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In a previous thread, several folks asked me how I painted my rims with tires already mounted. I recently did another set, so I illustrated the process as I did it. Typically, I like to paint the rims after they are mounted anyways, because inevitably when you have tires mounted on painted rims you’ll always scratch or nick them somewhere. I like to get the rims all cleaned up, blasted and primed, then mount my tires. Here’s my process: 1) Rims were sandblasted and primed with self-etching primer. Tires and tubes were mounted. Everything was wiped down with a pre-kleeno wax and grease remover prior to taping. 2) Using blue 3M tape, I go all the way around the rim slipping the tape between the rubber and rim occasionally tucking it tight with a very small standard screwdriver. 3) Then I create a wider tape ring a few inches out from the rim lip. 4) Slide the whole thing into a kitchen garbage bag. 5) Cut a hole in the bag revealing your tape ring below. 6) Tape the bag to your tape ring previously created on the tire. 7) For silver rims, I like Eastwood Silver Argent rally wheel paint and I use a Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear. http://www.eastwood.com/silver-argent-rally-wheel-paint-set.html 8) I wipe the rims down a few more times with a pre-kleeno wax and grease remover, blow them off with the gun, then shoot two coats of color and two coats of clear. I find that the Rust-Oleum clear holds a much better shine if you don’t let it set long between coats. As soon as it flashes, hit it with round 2. I do all four coats in about 20 minutes.

I don't think I've shared this as I've been pretty scarce on forums since it happened.... but I pulled the trigger on a new trailer. I had the Wheel Horse two-place snowmobile trailer for several years, and while I loved it and had many fun conversations at shows while showing it off, I needed a better trailer to be able to haul to shows and for general use around the home. After long consideration regarding the need of a substantial trailer and the desire not to let this collectible un-restored metal trailer sit outside and degrade in another Minnesota winter I decided it was time. I'd have loved to be able to justify keeping both, but it wasn't a good fit for me. I never officially advertised it for sale publicly, but had told a couple people I was considering letting it go. There was one collector whom I knew was legitimately interested in making an offer if I was ever ready to let it go. We agreed on a price and one of my prize pieces headed for a new home. If he ever decides to speak up on it, I'll leave that up to him, but know that it is in good hands and will be meticulously restored, I have no doubt. This picture really highlights just how small even the two place snowmobile trailer is. With that part of the deal done, I began seriously looking for it's replacement. I wasn't in a hurry as show season was over and I didn't have any immediate hauling needs. It was likely going to just sit in the driveway over winter anyway. I had some bad experiences with a couple dealers along the way, but eventually landed with this 14 foot PJ Trailer built how I wanted. They had trailers in production, and I was able to get a change order done specifically I was able to get the bi-fold gate, removable stake pocket spare tire carrier and color I wanted. Sides are completely removable so if I need to run just the flat deck, I can. I like that because the trailer's stability isn't dependent on the sides keeping it from being wobbly like a lot of them you see. Pretty happy with this, it pulls nice and smooth. Looking forward to some nice trips to shows with it!

Here are some pictures of the Wheel Horse representation at the Little Guys Show today., Friday 5/15 In no particular order.

Nice job Matt.I also do mine this way. I laughed when I once read some comments that its not a full restoration if you don't dismount the tires to paint them. If you know how to do it right you will save yourself a lot of disgust when you go to mount your tires back on your freshly painted rims and inevitably scratch them up.

You forgot step # 9 .... stepping back and grinning ear to ear ......

I AM PLANNING TO GO TO THE BIG SHOW... I AM BRINGING MY 401.. A FEW THINGS I NOTICED ON MINE... 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION...23X10.50X12 REAR TIRES ON 10" WHEELS.... 2 HP BRIGGS.....WRONG FRONT RIMS,,,,WRONG HOOD.... THIS WAS MY FIRST WHEEL HORSE,,,I NEVER SAW ONE BEFORE....PUT IT TOGETHER BEFORE I CAME TO MY FIRST SHOW....I EVEN MADE A BRACKET TO ADAPT THE TRANS TO THE 401 FRAME HOWEVER,,,IT IS SHINEY,,,IT IS A HORSE, ,,,,REMEMBER,,,IT SHOULD BE FUN SEE YOU AT THE SHOW

Took some time today to shine up the 55' Crestliner and load up 4 outboards to run at our first antique outboard meet tomorrow.

