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I finally got a chance to work on my 1930's Ford Doodlebug tractor today. I took out the old battery, removed the hood and gas tank. Cut the bolts on the seat spring and removed it. My buddy Packrat came over with his 3/4 drive socket set so we jacked up the front end and removed the front rims and old junky tires. We cleaned the heavy rust off of the rims and got them separated since they are the old split rim design. They came apart a lot quicker than we thought possible. During the clean up process I noticed on the inner part of the rim that it was stamped, Budd Wheel Co. Very cool to find stuff like that under all of the rust! We cleaned up the rims and mounted one tire on temporarily to check the ride height and to see how cool it looks. Well it looks totally cool! The other rim was in worse shape and we will have to weld it to fix it, so that will come later. We crammed the other tire on but couldn't get it on all the way but good enough for a mock up photo! Click on the photo's for a close up view.

Thanks to M_Bailey for furthering the cause of investigating repair of the 300 - 400 series WH indicator boards. The question was asked "can you save this" the answer is .......... yes! clean up the burned area and fill with an epoxy gel a little trimming and smoothing and Viola and we have a decent base to apply copper foil to restore the additional two contacts lost to this burnout. Major, I installed a blinking LOW OIL circuit and all the protective upgrades to keep you happy for years to come. Let me know if you would like LED's installed onto the circuit board. I am currently investigating 2 options. The first option is to install smaller LED's which will fit directly into the red lenses mounted on the tractor hoodstand, and the 2nd option is to install larger LED's which will be able to protrude directly out the holes in the hoodstand and allow the owner to remove all the lenses on the hoodstand. So if you have all your lenses and prefer that look, smaller LED's are the choice. If you are missing some of the red lenses and would like a larger red LED mounted directly in the hoodstand hole, I am looking into 10mm sized LEDs to fit directly in the hole w/o need for lenses.

Just got to see how the calendar turned out myself today, Thank you Mike!!!!!! thanks to Mike for taking on the printing chores again this year. Also want to thank Terry Dennis for putting his special touch on the calendars for me. his expertise was needed to turn them from a generic Apple IPhoto template into the 'finished product' you guys are receiving......... Thank you to everyone who submitted pics and congrats to all who made it!!!! it was a great experience to be involved in the making of the calendar this year. if the opportunity is there for me again next year i would be happy to do it again..

Hello All, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Happy (Insert Holiday Name Here) to any I have missed This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the WWI Christmas Day Truce a link explaining it is below.... We should never ever forget the men and women that sacrificed everything to make our lives better.... RIP to all.... Especially the 2 officers from NY and remember to thank every Veteran you see! Tony http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_truce TV commercial being played in Britain right now---> https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NWF2JBb1bvM

Santa's been very busy this year, but I didn't forget about my favorite tractor people. Things up at the North Pole have been bad, we had a big snow storm and Donner had to fix the D250 so we could blow the snow off a couple of the elves. Speaking of which, the Elf on the Shelf is NOT an official Santa elf, it's a has been who flunked elf school and was sent to Pittsburgh. I know that most of you have been very good this year, and I am sure that Santa has a little something special for you. Don't peek, but be sure to check the shed this year! There's even something for you who have been bad too. They're painted green, and you'll find those out in the yard HoHoHo.... If you're looking for something special I have only a couple of days to get the Elves working on it so you better ask quick, Santa's busy and I need to get rested up for my big day. HoHoHo, Merry Christmas <-- (Where's TT, I'm in need of a little something on this sign....)

WOW...I just got my Red Square Calendars in the mail!!! They are absolutely gorgeous. I want to give a Special Thank You to Martin for his excellent work this year in making these up...and a Huge Thank You to Squonk for getting them printed and mailed out. Thank You and Merry Christmas to both of you guys.

She is always making something. She got creative with the colored sharpies. I cut her a negative logo template but she did the rest. Nice to be someones #1.

and all through this place, no preparations being made.. in a hurry or in haste. It's just us for the dinner that we''ll have Christmas Day.. no guests to provide for or Grandchildren at play. With family so scattered and giving their own such great care.. If I thought they could make it I'd even grow hair. But alas though my family cannot be here.. Families are funny this time of the year. They come from far places and not always with decorum.. they will sneak up behind you from your favorite tractor forum. There's no rhyme or reason as to why they have opted.. to single me out and make me feel adopted. These Santas of Redsquare don't always use a red sleigh.. they send their gifts out in a much craftier way. It's a white truck they hail While the Drummer Boy's drummin'.. It says U.S. Mail they call it a Grumman. Squonk and Stevasaurus the Double S Gang I hear.. the Sons of Malarkey should quiver in fear. As they make their rounds with Rock and Rye on their breath.. if they think you've been naughty they'll just "Nice" you to death. Then with a wink and a nod and some Hardy Har Hars*, in the mail will come two Redsquare Calendars!! So I'll step outside tonight and shout to all who can hear it.. the Santas of Redsquare have truly lifted my spirit. Sometimes I'm a bit grumpy and have a short fuse.. but I wouldn't trade you two fer nuttin' except a pair of new shoes! Now mount up these steeds you're off to a great start.. as I stand back here and Thank You from the bottom of my heart. *No Ho Ho Ho's were harmed in the writing of this ridiculous pathetic excuse for a poem. Haha Two calendar arrived in the mail for me today. I tried to attach photos but they "failed". Don't know why. Might try to add them in another reply.

