.

[@DonnDIY]

The gearbox issue was started prior this machine getting to my hands. From what I know about this vehicle the gearbox was run dry which also damaged the input shaft and the HI range gear retainer groove which I didn't notice the first time. But all good - after I put the tracks on the HI range is not needed anyway.👍

[@temyraverdana6421]

It's seems to me too

[@theonomicsbuilds6133]

Great job on this one! It looks way too fun!!!

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks man! Your DIY amphibious vehicle will be better!🤘I'm keeping my eye on it. 😀

[@garychurch-smith9017]

Very nice. Very very nice. Great job.

[@iteerrex8166]

Right here 14:45 when you said blissfully, I was like oh no.

[@mattallica0]

She's a beaut, Clark nice work

[@AlexsProjects]

Like a Glove!!! Congrats!

[@sartainja]

Congratulations on a superb rebuild. You must be really proud of your achievement.

[@IR-nq4qv]

I just hit the like before I watched the video. I did that because I'm really liking the series and was looking forward to see the Argo finished. I know I'm going to enjoy this! Thanks for sharing.

[@rjung_ch]

@@kimnielsenthewordyvikingett159 same with me and many others for sure!

[@robertgoulden3637]

New back rest looks much better built from all round stock. Awesome job on this project.

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks man!

[@richardcorwin1828]

Better than new. Good job and thank you for sharing!

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you for watching!🙏

[@jlucasound]

Blocks. Perfect. Well done, CNC job shop!!

[@iainhetherington4608]

Great job Donn , do another vid on all the finishing touches that would be cool Cheers from Aus

[@____________________________.x]

An amazing machine, well done on the restoration 🙂

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks!

[@its_me_voltron6394]

My Dad wanted one of these

[@valdis7663]

Проделана хорошая работа по восстановлению этой амфибии. Я с удовольствием смотрю ваш канал и всегда с нетерпением жду новые выпуски. Руки у вас золотые и работы не боитесь, всё делаете на совесть и на долгие года.

[@JohnSmith-ud9ex]

Always good, Donn. Thank you = )

[@grskinjr61]

GREAT JOB lots of blood sweat and tears went in to it

[@sonovoxx]

Excellent series. Cheers Donn!

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks for watching!

[@JamesYoung61]

It has been so much fun watching you take this apart and put it back together to such a high standard, I hope that we see more of the 8x8 on the channel.

[@DonnDIY]

Cheer man!

[@andrewjones-productions]

Excellent! Very good job indeed. Once the seat is finished and perhaps you will also make guards to cover the moving parts inside, it will be a truly useful and more comfortable tool for you, as well as safer if your young children were to ride with you. Especially useful in winter perhaps - although a bit cold.

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you! The chains have original floor pans over them (which I forgot to show in the video unfortunately) so that part is covered.👍For winter use there's always the possibility to build a soft top for it with heating from the engine.

[@mitchamus]

I wish my conquest went that fast in low range!

[@be007]

you are a artist ! cheers ben.

[@Military-Museum-LP]

I absolutely loved this series. Thanks!

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks for watching!

[@WarrenPenner]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this series! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@jamesbrussels5776]

Nice job Donny

[@kimber1958]

Great job I really enjoyed the series. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@jlucasound]

You did this right! Strengthened that which was weak and made the rest stronger. You are one of my top one KZbin Channels. Did I Stutter? 🥰🤩

[@jimsvideos7201]

It's alive! It's alive!

[@2artactical55]

Great job! I wish I had to tooling you have to make my own parts for my Argos!

[@garymucher4082]

I have to say, it sounds strong. Looks like everything was up to par to be able to test drive and cut donuts... Thumbs Up

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks man! It is a super robust and simple machine. I only wonder why they cost so much when bought new or in working order.

[@leandrog1989]

Excelente trabajo! Saludos desde Mendoza, Argentina.

[@daveedwards6567]

Well done I have been waiting to see how you get on with the Argo nice great videos thankyou

[@valdis7663]

A good job has been done to restore this amphibian. I enjoy watching your channel and always look forward to new releases. Your hands are golden and you are not afraid of work, you do everything conscientiously and for many years.

[@DonnDIY]

I really do appreciate such support from you. Thank you my friend.👍

[@ColinMacIver]

Congratulations!!! Very happy for you!

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you!

[@user-hq6oc5rc1f]

Hello, the tread of the wheels should be directed in the other direction. For better self-cleaning from dirt.

