Looks to me like it's begging for a sbc.

I had a friend buy one of these when they first came out on pay nothing loan for 3 months (or something like that). Within the first couple of weeks he took it down the power lines with a bunch of the big boy 4x4 trucks and rolled it end over end several times before it did land on its wheels. It had a roll bar gage so he just rode with it. However, by the time he had to start paying it was totally trashed.

_________________
Todd Hudgins

Here's what I can say from experience. Up North, the bottoms do rot out of cars...but oddly, it was more prevalent on the cars that people washed weekly in the winter, not the ones who let the dirt and salt set all winter and give it a good once over in the spring. At least, that was my experience. Now, some of the chemicals they use on the road, in lieu of salt are way harsher though.

As far as cars in Florida, Sean, you probably have more experience, but unless you are really close to the coast, or you frequently drive your car in the Gulf or Ocean, Salt isn't a huge issue. Actually, experience in installing alot of railing systems in Florida along the coast has shown a few things where S/S and Aluminum are involved.

1) most stainless fasteners that are used with Aluminum (in our industry anyway) are 410 Stainless...which really doesn't have much corrosion resistance. Large bolted assemblies may use 316, but that is rare.
2) Aluminum reacts with Stainless steel, so adding even a little salt to the equation really kicks that anodic reaction into high gear.
3) Sand-actually, alot of times, you have the wind blown sand that acts as nature's little sandblaster...it takes the luster and paint off stuff given enough time. So, the salt doesn't attack anything until it gets through the paint...then you gots problems.

_________________
Swim - Bike - Run ...Repeat
@BreakingChad
The Company Website

I know this is late, but I had an experience with a Samuri. Had to ride in the back on a highway at speed one day at lunch. It felt like the Samuri was a giant beach ball rolling down the highway and I was trying to stay balanced on top. probably the only time in my life I got that close to being car sick. The two guys up front seemed to not notice, I guess it's a matter of perspective.

_________________
Frank

If we're not having fun, we're doing something wrong......

They are probably one of the worst riding vehicles out there. They are underpowered and have poor interior finish. But they work great for a beach vehicle or for towing behind the RV.

_________________
Sean Dotson, PE
RND Automation & Engineering
Free 30 day trial of iPropWiz v5
Follow @seandotson & @mcadforums & @rndautomationon Twitter

I would have to agree with the worst riding, at least from the back seat. But as long as it does what you want it to, who cares about the rest. I had a Cherokee Country for almost 10 years until I flipped it back in 09'. Best 4x4 ever from my perspective. The only reason it flipped was I caught a rock embedded in the shoulder while going sideways at speed, put it right on the roof. I forgot to put it in 4WD while going up hill in a heavy rain. It down shifted and the the back tried to pass the front and the rest is history. It had just over 200k and still ran great. (HO4L) Best witer ride ever. IMHO.

_________________
Frank

If we're not having fun, we're doing something wrong......

Sean,
I used to have a cut down beach buggy. When I got stuck in the sand. I would lift the front up like a wheelbarrow, walk through 90 degrees, which pulls the back wheels out of the ruts, point the nose down hill and off you go again. You can do this all on your own.
The lighter the vehicle in the sand, the less you have to push...great idea...

_________________
Frans X LIebenberg
Structural Engineer
Cape Town, South Africa