January 2021: Winter is not off to a very good start, fortunately there were a couple storms in the forecast. I prepared by getting Project Argo ready for winter starting with a thorough cleaning inside and out after a long and busy moose hunting season past fall.

Next up was an engine oil change, greasing the inner and outer bearings, and lubricating the drive chains. I also checked another minor issue off the list by installing a new seal on the transmission shifter as it had been weeping a little gear oil while driving.

I like to use decent oil in the machine, it's 32 years old and air-cooled so synthetic oil certainly holds up better than conventional. This older engine also does not have an oil filter and utilizes splash lubrication. I change the oil every 25 hours as cheap insurance and to rid the engine of contaminates.

Next up was installing the tracks, this year I took a few more pictures of the process and updated my HOW TO: Install Argo tracks guide here on the website. I measured the tire diameters as required but located the tires in a way that tread direction was good as well as placement. Now I will not have to measure and move them anymore provided I don't replace a tire or mix  them up while performing maintenance and repairs.

Next was the windshield,

Followed by the convertible top which I actually finished on the night of our 30cm Blizzard.

On January 23, 2021 after our Blizzard I logged some fresh powder hours on the machine and thoroughly enjoyed a couple runs from our house in Torbay breaking trails in 30+cm of fresh powder. The Argo continues to work and run very well.

The only complaint I have about my $6 Chinese windshield wiper is that I found it was missing a large portion of the upper part of the windshield. I sized it up and decided to shorten the wiper arm and install a longer/better blade. I also removed one bend so that the wiper is inline with the wiper arm instead of cocked.

I drilled out the single steel rivet and pried open the clasp on the larger part of the arm to release the flat bar.

I simply cut 2-3/4" off the end of the bar, mimicked the original bend and re-drilled the holes.

I slid the flat bar into the wiper arm, installed a new steel rivet, crimped over the clasps and applied a fresh coat of paint. I also swapped the 16" wiper blade for an 18" blade and I'm much happier with the coverage.

Lastly I finally custom cut some Shed-Headz livery for project Argo including the site name along the top as well as an official Pussy Magnet decal (designed and designated by Crew Member Matt French).

May 15, 2021. With winter long over, it was time to get Project 6x6 summerized by removing winter accessories including the convertible top, windshield and snow tracks.

Many Argo owners leave the windshields on, I like to take it off as I never use it in the summer. It's in the way of trail obstacles when folded up, in the way of the engine compartment when down, it traps more heat in the engine compartment and there's a greater and unnecessary chance of breaking the glass.

When removing the snow tracks I always remove one of the pins joining the half segments as they are easy to find and don't seize in place after just one winter's use.

A couple of old ratchet straps hold the rolled up tracks tight making them much easier to move and store!

In mid October we had a unique opportunity to promote the Rod and Gun Club, Hunting Ethics, and responsible firearms ownership as we filmed an episode of Griff's Great Canadian Adventure. This show will air on Channel 4 in the UK and BBC First here in Canada in the new year. 

Both my Silverado and project 6x6 made starring appearances as host Griffith Rhys Jones wanted to drive a big American truck so he drove my Silverado 2500HD and we took him on a simulated moose hunting adventure in the Argo.

Our club, Newfoundlanders and hunters in general were very well represented by Taylor Reid, an avid outdoor enthusiast and hunting guide.