I have two favorite online sources I buy Arctic Cat parts from…the first is Country Cat’s website and the second, Thomas Sno Sports. Im sure there are other great sources (Share them in the comments) but Im a creature of habit, and these two sources havent disappointed me.
I added some goodies to the 2020 Wildcat XX, and this time I thought Id test out Thomas Sno Sports newly revamped online site. I chose the Pickup in Store option as an excuse to visit the store.
I think the Wildcat XX is sexy in stock trim, but I wanted a bit more of a finished look, so I added Front and Rear textured black bumpers (PART#2436-430 and 2436-431), Textured Black Side Rails (PART#2436-435), Aluminum Hardtop (PART#2436-436), Half Windshield (PART#2436-433) and Rearview Mirror (PART# 2436-484)
As far as installation went, there really isn’t a whole lot to report here. Everything is bolt-on, so if you can operate socket wrenches, you’re in business. The factory directions were straight forward. Id guesstimate within an hour (A 2 Keurs Light Project and zero F Bombs dropped), I had everything unwrapped and bolted on.
SEMI-PRO Installation Tip: My old buddy Dean Bulloch from D&P Performance taught me this one years ago when building all his Wildcat race units. To reduce any chances of annoying rattles and squeeks from bolting metal parts to metal parts, apply some form of multi-purpose weather stripping between the contact points. I purchased this rubber tape from Menards and use it like Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. (I put that Sh*t on everything)
So before installing the aluminum hardtop, I applied this around the base of the roof kit in the areas where the roof would be touching the ROPS. Works like a charm.
MISC. THOUGHTS
Half Windshield – I dont recommend attempting this for safety reasons, but as a test after installing, I drove the XX without a helmet on, and no windshield, then repeated after adding the windshield. There is a noticeable difference in air movement with and without the windshield to your face and body. There are Pros and Cons to this. Positively, your helmet will be shielded from debris, and the air movement away from your helmet will reduce driving fatigue.
The Con to this, is there is less air movement to your body, and the cab, which equates to warmer in-cab temperatures. Its definitely not scorching, but its enough to make a guy switch from Gold Bond Yellow, and jump straight to Green. The warmth in cab is welcome during our 50-60 degree Fall temps in MN, but not as welcome when its 90 and humid.
This shouldn’t be a detractant for anyone to purchase the half-windshield because it is a great piece. The good news is, it can be installed and removed in a matter of minutes based on the time of year and/or your preferences.
Rearview Mirror – The cheapest addition to a Wildcat XX, is probably one of the best bangs for the buck – the rearview mirror. The Wildcat XX cockpit provides a low center of gravity, “Ride-In” comfort for the driver, but you’ll quickly notice its difficult to see behind you when backing up. The addition of the rearview mirror is heavenly, cheap, and installs easily with the aluminum hardtop. Thank me later.