i installed a new Switch on the handlebar to operate the hitch. I'm using a new waterproof winch switch from Champion. and a used contactor. I'll finish the wiring in a couple of days when the weather and heat allows. That will be just about the time the receiver comes in.

Warn winch switch on left, New lift switch to the right of it.

 

I think it is time to consider giving it a bath. This old dog is pretty dirty.

 

That's a pretty good gift there. I see some seats over on ebay for $30.

 

Wow. I'm jealous. Those attachments alone would be a huge score, in my book!

 

This is a score in anybody's book, but it was a a wonderful gift from an old and dear friend.

The 2 inch receiver came in today.




The OEM hitch was a bit rusted, and I did not want it to get worse with the new receiver installed in it.


I started the refurb/derusting of the OEM hitch. Here it is with the first coat of Naval Jelly to remove the rust..


I used a knife to scrape off the peeling powdercoat (I hate powdercoat!) and brushed the outside rust off with a welding wire brush and the inside of the tube with a small wire brush. Then, using a toothbrush, I coated it with Naval Jelly and let it sit for an hour. made sure to coat the entire tube depth. Washed it off and it is looking pretty good. Currently have another coat of jelly on it and waiting to wash that off. Might need one more treatment. Then let it dry, wipe down with solvent, mask it off and paint it.

 

Ready for solvent wash, then rust encapslating primer and topcoat with chassis paint.

 

Finished paint. Ready to put the 2" receiver in on Sunday. (tomorrow)

 

2" Kolpin Receiver is installed. Also added a 3 way draw bar.

 

Decided to do something about the seat. You can see how bad it was with all the holes and cracks in it in the picture on the first page of the thread. Ordered new vinyl upholstery and went to town with my pneumatic stapler. I tried, and you cannot do the Sportsman seat properly with a standard or regular electric stapler. You need a long nosed pneumatic stapler.

Ready to start: the new marine vinyl cover is at the bottom of the pic on the table.




Finished product. Looks new and a million times better than the old. The old one had gotten so hard it was brittle. The new one is nice and supple. What looks like spots on it are just sunlight peeking through the tree above the ATV.

 

Lookin real good!