If your on mozilla firefox go to the top right screen settings (3 lines) click on options then click on the security tab then click on saved passwords and then click show passwords.

Thanks guys. That was one feature I really wanted. I don't know how long they've been making them with that as an option. I don't remember ever seeing any others around here with the option, but I had conceived that idea several years back, and thought if I ever got a trailer with a gate that's what I'd do. Several dealers tried to talk me out of it commenting how it doesn't really save you gas mileage or anything... which I contend is a moot point anyway. From my perspective, the gas mileage thing only becomes an issue when pulling an empty trailer allowing that whole gate to provide wind resistance, and I don't make a habit of running around with an empty trailer. Besides, they just wanted to sell me what they already had on the lot, which was full, non-folding ramp gate stock models. Another nice benefit is that when I'm pulling it, I don't have to look through the mesh gate to see behind me. The bi-fold lowers the view obstructing gate for a cleaner view of following traffic! Shopping around makes a difference. I was able to get what I wanted, in the color I preferred for less money than settling for something closer just down the road.

Here is a picture of 857 horse's (Howard) 401 with the 8 speed transmission.

RIP The King. This will be on repeat all day for me.

Excellent write up and pictures Matt. Definitely first class results. What I do is cut several pieces of light card stock to the radius of the rim. With the tire deflated I slip them around the perimeter between the tire and rim. It holds itself in place. Finish off masking and spray away.

Hi Callum, while WN is apart the chassis will be getting cleaned up and sprayed with red oxide to add a bit of protection for now. She won't be getting the full paint job until any bugs have been ironed out and any tweaks that need tweaking are tweaked I'd hate to have to cut into nice shiny fresh paintwork.. The colours will be standard Wh colours body and wheels, gloss block engine and maybe rear axle... And a few polished ally bits No roll cage as it would only make the center of gravity a lot higher.. Morning all, a bit more progress for you.. Starting at the top... Brake fluid reservoirs mounting bracket.. Only tacked on at the mo. Middle... Bonnet hinges... Bottom... Two bit's of box welded to the engine frame... These will bolt to the chassis and will add vital strength to that area.. Getting the engine out was interesting, slide it forward and lift at the same time! Engine frame bolted back on to help keep things in line during welding... Plenty of surface rust to be cleaned off! A view you would only normally get if you were lying on your back and had just been run over by WN I did make a good start on the cleaning up and welding yesterday, lot's of joints like this needed welding up.. A few more parts have turned up.. New front tyres, sorry for the rubbish photo.. And some shiny stainless pancake air filters.. These are for a 1098cc MG Midget engine so two of them should flow more than enough air.

Been pecking away at the new one. Got the firewall, most of the steering and 90% of the frame is done. Still waiting for some sprockets and a new carb for the M8 to show up.

My 3 favorites of mine. Sorry,got a little carried away on pictures. My 57 I just got back together a month or 2 ago My 55 that I believe is still in its original paint, also has the cast iron nose weight And another 57 I have

This was my last custom build and since it was sold, I've been wanting to do another build but just haven't got around to it. Decided to do a copy of this build and the plan is to try and have it done for this years big show. The lowered front axle is done, welded some frame parts and collected most of parts needed. Had to buy new front fenders and will use a cut up old RJ hood I got from AMC Rules that came from Stevebo at the show a couple of years ago. Finally found a use for it! I'll try and post some build pics as it progresses. I do have another build in the works too but doubt both can be finished by the end of June

Evanescence - Bring Me To Life: LInkin Park - Numb:

Was driving down the road and saw this for sale and decided to pick it up.Any one know what years this would be?

