I have a 1999 A/C 500cc 4 x 4 and would like to share my experience with other owners as to a defect with my machine. This machine was purchased in October'98 and upon delivery I had noticed a small amount of rust on the reverse lever and steering shaft. I notified my dealer and instructed him to put it on record in case it got worse. We didnt run the machine all that much during the winter but when my son was washing it in the spring he called to my attention that there was rust everywhere. I checked it out and discovered that there was in fact rust at all of the welds, frame, racks, footpegs, suspension, etc. I notified my dealer of this in mid-May, and we spent up until Mid July even getting Arctic Cat to comment on it. Their tech department had us create a video of the problem (30 minutes in length to show all the rust), which mysteriously got lost in shipment. So, we made a second one and shipped it certified mail. They took three weeks to view it, then suggested taking my machine to a "body shop to be touched up". I told the rep that it is more than a touch up, it is 98% of all the welds, and would require a complete disassembly and sandblasting of the machine. No comment from them...We didnt hear from anyone else for weeks, and even though we called several times a week , we always got the run around. I received a call last week from a man by the name of Delray Phlem from Arctic Cat who identified himself as a laision to the CEO (after I wrote a very stern letter suggesting negative feedback and a possible lawsuit to the CEO) and he told me that they dont have to do anything because my machine is out of warranty. I told him that it was reported that there was a rust issue on the day I picked it up, and as far as being "out of warranty" we have been trying to resolve this since May. He then said that Arctic Cat might only consider sending me a couple new footpegs and a rack. I asked him, what about the frame? He then told me the most absurd thing I have ever heard, considering Ive worked in the metal fabrication field for 25 years. Get this, and try not to laugh, but he said that "" It is a natural phenomenon for paint not to stick to a weld"" I laughed at him to say the least, and informed him that he wasnt knowledgeable enough to waste my time. I was pretty upset, so I stopped by my dealer, on the way home and inspected two brand new 2000 model year Arctic Cats paint jobs. Guess what, there was rust beginning on both of them on the frame at the rear of the engine. This is pretty sad when your dealer agrees fully that there is a problem and even he cant get his company to correct it. So, I guess Im settled in for a long battle with a company who used to exhibit alot of pride, (considering my 1971 Arctic Cat Spam wordSpam word Spam wordSpam word Spam wordSpam word Spam wordSpam word  still has all of its original paint on its frame and gas tank after nearly 30 years)but recently doesnt have a clue what Pride and workmanship is all about, not to mention the positively WORST customer service department I have ever seen. Im Very interested if after you guys wash your machines if you have a similar rust problem. Can you say "class action lawsuit"??? Personal replies may be directed to my e-mail s.russ@excite.com Thanks for reading this and I look forward to your responses.

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