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Nothing a good wax job wont fix!

Well I think it would be a shame to restore that tractor. People at tractor shows flock to the old original condition machines. The more I look at your tractor, the more I think it should be left dirty and in as found condition. I see a lot of original condition WH's that people tear into and restore them right away, rather than just backing off and letting it be. You do lose a lot of patina when you clean up such a time capsule. To me, it takes away the history of the tractor. Like Stevebo said, if you clean up the hood, you may take some color off the decals and that would suck since they are so original. I would try to get it running though and I would fix the rims or replace them if they are fried. A descent welder guy could probably fix them without charging you as much as a new set. I'd even keep them old raggedy rear tires for history's sake, just throw them in the barn, there ain't none around! But it is your machine so do what you like to it, we are all behind you on this one. Good luck with it, she is a beautiful old lady! KJ

Update!!!!! Well it is again Wednesday night which means TRACTOR CLUB!!!!! We have finally hit a stumbling block. I went out during my lunch break and turned on the two heaters full blast. Much to my amazement, or should I say disappointment, they couldn't keep up. It was darn cold in the barn tonight. Our group was small tonight and about half focused on the cold, while the other half was focused on working. I tried to encourage them to keep moving while sanding and that would help, but it fell on frozen ears! The kids didn't complain but I could tell that it bothered a few of them a bit. Now I am in the brainstorming process and trying to search for available grants that could possibly help remedy our situation. I have some creative ideas brewing in my thick noggin that hopefully will work. I am going to do my best to figure out how we can get that pole barn insulated before too long or we won't be able to stay on schedule. We can't afford to have this winter a bust! Transporting kids over to my dad's heated building is out of the question so we will have to come up with a solution, and fast! I didn't get any pictures taken tonight as I was working away to hopefully set a good example for the kids. It was still a productive night but not as good as it could have been. We will adapt and continue to move forward. Hopefully I will have some good news that will pop up around the corner. And oh yes.....for those that know me. Yes I was wearing shorts and a sweatshirt and felt fine!

LOL no hard stops I want to take the top half of the chute off and make a video blowing the snow over the cab and label it Polish snow blower. The motor is call a globe motor. I got it from doing high school robotics competitions. I did fab it all myself. That is the exact reason I did this was the worm gear screwing up and not engaging the ring gear. Drives you nuts. As for a kit I'll talk with Matt and see if he wants to do one.

I paint my engines with the same paint as the rest of the tractor. The only part of the engine that gets hot enough to effect the paint is the area around the exhaust, and that will eventually turn dark even with high-temp engine paint.

No reason that I know of, but on the 312's an H meant you had an Eaton 1100 with hydraulic lift and an A was the less desirable Eaton 700 with manual lift. On the 400 series machines the A on a 418-A does not mean an Eaton 700 is under the fender pan but rather an Eaton 1100. On the 500 series all the 520-H's came with the 1100 while the 516-H and 518-H came with the 700. Must have been a different guy in charge of naming tractors each year.. . Mike.............

Looks like that truck met it's Waterloo in Waterloo.

Worst record this week buys the donuts for the boiler room . Penn St., Wisconsin, OSU, Northwestern, Mich St.

After much deliberation, I can finally present to you... The Mrs. Rules first RJ ride.

The rear rim on my 953 was rusted really bad (rotted through) around the valve stem. I repaired it with a quarter and epoxy on the inside and just moved the location of the valve stem, drilled new hole in the solid part. I would etank the rims or sandblast and see how bad they are. If just really pitted then fill them with bondo and paint them. If too far gone then go with Derek's suggestion of new rims... I would do a deep cleaning on everything, check fluid levels and fill to correct level and see if they leak prior to changing any seals etc. I am very much looking forward to watching the progress you make in this thread.

Kernel Sanders slept at that house

Thanks Guys, Yep she is defiantly a different beast. well I'm gonna show some closer Pics of the tractors condition. It looks like someone down the road did a lil painting on the hood. Also the hood has 3 holes drilled in the top of Hood, The tires are dusted and the rims look mucked up and I'm not sure they can be saved. Can A Guy get these rear rims? The tractor is filthy with grease and I would think the whole thing should be cleaned wherever Grease or oil is seeping should I replace seals and gaskets? I am also thinking of cleaning up the brakes (Should I Install New?) My Muff is awful RUFF So I need to find one of them. Any leads on Parts? Rims, Brakes Prolly can get bearings and seals and so forth from Motion Industries. How far would you guys go on this? Thanks ~Duke

I would love to have a 12HP back on it or even a 14HP-16HP but for now it will probably be cheaper to fix the situation with the 8HP that is on it. I'm really surprised at how many of you like the tall stack the best. I really though it was too much. Anyone else have thoughts on which exhaust looks best ?

Here's a few more pieces that got finished up today. I did my trans with a good trusty grinder and cup brush from good ole harbor freight. The other pieces I blasted using my sand blaster from harbor freight. And soon I'll paint them with my paint gun from harbor freight. Gotta love that place.

The differences were factory options. The Electro tractor itself is identical to the Charger. The electric clutch and hydraulic lift were standard equipment on the Electro. They were add-on options for the regular Charger.