He said he's never heard of this place... Very long story coming here that will have to wait till later. It was 3AM when we got to bed and have to get 3 more trailer loads to get today.

Been a while since my last thread. The snowcaster is restored and rubber paddles have been added to the auger, now we just need some more snow to try it out! Also on my Maine snow team is my 1977 Wheel Horse C-120 8 speed with a Ark Loader 508-QM. It works great for scraping ice and moving heavy wet snow.

You are all welcome! I just hope I didn't screw anyone's order up. It's harder than you think especially for an old fossil like me. At least I have more blood flowing to my head now! Those $10,000 a piece stents are really paying off Right Steve!

I went to the mailbox this afternoon and found a box of decals from Terry for my B-60, and my copy of the new 2015 Wheel Horse calendar. What a great Christmas surprise. The decals are great as usual, and the calendar is fantastic. Thanks to Terry, Martin, and Mike, as well as all the contributors whose high quality images made this a beautiful production. Kudos to all, and Merry Christmas.

I've not been around much this end of the year, but I want to express my gratitude to Martin for taking on the calendar project for this year. I know it's a lot of work and it's very much appreciated. The calendar looks awesome! For everyone's convenience, I have added a smaller sized version to the Manuals section for immediate download.

Most definitely thank you guys. Outstanding work your efforts are appreciated. I must have looked like a 6 year old on Christmas morning. The calendar arrived as well as some awesome decals from Terry, a large grommet from Lane for my Suburban, A carb kit and a book on my truck. Way more fun than this old man deserves in one day. Merry Christmas to all!!!

Santa, Keep safe and sound on your upcoming travels! You dont want to be that guy who gets the Red Helmet in June!!

I awoke last night in a terrible cold sweat, shivering and disoriented. I had a night mare concerning thirty wheel horses and Geno. I dreamed that Geno had gone out of state to bring home thirty bootleg wheel horse tractors and was being pursued by none other than Sheriff Buford T. Justice! The tractor trailer truck was being driven by someone named Kentucky Blue, and Geno was running interference on an old round hood of some sort . Geno was running circles around the sheriff, and as the smoke cleared, Geno was seen jumping the river and just disappeared, completely out of site, never to be seen again. At this point I awoke in the condition mentioned above. The moral of this story is .... We may never know if Geno made it home with his bootleg tractors.

I NEED ONE THAT SAYS GREAT GRAND FATHER.

I've come across a few drain plug like that in my collection of Tecumseh parts engines. Try this if you can...lay the engine on its side so that theres no oil on the back side of the plug. Then just heat the stuck plug for about a minute with a propane or mapp gas torch. then just dump some water on it ...then try removing it. sounds like a stupid method, But it has worked for me many times.....

Posts like this make all the work worth while

Mike, those stints are worth their weight in gold...what Mike says makes dollars!!! Thanks Mate. If you win the hard hat this year...God forbid...we will need a larger hardhat. Remember...if your head is hard for more then 4 hours...you need to seek medical attention.

Here are the pics..

Mike: If you have a heart attack and survive the stents are paid for $100% by insurance -at least I found that out with mine -I only paid for the ambulance ride! It's just the odds your fighting! And a Big P.S. Kudos to Martin, Terry and all the photo contributors and calendar buyers!

When you finally get it out go get a good hex head plug instead of the square head plug. You will then always be able to get a wrench or socket on it. Cleat

These calendars are fantastic. It's like an early Christmas Present, thank you to Martin, Mike and Terry for getting these together again this year!

I just opened the mail and received my two (one for David-my brother) and they are great! Thanks Mike (and thank your brother too) !

AS usual Chuck, you did it again. My hat is off to you and the continued service you provide to our members.

Well if anyone could have salvaged this board , back in my mind I knew it was you SOI .. Keep up your great experiments, beneficial in a way to all of us

Season's Greetings to you Santa. I've been wondering where you were. I saw that you peeked in back in November. Guess you were checking up on us. As usual, I don't need anything this year, so keep all those who are truly in need on your list, and treat them kindly.

In Ann Arbor Helping Michigan Find A New Coach.

There is a snow maker available for sale, from one of the ski hills in the area. I am thinking of buying it...the horses are restless.

Matter of fact I am. Just bought the entire collection. Will be leaving here in an hour.

