Ole MN 11 #201 Posted July 20, 2011 As always you amaze me on what you can do. I like the look, room for a big gas tank. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
timmybobwatt 0 #202 Posted July 21, 2011 Ian, I read this thread all in one go. Incredible fabrication, for someone self taught your work is incredible! I can see the hours of contemplation in every single stage, and the hours of work in every single photograph. Where are you based? I'd love to come and visit at some point (with a couple of locally brewed ales, of course!) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2tractornuts 0 #203 Posted July 21, 2011 :woohoo: cool thread Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smoreau 658 #204 Posted July 21, 2011 I bet you could recoup some money making taperd shaft adapters for these kohler twins form generators for our tractors. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wheeledhorseman 573 #205 Posted July 23, 2011 :woohoo: I've been and seen it !!!!!!! Knowing that I'd be at a military vehicle show for the week that was not far from him, Ian invited me to pop over and see the beast at close quarters so as to speak . It was of course well worth the trip to see such an awesome project being produced in a modestly furnished garden workshop as a result of Ian's skill, vision, ingenuity and passion (and of course to meet the man himself). The project was a step nearer to being on its wheels with the axles in place ready to take them. There was all sorts of things to talk about and be shown but I didn't get to see the hood extension mock up. Re the hood, I would say a very big to extending it at least as far as you did in the mock up and possibly even further. Aesthetically I think it might look even better if it were extended to start perhaps one or two inches further forward given the size and position of the front wheels and the overall size of the beast. Mounting a longer than standard hood on an extension bracket to bring it forward of the frame is something that was done with the 227-5 to cater for the large Kawasaki 17hp OHV engine so it would certainly be in keeping with tradition and worth considering. Anyway, thanks Ian for your hospitality and taking a bit of time out from the project to show it to me. I'll try and pop in for a cuppa next time I'm anywhere nearby. :ROTF: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stigian 1,234 #206 Posted July 24, 2011 Looks like a great score on that motor. whtractor/thumbsup.gif Hood looks good too. Would you say you're 50% finished ? It's going to be a Mean,Lean,Big Red whtractor/whlogo.gif Machine! Thanks Rich, the new engine should give me all the power this machine needs. I think I was quite lucky to get the engine at the price I did ( Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stigian 1,234 #207 Posted July 24, 2011 Ok... I might of been a bit optimistic about getting this project on it's wheels before the weekend, lot's of measuring and cutting of steel took a lot longer than I thought it would But it's getting there The front left side axle going on. Andy (Wheelhorseman) casting his eye over the pile of welded together steel on the bench. Not long now until the wheels are fitted. All the extra chassis steel needs seem welding.. Well, what I can do for now without turning the chassis over.. And the wheel hubs need welding onto the axles. It proved impossible to take a photo of the whole chassis in one hit, so have a few photo's of parts of it A kinda from the back view.. Left side. Right side. And finishing on a "kinda from the front" shot.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
meadowfield 2,545 #208 Posted July 24, 2011 looking good... and getting there... any estimate on the weight of the beast? I'm thinking power to weight ratio... might mean you need to add a turbo or NOS to the twin Or maybe twin/twin engines? keep up the good work ! mark Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stigian 1,234 #209 Posted July 26, 2011 Morning all, just a very quick update to keep you all up to speed on the latest work. First thing on the job list yesterday was to tack weld the wheel hubs onto the new axles.. Some steel box kept everything lined up. With the axles done, next was a quick strip down to make life easier for lot's of welding. A few hours later.... That looks better, just need to give the welds a quick tickle with the grinder to tidy them up Hang on.. The wheels don't touch the ground!!!! Which means.... Yep, one side is done The other side is 95% seam welded, so by the end of the day this beast should be finally a rolling chassis :ROTF: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
meadowfield 2,545 #210 Posted July 26, 2011 cool ! looking forward to tonights installment ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mavfreak 11 #211 Posted July 26, 2011 Looking good Stig! Now I don't know if this question has been asked (this thread is really long and I may have seen this but forgot by the time I finished reading) Are you going to have tracks on this? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stigian 1,234 #212 Posted July 26, 2011 looking good... and getting there... any estimate on the weight of the beast? I'm thinking power to weight ratio... might mean you need to add a turbo or NOS to the twin Or maybe twin/twin engines? keep up the good work ! Thanks Mark, it's looking even better now.. But more of that shortly No idea on the weight of the beast, I might have to see if I can "borrow" a weigh bridge when it's finished to find out.. No sure on NOS, it would cost too much to keep having the bottles refilled.. A turbo though... hhmmm. If is stretch the hood enough I might be able to squeeze "twin twins" in.. cool ! looking forward to tonights installment ! Lol, it's here!! Looking good Stig! Now I don't know if this question has been asked (this thread is really long and I may have seen this but forgot by the time I finished reading) Are you going to have tracks on this? Thanks Mavfreak, yeah this thread is getting a bit long.. It's been almost 2 years now! I'm going to run it on just the 6 wheels for now, but tracks will happen at some point, maybe rubber, maybe steel.. Time will tell on that one. And now folk's, onto the main event Well what a day it has been!! A mixture of "keenness" to get cracking on, a bit of "of all the times for something to stop working it has to happen now".. Followed by "phew, it's working again", then a big lump of "Why won't this bolt up"!! And finally lot's of this.. Today started well.. A mug of coffine and a bit of welding. Then Pete turned up, so more coffine then back to welding, only to get a click from the on/off switch and no other sounds!! Hhhmm, strange!! 2 fuse changes later and still no working welder!! 5 min's later my Ark welder looked like this while all wires and connections were checked, all seemed good. Better check the on/off switch then... Hhmm.. it would seem the switch is knackered... With nothing to lose at this point the switch was carefully cracked open and the slightly burnt contacts were cleaned up.. Ten minutes later the click of the on/off switch was followed by a hum and the sound of a cooling fan.... Sorted To celebrate I finished welding the last wheel hub onto it's axle. Pete then started cutting some steel for me but soon found out that shorts and opened toed sandals and hot sparks don't mix!! So I finished the steel work and Pete had some fun with a rattle can. I would of taken a few pic's of the axles/wheels/etc being bolted on, only this was the point we were wondering "Why won't this bolt up" as we tried to bolt on the outrigger To cut a long story short, by 3.30pm we had got to this point.. Yep no axle stands A rolling chassis!! A strange angled shot from the front.. And a very happy chap Due to the welder breaking down and other stuff that cut into the time today we didn't have time to get the chassis outside for a good look and mock-up.. But of course we did find the time for a mock-up on the bench From the back.. And a couple from the front.. There is a chance the chassis may find it's way into the garden for a mock-up tomorrow.. I hope so as I want to sit on it looking down the long hood with a big grin on my face I want to be able to sit Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ole MN 11 #214 Posted July 26, 2011 :woohoo: Another milestone, Congrats Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 19,532 #215 Posted July 26, 2011 I know your handy with a measuring tape so I probably shouldnt ask this but.......do you have a wide enough door on the workshack to let the beast out ? Looks incredible so far Ian ! Mike........ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
71_Bronco 1,072 #216 Posted July 26, 2011 Thank god you put the front attach-a-matic on. How else would you be able to power the mower deck???? Looking good, can't wait to see it all finished!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stigian 1,234 #217 Posted July 28, 2011 Thanks Mavfreak Another milestone, Congrats Ta muchly Brad, yep getting this project rolling is quite a big milestone in this build.. In fact it was a big milestone that when I wondered out to the Shack yesterday I did feel a bit lost wondering what part I should start on next!! I know your handy with a measuring tape so I probably shouldnt ask this but.......do you have a wide enough door on the workshack to let the beast out biggrin.gif ? Looks incredible so far Ian Thanks Mike. If this machine won't fit out the door I could always make one of the Shack's end walls hinge down "Thunderbirds" style Thank god you put the front attach-a-matic on. How else would you be able to power the mower deck???? I won't need a cutting deck, the tire scrub when turning should be enough to wear the grass down..... Hope my Landlord isn't reading this After Tuesdays manic fun and games I fancied a more gentle day yesterday. As the length of the hood has become a topic of discussion, I thought I'd start on that. Also having something as large and as noticeable as the hood finished is great for motivation With the front of the donor hood trimmed off to get it to sit better over the er... other hood. The new engine got a trial fit at the same time, a few mod's are needed to get it to fit in the right place.... More on that when I start fitting the engine. The blue paint was sprayed on to help me see the swage lines. As you can see here they don't quite match up here. A few tweaks later, it's looking better but could look even better and maybe a tad longer. While looking for a pair of hood hinges I found these hinge extension bracket 's that I think are C-125 items.. The new even longer hood, that looks better The front of the hood ends just inside the front wheels, perfect A few quick checks before marking cut lines. Looks good this side.. And the other side. The top will need a little bit of work to get the curves macthing. The point of no return, marked and ready to be cut. Some cutting, head scratching, careful clamping and a few tack welds later.... Some very minor hammer and dolly is needed this side. The top curve is only a small amount out, it should be easy to sort And to finish off this update, a view from the chair.. I think it looks quite good from this angle Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
312Hydro 473 #218 Posted July 28, 2011 Coming together nicely! The hood work looks good and you could probably add a tool box under it if you only use 1 motor. Do you have chain hoists to get it on the ground or a set of ramps? I don't think picking it up by hand would be an option. Sure looks impressive! :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