I was patrolling eBay and noticed that Fordhook2000 (who I don't think is a member here) has been posting a lot of manuals for sale. Some of them are in much better shape than the huge piles I've amassed over the last 20 years and he's offering them at what look like to me below market prices. A lot of it is quite rare and catches me by surprise that it's out there and available. Years ago it was virtually impossible to find this stuff unless you stumbled upon a dealership that was going belly up. Now I see this stuff on eBay. But the really old stuff is quite scarce and all of a sudden it's popping up courtesy of a few auction listings. It got me to wonder how my hobby focus has changed. Are there many of you that collect manuals? I was compiling pretty much a complete run of paper from 1956 through the early 1980's. Wheel Horse printed a lot of paper, but this is the type of thing that isn't really that easy to come by. I don't collect rare books or Gutenburg Bibles, but it strikes me that these are the things that ought to be pretty much universally in demand. But are they? If you're not collecting the paper, why not? I asking from a somewhat selfish standpoint. I've spent a lot of time (and money!) collecting old manuals, brochures, and other stuff. I didn't enter into any of this with the desire to ever consider it any kind of investment, but I'm wondering what others think. To me, it's really neat to have the paperwork that might have been included with a tractor when it rolled out the door. It's even more cool when you buy from the original owner and they hand you the packet that they saved for decades. Copies don't really do the same thing for me as do the old, original prints. I've been doing this WH nonsense for over 20 years. I can't believe it's been that long. We've seen the internet rise in that time. Forums have come and gone. Lots of familiar faces and voices in the crowd have also gone by the wayside. Things are much easier to find today than ever before. But the cropping up of this huge cache of paper takes me by surprise. Trying to generate discussion...and see if the hobby is evolving or changing. what do you think? Steve

Well after a year of farting around with the little Tecky. I got it running. It had some real issues with electrical. It was left out side a lot it was rusted in a lot of areas like the engine shrouds. Possible reason for the electrical issues. So after putting a few coils on it and frying them. I strip it down. A friend had a snow blower engine [good for parts] so changed it all out to a pull start. Need to find a S/Blower starter for it at the show this weekend. I know you guys want pick`s but it is not much to look at. I am just happy it is running. So that is why I am posting. Enjoy the ride. Gary B..

Here's my 857. There has been an 867 and two 857's for sale in my immediate area since early spring. Great little tractors.

Today is your last chance, VOTE now.

I took a video of my 656 after I got the techy running good the other day, but since that day, it hasn't run more than 5 seconds at a time. I'm glad I got the video while I did.

I'm always very excited when I get a tecky running!!

I've been able to vote for the last 3 days...is today the last day Ben?? I did try to vote twice in one day, but this is not like Chicago, they would not let me.

Lets get out the vote!

Your right! I just imported the picture and changed the shading and it is an optical illusion. I guess the only odd thing left is the mid hood stand. I looked through the parts drawing from the years surrounding the 401 and can't find one similar.

It worked, Dave! Now go out there and plant some sorghum in the lower 40!

I didnt think that they had drunk drivers in 1964. I thought that drunk drivers are a modern phenomena. Dang, spelled that correct ha!

Made one out of scrap parts a couple of years back and I often wonder why I waited soo long I now do the entire neighbor hood.... Works like a charm!

Thanks for pointing out "ghost voltage" SOL. I always learn something from your post!

Thanks again all! Looks like first place is slipping away by a little over 100 votes but we'll see what tomorrow brings we're still I the running for sure.

Coming along nice Shaun. Glenn

Here is a little update... I found new gears on Ebay, and i got them monday this week, looks good Prondzy, at this forum, sold me the 1533 bearings - Thank you! Lars work in progress to help me with the rest of the parts Needle bearings,seal`s etc. i`m very grateful for all the help he gives me! Ole

35-36RL01 is the same as 02 03 etc. just continuing model years. 112990 is discontinued and I see no replacement for it.

As long as you think it is a fixed up parts Horse, you might not mind making your own hitch pin. It is just bar stock with a groove on each end for a "C" clip. BTW, I think you have a very nice looking horse there.

for vince heres a couple I have

I'll take the liberty to post my brothers (VinsRJ) '54 prototype with hand built fiberglass hood. No picture I've seen yet does this thing justice.

My tire changing tools are the guys down the street!

Thanks dude. Thanks Mr Ranger. Thanks Callum. By the end of today I hope to have WN stripped down to the bare chassis for final welding. So yes, pavement pounding is not that far away now Morning chaps, yesterday's progress for you.. The expansion bottle is now fitted in the only place it could go.. It's a bit tight in there! The bottom of the bottle may look rather close to the prop shaft but the is a good inch gap between the two. The carb tube air filter thingy now has a couple of tabs to bolt it to the hood stand.. The carbs now have extra support which they never did on the SilverWing but did on earlier models! The battery box is now mounted although I need to add a little extra bracing.. The battery comes out through the top. And playing around with hood hinges..

I'm trying to imagine just what a "gas explosion" in your "man cave" actually sounds like? Really glad to hear everyone survived it Dino.

