jdleach 525 #1 Posted April 23, 2014 Greetings and salutations all. Obviously new to the forum, but a long time Wheel Horse owner and forum lurker. Just bought a 312-8 in the past 6 weeks, and decided to start posting a little and discussing the merits of these wonderful machines. No questions at this time (on the 312 anyway), as I am a long time tool and diemaker, and former mechanic. Can pretty well get around anything related to machinery. Just wanted to get in on the online fun occasionally. The only two questions I do have are: To Glenn Petit - Do you have the proper steering wheel button for this tractor? Mine was missing when I got the thing. To everyone - I have a 1970 Commando V7 that I have owned for at least 30 years. Had issues with it, and parked it in the weeds forever ago. Since the kids are now gone, and my interest in Wheel Horses has been rekindled, I am thinking about resurrecting this mower in the future. Always liked it's ruggedness, but had issues with the Tecumseh. Last weekend, I pulled it out of the multi-flora bush that had grown around it. What a mess! The hood has rusted through in several places, and the frame has rusted thin around where the battery is. To most people, it would only be good as a donor. To me, I see a challenge. The wheels all look good, the tractor is complete, and the transaxle is in great condition. Still sports a Tec. 7 HP engine that looks original. The thing is, years ago when I was dinking with it trying to get it running correctly, I replaced the block with the Tec. cast iron equivalent. The carb, mag, flywheel, and sheet tin is from the original engine. What I would like to know, is if anyone has parts for this thing. The hood will have to be replaced right off. The hood insert is gone. And the gas tank is not original. As for the rusted frame, I can go two ways. Get a donor frame, or repair the one on it. The repair option doesn't worry me as I am a good welder. Again, greetings everyone, I have really enjoyed this forum. Will post pictures when I get the chance, and if my derelict PC will let me. Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SethL1984 38 #2 Posted April 23, 2014 The 85 312-8 is my favorite ride! same tractor in my avatar. the same hour it was dropped of to my dad! BRAND NEW! Still have it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rexman72 210 #3 Posted April 23, 2014 welcome to the group Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdleach 525 #5 Posted April 24, 2014 Thanks for the greetings folks. AS promised, here are a couple pictures of the "new" tractor. The paint is tolerable, and the tin reasonably straight. It was missing both headlight bezels, steering wheel cap, steering column, hi-lo knob, and the throttle knob. Also gone are the front wheel dust caps. Have located and installed new NOS bezels, replaced the head lights, greased here up good, changed the oil, changed the tranny oil, and lubricated all pivoting mechanisms (pedals, PTO linkage, etc.). The deck is about 7 years old, and in great shape. Has the newer style plastic wheels instead of the older rubber and steel wheels. The blades were utter toast though, and have been replaced. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdleach 525 #6 Posted April 24, 2014 (edited) Hmm. Only one photo came up. Here is the other. The engine is getting a little tired, and has blow-by. Doesn't smoke much, or knock bad, so will try to get through the mowing season before I tear it down and overhaul. Edited April 24, 2014 by jdleach 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
papaglide 541 #7 Posted April 25, 2014 Welcome to the square! I don't know anything about techies so no help there. Love the 312-8! You got yourself a nice tractor! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JC 1965 1,528 #8 Posted April 25, 2014 Great tractor, real hard working machines. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rexman72 210 #9 Posted April 25, 2014 that's one nice looking tractor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
calvynandhobbs 0 #10 Posted April 25, 2014 Looks just like my 312-8. Great machine. Mine came with the house when I bought it. I've only used mine for plowing my driveway, but since owning the house I have found the snow thrower attachment and the mower in the woods surrounded by weeds. I keep telling myself I'm going to work on them and use 'em, but haven't gotten around to it yet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