[@DonnDIY]

I get the confusion, I thought the same the first time around but if you look up original brochure of this machine you'll see the direction of the tire thread.👍

[@user-hq6oc5rc1f]

​@@DonnDIYGood. I understand that this all-terrain vehicle can be used on tracks. So this direction of the tread is used as a hook for the caterpillar. But if you use a car on wheels, then the tread must be deployed. I'm not arguing in any way, it's just interesting to find the truth. With respect, from Russia.

[@Mr.Stacey-L-SCC]

This has been a fantastic series. I had no idea those Argos could turn so tight!

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks for sticking around and watching the series for so long.🙏

[@robertmailhos8159]

Glad you got that fun machine done 👍

[@FatRedBiker]

Absolutely a great build! It was killing me not seeing you for a while! Can’t wait for the next project!

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks man! Sorry about that. I really needed a break to get personal stuff taken care of.👍

[@curm1778]

Is there nothing that stops this man? Well done, Donn. It's better than new.

[@DonnDIY]

Let's hope it lasts.🤞

[@vinceianni4026]

Hello Donn very good job professionally done always like to watch your videos well done

[@FatHulkRideEbike]

Always amazed at the volume and quality of work. Always something interesting. I've driven an Argo 8 x 8. Very cool machines.

[@tinkernaut8736]

She came out great, has a mean look with those oval headlights!!

[@robertcary435]

Very nice! Good job!

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you!

[@leedale4008]

Excellent job well done 👍

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you!

[@johnfleury5430]

When chain tensioner work the chain and sprockets last the weak spot is the chains and sprockets from the transmission to the wheels but you won't used like we did in the oilpatch day in day out sometime year round in the exploration side of searching for oil and gas We used a lot of 6 wheelers now we use side by side mostly Yamaha 700 some on wheels some on tracks anyway nice job as usual take care be safe

[@salsolo2403]

great series thanks :)

[@jamesa7506]

A fine job my friend! 👍💪

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers!

[@horatiohornblower868]

Very nice restoration, Donn! Now we would like to see her swimming. After all it is an amphibious vehicle.

[@DonnDIY]

It does float and swim for sure. I've done it. Due to time constraints the swimming part was not undertaken and filmed. 😬

[@jameswitkowski6736]

Excellent job....!!!

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you!

[@Einherjar_17]

Muy buen trabajo y excelente video, ahora a disfrutarlo, felicitaciones!.

[@barrywest3758]

Good job!! Congratulations🍻

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you!

[@anthonymedford5380]

Great job as always

[@TopCat2021]

I've enjoyed the build series, I'm glad that you can finally get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Thanks for sharing with all of us,and I hope that you get much useful service out of this vehicle of yours.

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks for sticking around and watching this slow progress.🤙

[@fifispdc]

this thing is awesome

[@HenryShiley]

Annnnd now Donn can get across the river to check his mail! Win win! (j/k) You make me jealous of shop space and equipment!

[@DonnDIY]

The main area of the shop is around 6x6 metres. The floor space is eaten up by 1k62 lathe, cabinets, milling machine, welder and a workbench which doesn't leave alot of room for bigger projects. I would like to build a couple of cars in the future but then I'd have to upgrade the workshop to a bigger one.

[@HenryShiley]

@@DonnDIY "shop" is maybe 3sq m. 1/3rd of my tiny apartment livingroom. No lathe (yet).. mini bench tools only. 8(

[@sidschwan8031]

Nice job Donn.

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers!

[@carloskawasaki656]

Awesome,great job, always a pleasure follow you in your project 👍👍👍👍👍

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks for checking in and watching the videos!

[@rolfnilsen6385]

Now those pesky beavers really have it coming! Good stuff! This was as enjoyable as your "from the ground up" builds.

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you very much!

[@memyselfandeye1234]

Respect Donn.... Hope You Have Lots Of Fun Together. peace

[@DonnDIY]

Let's hope so!

[@mikebell9166]

Maiden voyage and something breaks.... well poo! But you have the skills and nerve to fix it and go burn donuts in the driveway anyway! Nice job getting this back up to standards!

[@fred-san]

Yeah, congrats as ever.... Sankyu -U-

[@ryanbradybaugh1386]

Nice work man! Let the fun begin!

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks man!

[@nicknick5524]

Nice work its realy intressting to look how do you work👍

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers!

[@ricksizemore8102]

Damn good job Donn! A few things I may have addressed different. But those things are trivial and have more to do with greater availability of parts and materials. Job well done!