Not to scare you off Tom, but a Kohler 532 is a complicated engine to rebuild. Also parts are hard to get for these engines. They are a beast, but look through the manual before you start and you will see what I mean.

your not my grandpa, but you are a great friend.......

I picked this up off CL a few week ago. Doesn't run, but turns over and it has spark. I do have the belt guard, I took it off as I plan to dismount the engine. Got mainly for it's cool factor and 'cuz it's red ...but plan on making it a worker out of it. Looks to be late 60's - early 70's? As a kid I worked for a nursery mowing lawns. I ran and maintained a small fleet of Locke mowers for many summers. We had a few of these type of reel mowers too. The blades and cutting edge look good. A little lapping compound and it should be good to go. Provided I can get it running. ,

You know she's right? I think you're pretty great too Terry.

Today I got the stove all hooked up and ready for a cigar with a buddy..... Anyone around Wed. AM we will be in there with the fire going and smoking a cigar and having a nice Christmas drink ....

Interesting thread but my head is spinning. I have VERY little experience with body fillers and there's so many different ones to choose from. I don't need much on my Suburban hood and I'm trying to decide what to use. The area is roughly 7" x 12" on the top from the front seam back on the raised portion. I'm liking what I've read about the Evercoat 112 but I hate to purchase a gallon. Not because of the cost as much as I just hate to use the little bit I need and then have it sit on a shelf forever. Has anyone tried Evercoat Quantum 1 491? The metal is nice and clean and I'll carefully tap it as flat as possible but I know I'll need something to fine tune it.

still waiting here too

Here's a little update on the 59. Started painting some stuff on friday, got some done, but not everything. Also reprimed the other parts and got them sanded and ready for paint. I'm going to merge the 57 with this thread for now, as its all getting painted together at the same time. Today I put the 57 frame back together and glued some tank straps in it. Anyways here's some pictures of whats been painted, and the stuff that was reprimed/sanded. Hope to have most of this stuff painted by the end of the week. Gear case cover back on These were painted, but got messed up a little bit, so they were scuffed and will get repainted The tank straps glued in, I've done this on several tractors now, and it has worked well. And some shiny red parts(In case your wondering, yes this is my closet. ) The top 2 pictures are for the 57 and bottom 2 or for the 59 Will add more pictures as more stuff gets painted

Wreath holder!

The transmission is all back together now (whew!!) and everything looks good. The only issue was with the axle bushings which were slightly undersized and required honing (.996 ID) but not a big deal. The axle seals are the same ones taken off which have been soaking in brake fluid for the last month and are now soft and supple, they really grip the axle. Time will tell how well they hold up. A couple of pics - No binding at all and no leaks so far so the next step is to resolve the steering issues followed by paint prep. A special thanks again to Stevasaurus for posting the MI part numbers which was a tremendous help!!! More to come.

Calcium Carbide Bob, it is calcium carbide, make's acetelyne when wet

5 games Dec 20 (yesterday) winning teams...Louisiana Lafayette, Utah St., Utah, Air Force, Bowling Green 4 wins and 1 loss....RMCIII, Brandonozz.. 3 wins and 2 losses...Koen, RacinBob, Squonk, Stevasaurus, Brrly1, Horsefixer 2 wins and 3 losses...JimD 1 win and 4 losses....Jackhammer The Bowling Green game ended at 1:00 AM EST and could have gone either way...the last 4 minutes were un-real.

Geno, they look good. let me just say I know how your head hurts...........

Wouldn't break my heart... if it didn't snow until next year.

I have been all day yesterday and today learning Corel X7 and trying to get this thing to suit me. You guys wouldn't believe how my head hurts. It's very close but not complete yet, there's still centering to do and I'm still playing with the B to L connection in Stable. We are also trying to do the phone # in a home made WH font to match the rest. These will be decals I put on things, ideas are appreciated.

I agree with those who said not to use filler on rust hole's etc. You also need to eliminate the rust PERIOD or overtime your body work will lift. I do use the same filler Bob uses.. These type fillers sand very easy, careful you don't use too coarse of a paper or you will easily get fine sanding scratches you won't be able to see with the naked eye, you'll see them when you put the color coat down though and by then its a little late. Make sure to use a good filler primer. You don't need to buy the best products that money can buy to get excellent results, good products will do. Most of it is in the prep work, rush the prep work and I don't care what product you use, the results will always be the same. Take your time and make sure everything is perfect before you lay the color down...

Just got my 30'x24' inspected today and finished a pull beam back from rollup door. Have been sneakin in parts and chompin at the bit to start some work, not knowing how inspection would turn out. Have been working out of just the back yard storing parts and WH where they'd fit. My first one was 12'x16' and worked well till I packed so full couldn't move; then a tree fell on it and city made me tear it down. You will enjoy yours when finished and have a nice place to work/store goodies