Just wanted to say Thanks to everyone for all the advice and suggestions on atv's. My Dad and I both purchased two AC 500 Auto's yesterday morning. Dad took the extended warranty, and I bought the warn winch package with mine. Since the roller fairlead did not come with the package, the dealer agreed to throw it in if I could wait till wednesday for the truck to come in. I guess they were out of stock.

We both added Cycle Country stick stoppers for added CV protection. I added an old military mortar box to the front rack for extra cable, rope, ****** blocks clevis hooks and any other emergency recovery equipment. I also took the old grill, that was replaced by the winch plate, and cut out two light covers and attached to the front bumper, over the headlights to protect from gravel or other flying debris that could possibly crack the lens.

Due to trailer modifications, we were only able to ride about 30 miles this morning, but loved every bit of it! Anxious for next weekend, to hit the mountains.

Thanks again!

Mike

 

I think you made a good decision,the 500 cats are great!The head light covers sounds like a good idea,I was wondering what to do with that grill after installing the winch!
We just got back form the sand dunes in OK yesterday,so that was really the first time we had our cat's out and worked them hard.It was alot of fun,however sand is ....well...different. Hope you have fun on your new Cat's.

 

Cowboy, welcome to the family.....

The grill idea was an awsome one...how did you attach the covers to the bumper in front of the lights?
My 2000 'Cat is now two weeks old,,,when I got it the dealer mounted my winch on the wrong model (400 instead of 500) so he sold me a A2500 for 200.00 and I swaped out the remote for the handlebar control and ordered the Roller Fairlead from NAPA for $30.00 so I think I got a great deal, total price the 2000 500 manual 4x4 with tax and winch was 5900.00.
For CV boot protectors I have taken a Old stolen road sign (remimnate from college) and custom built them the work awsome and cost to me 0.00. I'm also planning to replace the mail skidplate with a metal one (from the same road sign)

2000 500 4x4 'Cat, Warn A2500, Soon to Have 27" 'Vamps when I find a good price on them

 

Sounds like you did get a good deal with the 2500# winch and bike total for $5900! The AC 500 Auto's run between $5999-6500 out here. Because I bought my Cat, and my Dad also bought one for himself at the same time, I was able to talk the dealer down from $6300, to $5895. Dad opted for the extended warranty, and I took the Warn 2000# for $69. They did the install as a "courtesy", and when I asked if I could have the old grill, he asked what I wanted to do with it. I told him my idea, and he got rather excited about it, said he had never seen anything like it before, so he gave me 3 extra grill's, in case I messed up, or wanted to experiment. The roller fairlead did not come with the package, but when I pointed out that the Arctic Cat Accessory Catalogue showed the roller fairlead as standard equipment, he said he would call to find out. As it turns out, Arctic Cat does not give the roller fairlead with the $69 winch deal, in order to keep the cost down. However, they gave it to me anyway, since I pointed it out, and "was lead to believe it was standard equipment". It seems that last year, the roller fairlead was included. We also got the Cycle Country stick stoppers for $39, which were listed at $59. Total for Dad's Cat was $5934, total on mine was $6003. Overall, I don't think we did too bad.

As for the light guards, I took the old grill, and placed it up to the lights on the bumper. I traced around the bumper, surrounding the light, at about the half way point in the bumper all the way around. I cut it out with a hacksaw, then used the grinder to smooth it out a bit. A little gloss black touch up paint, and it looks stock. I wasn't sure if I would like it or not, so I just attached it using two black zip ties on each of the four sides. They draw up nice and tight, and can be cut off if needed. My Dad liked it so well, that he asked me to make him a set as well. I'm not sure, but I have been thinking of using some small metal screws to screw the light protectors to the bumper. I'm not sure yet what the best way is. Do you have any idea's? So far the zip ties are working really well, and if I don't want them on there, I just cut them off. They are cheap, and don't leave any holes in my bumper.

Because they are right on the bumper, and very close to the actual lens, they really don't block very much light as they are, but rather, I think they disperse it a little different. I'm not sure yet, but I may make a test pair out of one of the other grills, and drill out the holes a little bigger, to see what that does. If you still have your old grill, you can cut a pair out of it to fit your bumper. The dealer told me that they either throw them away, or just let them stack up, so if you wanted, you may be able to go get a couple as "test models" for free, if they have any in your area.

I like your home made stick stoppers, and skid plate from the road sign! That's great! And, a hell of a lot cheaper than having to buy them. Well, good luck with your newest inventions. I need to find a way to get some back up lighting now.

Have fun

Mike