Papaglide...is there such a thing as a bad burrito?? I kind of think you are correct...I remember when there were only 6 teams in the NHL...now that was great hockey. I don't know if you were able to watch the Hawks vs Wild game last night, but it was a good one. Not one fight, no cheap shots...it was good clean hockey. The Wild was at home and went down 1 to 0 and is now down 3 games to 0 in the best of 7. The Hawks have done this to them the last 2 years...you would think that the game last night would have been a dirty war. it was not. the Hawks goalie (Crawford) was just plain lucky and hot...he stopped everything. The Wild kept the puck in the Hawk's zone almost all of the 3rd period...they were relentless. There was no ref problem...just some great hockey. Question...is the sport watered down?? What pro sport isn't anymore?? Is it OK to vent??? Absolutely. :orcs-cheers:

Wow Ian !! Your videos amaze me. I can't wait to see this monster when you get it finished. Thanks for keeping us updated.

You're all jealous!!!! Let's put it in perspective. I stopped by a JD dealer looking at a 4or 500 series. I needed a mower, snow blower, and maybe a plow. I was considering upgrading from my horses. Silly me! The one other accessory which was a must have was a mid mount grader blade. They immediately showed me a 700 series. I politely pointed to a tired Wheel Horse 314-8 they had for sale and said that does what I need. They all smirked as I explained how well a 50" grader blade repairs my 1/4 mile driveway very spring. Fact is if I didn't know any better I may have purchased something bright, shiny, and well NEW. But I think most of our RS members are well educated when it comes to our equipment. Thanks to the many members who've steered me right over the years! You've collectively saved many of us a small fortune. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I DONT HAVE A BIG YARD.. I DONT FISH,,,HECK I DONT HUNT.. I CAN MOW MY YARD WITH A PUSH MOWER.... 5 YEARS AGO ,I STOPPED AN OLD TRACTOR GOING OUT OF A MANS PICK-UP IN THE DUMP... HAD NO IDEA WHAT IT WAS,, A 401 WHEEEL HORSE..NO ENGINE,,,NO HOOD,,BAD REAR.. IT CAME HOME WITH ME NOW,,,,ITS THERAPY,,,DEVOTED PEOPLE AND HOBBY AND ALL PEOPLE ASK OF ME IS ARE YOU HAVING FUN? NOW,,,,I ASK YOU,,,,,,,,ARE YOU HAVING FUN?????? THANK-YOU FOR ASKING

I buy Wheel Horse tractors to use. None of mine are really "beauty queens", although I want to someday paint one up and keep it "for show" only. I actually started "messing" with mowers at an early age and have continued..... I was 2 years old when this photo was taken....May 1957.

I bought my first gt in the early 70's, an original Cub which I had for many years eventually trading for a JD 210 which I gave my son last year. They were good tractors. Last year I bought my first just as a fun project and now I have 4 of them. As I said, the others were good tractors but the are great tractors. I was so impressed by the simplicity of design and functionality. Combine that with ease of maintenance and robust construction and you have a winning combination in my opinion.

I bought my first WH in 1978. Sold that one and bought a new one in 1996. Got tired (actually too old) of pushing the snow with a plow and bought a used one in 2011 with a blower and then sold the 1996 model. In 2013, I came across a 1978 C-series just like my first one I foolishly sold in 1996. So I bought it and restored it. Then, I had to buy my wife one just like the 314 I sold in 2011 so she would cut the grass. Now, I have blowers, tillers, mowers, plows and a FEL to keep all my horses exercised. Yes, it is an addicting hobby, but one filled with great satisfaction if you can keep an old machine from going to the scrap heap. My latest challenge is to work with the teen down the street try to get a C101 running again and to teach him about tools, engines, and restoration...and then give him the tractor. I am hopeful that this will continue to pay dividends long after I am gone. As you can see, everyone has different reasons for getting into this hobby.

All of the above, including the sentimental. Many threads exist on this site concerning why some of the members do what they do. I think if you spend some time going into the different sections on the main page...like...Restorations, Tractors, Show pictures, etc and do some reading, you will answer your own question. BTW, I got into it the same way you did. My Dad passed and he had 4 horses in his shed. I started fixing them up, found this place and never looked back. Welcome to the hobby.

I've been told the red ones are for gravity flow, thus very little restriction in the filter but keep clean fuel and change often. 2 cents. The old one in TEXAS