Two things you said concern me, First, the statement that you removed very little seal material. If there was that little of a seal remaining, you would have been getting more than a slow seepage. Secondly, you said "I checked the axle movement and it was very little". When you say "very little", there should be virtually no movement, up or down, front to back. You can have about 1/8" movement in and out. Any other movement indicates a bad bearing, or a worn axle. Having said that, always make sure that the recessed area where the seal is to be installed is clean and free from debris. Make sure that all of the old seal (rubber and metal) is removed. When installing the new seal, be sure that it is pressed in squarely. One way to do that is to start it into the recess, then slide the hub onto the axle and drive it in with that. That should assure a nice even, square insertion.

The Decals??

I saw a real nice cigar store indian on CL. First person I thought of was our resident Dino!

First time for everything! Wait stop hold the phone, what happened to the Fighting Illini in your picks? What's up with that?

Harbor Freight has 12" x 12" adhesive rubber treadplate for $1.00. Just cut it in half to make two pieces. Seems to work well on mine.

You need to get a mirror up under the hood and look at the top of the motor for the serial number then look it up on line to date the motor. Your tractor does not have the flexible brake lines so I would say it is either a 54 or 55 and NOT a 56 but then again ..... who knows?? Be VERY careful when you clean the hood. I would not use any strong cleaners, especially on those hood decals as they look really good. Mine were good and then after cleaning it up...... I damaged them a little...

That's quite a find indeed. Perhaps two on the way?? Let the good deals roll!! Can't wait to hear this story either. (BTW---I like old rusty clunkers too.)

Bob, Are the tires totally shot on yours? The fronts are suppose to be 3.50x12 and not being made anymore in that style. the backs have the j hook tires on them that are totally cool. If they can be saved I would do EVERYTHING I could to make that happen however if you would rather go new, send me a pm and I will gladly buy what you have if they can be saved..... Mine came with the Goodyears with the diamond pattern on the sides (not sure the names). Mine were dry rotted beyond repair. I had the exact same tires on my economy and they were basically new. I used those on the sr and ken b had a set of turf tires he gave me to replace them. The fronts were replaced with a newer style 4.00 x 12 I am looking forward to the story as well....

Thanks Guys! Well maybe its luck, maybe a little patience, Lord knows like everyone else I have looked high and low. Sometime they can be right under your nose. which was in this case. I promise I will give the full details when I can, but other deals are in the works. Well... I got her home tonight and she is now in safe keeping and will be giving her some needed attention over the next several months as you can tell it is has indeed seen better days, and will need a lot of fixin. The engine has compression, But I have not heard it run only time will tell. Anyone know a good place to buy rubber? What have you other guys used? Thanks ~Duke

Is that the Rodney King model?

It's a Tecumseh. It does not start easily. I usually have to pull it about 4 or 5 times when it has been sitting. After it is warmed, it starts easily.

Any kids in the neighborhood to give you a hand?

that's a beast of a set up there!

Ain't nothin' gonna stop you Lane... please don't forget our annual plowing video.

Nice plow rig 633 looks great and the nice part about it is you don't need to worry about a dead or weak battery. I have the same plow on my 502 and 552 they are kind of a pain to use compared to the ones that have the trip lever on the handle, I think they need a little longer foot lever, takes a little getting used to. My 552 was my primary snow machine last year and I had a lot of fun using it, I went into snow drifts that I though for sure I was going to get stuck in but it pushed right through. I was not stuck in this pic I just got off to take it and jumped back on and went right through this drift.

I had the honor of attending an amazing Veterans Day program at our elementary school this morning with my little kindergartener. I have never been more proud to have served in the armed forces of our country. The program was fantastic, it's very clear that patriotism is a very high priority for our school and our town. It was very well attended and supported. It brought tears to my eyes to have 700 little Kindergarten-4th graders stand up and recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing "God Bless the USA" and "Thank You Soldiers" to the large group of veterans that were there. After the program, then all the kids who had veterans there took them on a hand in hand parade through the halls, which were lined both sides all the way through the school with students and teachers all holding/waving little flags, and who were saying "Thank you for your service." I have never been more proud, and my little girl just beamed. She was so proud to be walking through with me. To all my fellow veterans. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. This continues to be the Land of the Free because of you. Semper Fidelis. Edit: received a copy of the teacher's picture today.

Nice addition!

what a sweet oldie that is!

That'll keep ya busy this winter. Nice find Bob.

Great find on that one Bob! I'd clean it up and keep it in original condition, but I always do that! Soooo jealous! Rear rim may need some work but the rest looks awesome!

Now Bob , why would you wanna be cluttering up your stable with that old thing , let me come and & take it away so you can concentrate on other worthwile projects

A Winter Month Photo She's Itching For A Fight!

Wire brushing my trans down to metal. And I got my girlfriend to learn how to use a grinder today! Worked out pretty good.

hmmm, don't know what to say about this one........

A few edits to entertain you.

Just take the blinders off the horse next time..

Few more pics

Here's a few of my tractors.

hey I've got another one........

It had to be didn't it

1964 604

604 & 500 special

After the storm, the clear up.

Am I the only one that chuckled when he read that title?