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers! I'm always open to upgrades.👍

[@brainsironically]

IMHO, one of the best builds you've done. Looks like it was fun to drive, too. Glad you shared and looking forward to your next series! :)

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks man!

[@mata9154]

Vinge!!!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

This is an OUTSTANDING Repair That you have Done Sir Cheers 👍👍😇😇👌👌🍻🍻

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks for watching!🙌

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@DonnDIY 😇😇👍👍👌👌🍻🍻

[@dozer1642]

Good lord there’s a mile of chain hiding in the belly of that mediocre amphibious vehicle. 😳

[@Pats-Shed]

Thanks for such a fantastic build series 👏. I hope that the loss of the high gear doesn't interfere too much with the operation of the Argo . I hope that the rest of the gearbox holds up to the work that you plan for it , maybe you could use a gearbox from a small car like a Corsa or Micra , older ones have just 4 gears and are more robust than the later ones.

[@DonnDIY]

I think having no high range here at the homestead will not be a big deal. Having the tracks on will mostly eliminate the need for high range anyway since it's recommended to use low gear while having tracks on due to higher torque requirements.

[@09FLTRMM77]

MM77 Approved 👍🏻👍🏻

[@president2]

Love it keep it up as always 💘

[@geoffburrill9850]

Such a great job, well done.

[@serzhdyubro8083]

Nice vehicle, I think it needs some winch on the front (or on the rear). Thanks for the video and have a good weekend

[@DonnDIY]

It has the winch mount on the front. I'm just contemplating if getting a brand new winch would justify itself. I just might slap the old one back on it for economy reasons.

[@serzhdyubro8083]

@@DonnDIY ok, thanks, I got it.

[@myharris]

Pretty gooood!!

[@robertkeime4907]

Great video

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers!

[@KirillShipilov]

Прекрасная работа! Стало лучше чем было с завода. Ждём новые проекты.)

[@thufeilachdiat2149]

Yeeaaakkhhh akhirnya selesaii jugaa, selamaaatt 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Wil_Liam1]

My boys pushing a million subs, get yo momma,yo friendt,yo lover,yo neighbors to all subscribed push him over the top to a million scripts,and that plaque they send out... I've voted 3x,welp this account, and 2 more that I umm might,possibly,somehow recognize some daya..

[@somethingelse2740]

Donn, really nice rebuild! Had a MAX ATV 6x6 growing up when they first came out in the 1970's, lots of fun! Also, Sorry tell you that all of your tires are on backwards. Chevrons should always point downward in front of the tires.

[@DonnDIY]

Amphibious vehicles are great! I put the tires on as from factory.👍

[@somethingelse2740]

@@DonnDIY Maybe they install them in reverse so you can have a bit more traction when trying to back out of a sticky situation? Chevrons forward are standard in all ATV and farm tractor tires as far as I know.

[@bevelllc3650]

EPIC!!!!!!!

[@yodasbff3395]

Awesome work, thanks for sharing 👍.

[@sjoemie_himself]

This has been a joy to watch Donn! When I was a kid this was one of my dream vehicles, still is actually. If I ever have the chance to buy one you've made an excellent guide on how to restore it. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from the Netherlands, Mark

[@DonnDIY]

It has been the same with me - the first time I saw one I knew I had to get one one way or another. This one turned out to be a real lemon but it was the only affordable one. 😀 I hope when it's time for you to get your own it is in better shape and doesn't need a full rebuild but only maintemance. Thanks for the support. Greetings from Estonia.🤘

[@ohhpaul7364]

nice work, Donn. sorry your gears broke right at the end, I have faith you can find the gears and fix it.

[@DonnDIY]

No worries, I have already found the replacement parts. I just didn't like the price.🥲😅

[@ThePontiacmann]

Very Nice Work. Looks Great

[@DanKoning777]

What a great series-I hope to see the Argo again in future episodes [maybe with tracks]? Of the channels I subscribe to there's a few I wouldn't miss if they decided to shut down-this isn't one of them. With work and family I'm sure it's not easy to do this; so thanks for your time, effort and love for what you do; one project at a time. God bless.

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you for the kind words and support! I so appreciate it.🙏

[@darkshadow5730]

Only thing i would add is either a false bottom or a cover for the chains so when your transporting something or someone nothing is rubbing on the chain or causing it to bind up

[@DonnDIY]

It has original floor pans that cover the chain drive.👍

[@punkbloater]

It’s a beautiful monster, well done Sir! 😀

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers!

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Fine resto! Let the shenanigans begin!

[@da_SpiffR]

Ya Ya YA! Nice!