71_Bronco 1,072 #219 Posted July 28, 2011 Lookin good, I like the "extended" hood that you went with, looks better in my opinion. I cant wait to see this thing run and driving around terrorizing the neighborhood lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
massey 111 #220 Posted July 28, 2011 Congratulations on reaching the "rolling chassis" stage, I know that's got to feel good. :woohoo: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
illinilefttackle 399 #221 Posted July 28, 2011 :D Hey Ian- Congrats on your getting the 6 legged horse on the ground ( so to speak)! I've been following your progress from my humble abode here in Indiana-USA. I've been dying to ask you a question- Don't take it personal- I'm not prying into your affairs-BUT- how in the heck do you afford all that steel? And where do you buy it? Thanks-Al :woohoo: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chesbaycruiser 82 #222 Posted July 29, 2011 Ian, I have to say that this (and Massey's Mini-Dozer post) are my "go to" posts whenever I check in to RS. If I don't look at another post, I check out these two to see what's new. ("Please let there be new photos...please let there be new photos!!!") The talents, ingenuity and skill level you guys display is really amazing. On a different front, I just subscribed to your YouTube channel and was checking out some vids. After watching the Wheel Horse Trans Flush video, I'm even more impressed. I had no idea that besides being a Wheel Horse Sensei, you were also an accomplished graduate of the Benny Hill School of Cinematic Excellence. Awesome! Cheers! CB :P Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stigian 1,234 #223 Posted July 29, 2011 Good evening/afternoon guy's, before I start on this update I have to say I'm blown away by you guy's.... This thread has had almost 13'000 views So a BIG guy's for all the great comments, suggestions, advice and help over the past (almost) 2 years it has taken to get to this point in the build. It means a lot to me Coming together nicely! The hood work looks good and you could probably add a tool box under it if you only use 1 motor. Hi Rich, I'm not sure what extras will make it under the hood to keep the engine company, a tool box isn't a bad idea, I guess see what space is left after the steering controls and gubbins get squeezed under the hood stand. I did measure up (just out of interest ) to see if two engines could be fitted in. If the back of the hood got a bit of a trim, two engines could just be fitted lengthways. Trouble is the rear engine would take up all of the foot space and not leave any room to fit the brake pedal! Do you have chain hoists to get it on the ground or a set of ramps? I don't think picking it up by hand would be an option. The answer is coming up in this update, so keep on reading. Yep, she's way too heavy to pick up by hand. Lookin good, I like the "extended" hood that you went with, looks better in my opinion. I cant wait to see this thing run and driving around terrorizing the neighborhood lol Your right about the hood, I don't think a standard length hood would of looked right. Out of interest I measured my Raider 10's normal size hood today to compare lengths.. Standard is 33 inches, the new longer hood measure in at a whopping 44 inches. I think my neighbors are starting to get used to me now, but when this beast moves under it's own power it will certainly scare the sheep Congratulations on reaching the "rolling chassis" stage, I know that's got to feel good. Thanks Massey, yes it does feel good to have it on it's wheels. I bet you felt the same when you first fitted the tracks to your Mini dozer project. Hey Ian- Congrats on your getting the 6 legged horse on the ground ( so to speak)! I've been following your progress from my humble abode here in Indiana-USA. I've been dying to ask you a question- Don't take it personal- I'm not prying into your affairs-BUT- how in the heck do you afford all that steel? And where do you buy it? Thanks-Al Hi Al, don't worry I not your not prying. Most of the Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stigian 1,234 #224 Posted July 29, 2011 And now chap's it's time for the photo's you have been waiting for.. And the answer to Rich's question of how it's going to be got off the bench.. I had planned to have a gentle day in the Shack yesterday, but when Pete unexpectedly turned up we decided the time had come to get this machine off the bench and outside for a good coat of looking at Ramps and and plenty of rope is the answer Rich Two ropes and a strap were rigged up in a way (that only Pete knows) that would slowly release and ease the beast down the ramps. I did steering duties and applied lot's of pressure with a crow bar to stop the right side outrigger demolishing the bench!! A little while later the rolling chassis is outside and looking er... a bit small!! And now one of those monumental moments in this build.. This is the first time I have been able to sit behind the wheel so to speak And from the other side. Of course Pete wanted to have a drive Pausing only to see what he had run over Side by side with my Raider 10.. The extended hood only looks a little bit longer than standard... Until you look from the other side One last photo for this time folk's..... A line up.. 312-8 at the back.. 1974 Raider 10 at the front.. And a Raider 20 SS in the middle? We need to work out a name for it Guy's Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
312Hydro 473 #225 Posted July 29, 2011 One last photo for this time folk's..... A line up.. 312-8 at the back.. 1974 Raider 10 at the front.. And a Raider 20 SS in the middle? We need to work out a name for it Guy's Looks great out in the fresh air! Raider 20 6x6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
