Rusty 400ex Frames

85ATC350X · #1 (**permalink**) 03-15-2004, 03:26 AM

So far Ive looked at 3 400ex's, one 2002, an 00 and a 99. The 00 and 99 both had rust on the frames on every weld. Is this common on these or is it due to negligence? I know some people think a quad is a submarine so who knows.

#2 (**permalink**) 03-15-2004, 07:31 AM

It seems to be sort of both.

The original cause is the welding and prep and the worse ones were also not kept after.

In defense of the owners this isnt an easy thing to do unless you dont mind mis matching paint on the frame and are very good with a touch up brush or spray can. Otherwise you end up with a pretty stupid looking quad with over spray all over etc.

I see that your looking for a clean 400ex and I know there out there as I have seen some in the last few months that looked real good and some were even modded pretty well, and they all couldnt have sold (or could they lol).

Keep looking you will find a clean one that you like at the right price, worked for me

luvsandpits · #3 (**permalink**) 03-15-2004, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 85ATC350X@Mar 14 2004, 10:26 PM
The 00 and 99 both had rust on the frames on every weld. Is this common on these or is it due to negligence?

take into account you are looking at a four to five year old frame, Justin ... what do you think happens to metal that has been scraped and pelted with stone, rocks and anything else we ride over ... when the paint rubs or gets scratches away, it leaved bare metal open to rust ... believe it or not, every time I powerwash my bike, I look at the frame to see if it needs any detail ... I can't tell you how many times I had to touch up and spot the frame ... like 440 said, after a while it becomes harder to color match ... point is, if you had a "show" bike, it wouldn't be ridden ... I'm sure you're buying the bike to ride it, so a little touch up paint goes a long way ... good luck on your quest :smiliethumbup:

85ATC350X · #4 (**permalink**) 03-16-2004, 01:43 AM

Jack,

I understand your point about it being a few years old. The thing is i have 3 wheelers that are almost 20 years old and the frames dont have that issue. Someone on exriders thinks that due to the grey color it has something to do with it, but i also have a xr400 with a grey frame and it doesnt have that problem. I guess im just afraid of buying a POS.

#5 (**permalink**) 03-16-2004, 02:41 AM

Dont blame you for not wanting to buy some POS, but you could be wrong to believe much you see at that POS site you mentioned

The color is not the problem, but the welds, type of wire or rod used, how they prep the frame, primer and actual type of paint can all be part of the problem.

I have also seen many older stock framed machines with less rust on the welds.

I have found that a wire brush, rust converter and a little paint will pretty much cure the problem short term, but I think anything short of a full sand blasting and self etching or epoxy primer will not be permanent.

mark40 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-16-2004, 09:35 PM

I DONT KNOW IF THIS WILL HELP BUT WE OWNED A BLUE 88 GMC VAN AFTER 3 YEARS THE PAINT STARTED TO PEEL AWAY FROM THE PRIMER AFTER THE REPAINT IT PEELED AGAIN TURNED OUT THE PRIMER WOULD NOT BOND TO THE PAINT. I GAVE UP BUT YOU WOULD HAVE PROB. HAD TO SAND DOWM TO BARE METAL AND PROPERLY PREPED FOR A LASTING PAINT JOB. ANY WAY MY 02 400EX HAS RUST ONLY ON A-ARMS THE REST OF THE FRAME IS OK THINKING ABOUT REMOVING ARMS AND SAND BLASTING THEM . AFTER THIS SEASON TRYING TO KEEP A ORV IN SHOWROOM CONDITION IS TOUGH WHEN YOU USE IT FOR WHAT IT'S MADE FOR. TO ME A CLEAN MACHINE JUST SEEMS TO RUN BETTER. GOOD LUCK FINDING ONE I'LL KEEP MY EYES OPEN FOR YA

85ATC350X · #7 (**permalink**) 03-18-2004, 01:06 AM

Guys the search is over I bought a 99 400ex in great shape last nite in bloomingdale and I gave the guy 5 JDARA apps. It only took 4 hrs to get there with the traffic

I should have normally taken 1.5 hrs damn snow and traffic

hcr400ex · #8 (**permalink**) 03-18-2004, 01:11 AM

So now that you got a 400 what do you think? What does it have done to it? What do you plan on doing?

85ATC350X · #9 (**permalink**) 03-18-2004, 01:18 AM

Its sweet. I need a set of rear tires. It has a k&n and a baldwin bearing carrier, did chain. In the future it will get a k&n airbox lid and a white bros e-series pipe and rejetted. Maybe a xr 400 cam thats the last thing ill do.

luvsandpits · #10 (**permalink**) 03-18-2004, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 85ATC350X@Mar 15 2004, 08:43 PM
I guess im just afraid of buying a POS.

so now that you have your new hot rod, when do we begin the teardown ... LOL ... JK