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On Sunday I mocked up this 70's YardMan. I also found a guy not too far away who has a 3000ish sq. ft. gokart shop. He set me up with used rear axle assembly w/ everything I need on it, + Hyd. disc brake, 4 alum wheels and a junk frame with all of my bracketry and other usable components. I'm pretty excited to get on this project. Have a Peerless 700 series 5 spd in nearly new condition for this as well. Likely power will be a 16hp twin from a Simplicity that is in line as next project after this one. The Simplicity is a larger (medium?) frame machine which I'm hopefully picking up power for this weekend - a 600cc in-line 4 Suzuki.

I hope this helps. Jim

so mom was going through the computer room today and found a folder of dads named wheel horse. in there i did a little searching found a reply from a forum thread here on redsquare so i looked it up and bam found my dads old account name. my dad died july 22, 2017 to stage 4 lung cancer. he couldnt remember his account name at all but before he past i was doing the posting on this account. so quoting a reply from one his threads we did find out what this one was lol 1962 502 and he had the hood all the years he kind of like painted it and then forgot which one it was too lol Buzz, When you figure out what that is ae; 702, 502, or whatever it may be please let me know. I have one just like that, minus the hood, that someone painted a God awful maroon color. They even painted over the serial # on the shift patern and the decal on the belt guard. Anyway your find is putting me closer to find out what mine is. Thanks alot. Bill

Nothing new to post from yesterday, so in order to play "catch up", here are a few more pics of several of the body panels and the hoodstand prior to and including some of the prep work for painting. Belt guard, no real issues, just basically needs sanded and prepped: Rear fender assembly, has a lot of pitting from rust on top surface, but no actual holes and still a lot of base metal. I pretty much didn't do a lot of repair in this area since the seat will cover all of these flaws, only the visible spots. Just a couple more dings, a little more bodywork in a few spots, and complete strip to bare metal in the pitted section and pre-primed with an etching primer. The underside on the other hand needed a little repair work. The horizontal seat support was completely fatigue cracked through one of the bumper holes. Rather than remove and replace the whole piece, I decided to just fabricate and add another layer of metal and brazed the two together. I figured it cracked once, so hopefully with the extra layer, thicker is hopefully better and provide additional support. I did need to find substitute rubber bumpers to compensate for the additional thickness, but I was successful in locating what I hope will work on a website that carries a lot of various rubber parts. Next, the hood assembly. Basically solid except for a few dings and some bent grille louvers. Put my amateur body repair skills to work again, hammered out what I could, and then good old Bondo. It actually came out pretty good and will post completed photos when I get around to the reassembly. (You're probably all thinking that will be in about two years at the rate I'm moving! ) One thing you may notice is the hood ornament, not original. When I first acquired the tractor eons ago, the previous owner had removed the original one and installed this little eagle thingy with spread wings. It looked nice, but was not the least bit practical as it was constantly catching on low hanging tree limbs during mowing and was nothing but a nuisance. I had removed this way back on my prior rebuild back in the 1980's. Not knowing what ever happened to the original, I fabricated this one back then out of a piece of solid aluminum that I had, draw filing, sanding, and polishing into the one you see. It's not perfect, nor totally original, but I will probably re-use this one again mainly for nostalgia since it kind of represents some of my earlier hand crafting skills (or lack thereof ). Finally, the hoodstand assembly. This also required a few repairs prior to what I could hide with the paint. A couple of the belt guard threaded mounting bracket thing-a-ma-jigs had broken off and required fabrication and replacement, and also a couple of the spot welds on the threaded inserts for the dash assembly came loose. Since I don't have any type of spot welder, I just brazed all of these pieces back on. Also, note on the top rail surface where the fender assembly has been rubbing for decades (lack of the aforementioned rubber bumpers and split crosspiece), there was a slot worn into the rails. Don't think it was really hurting anything as there was still a lot of metal left in the rails, but it was just one of those things that bothered me to look at. So again, out came the brazing torch and I filled and filed these grooves to a smooth surface. I didn't want to use anything like Bondo in this area as it would never last if any more rubbing occurred. Again, I was well pleased with the results of how it turned out. Also of note is the reamed hole in the vertical side panel casting which I had mentioned in an earlier post, to accept installation of a bronze flange bearing for the lift arm assembly. That's about all for now, more to come later.

Use a big enough hammer and you can break just about anything

Upload the video to YouTube, then add the link to your next post. Or become a RedSquare supporter and you will have more picture posting privileges.

Artmilaca: From an old post of mine....... "A buddy of mine expressed to me that he has a bit of tractor envy after seeing me bring home a second Wheel Horse in 60 days. After he mentioned this to me I thought I had a problem but, bless his heart, he straightened me right out. According to him: Owning one Wheel Horse means you are just a recreational user. Owning two Wheel Horses means you have an appreciation for fine machinery. Owning three Wheel Horses means you have an attraction. Four, it's turned into an obsession. Five, it's pretty much a full blown addiction. and six, well you really need to join Red Square and begin your next post with:  Hello, my name is ________________, and I have a Wheel Horse problem.  He's also convinced that Rustolem Regal Red should be reclassified as a gateway drug." By his logic, you've now entered the danger zone.... Cheers! Dave

The 502 sits in corner of shed it's fired up once a week or so. Its had a hard life used has a plow tractor for years. Next year it's getting a deck put on but not used. We have many machines I use. Dads 753 is used a lot so is the Sears compact 8e. Now I got the 552 a few weeks ago and something came over me once I got the snowblower with a h70. Something told me to fix the 552. So that's what I did.

You mow at night you might be a good prospect for that TX chapter Ollie... practice on dismantling the wife's car and a crash course from pullstart on loading techniques and ya might earn yer colors! OK nuff ....some more pics of the honoree... Hook em up! Gettin a little squirrely .... this thing does it all! In the line up! Chain piling. ..told you this thing does it all! Nothing like being a little hard on the tranny!

Thanks for the congrats & comments every one. Truth be told I find it quite on honor to have an article written on my rusty old hot rod. I think Matt did an awesome job with the pics & the write up. A big thanks to him.

Bill, very sorry to hear of the passing of your father on behalf of RedSquare we offer you our deepest condolences. It looks like your dad's account was never re-enabled after the 2011 crash, but I have found it and placed him in the Members at Rest group. His account is here: https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/profile/1133-btk07/

Stumbled upon what I believe is an rj hood and rear fenders. Freshly painted. Good shape. Does anybody know for sure what they fit and what they are worth?

https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/14102-landed-a-familiar-one/?tab=comments#comment-119891 Here's who built it: https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/profile/281-jusjeepn/

Worked on my 3 speed save a little, managed to break a roll pin trying to get the shift rails out. I thought roll pins were spring steel and not supposed to break!?!?! Roll pin punch to the rescue! Did manage to get both out tho! Now to get the detent balls and spring out. There was no plug in the front side hole to install them so I imagine water got in there. Now the balls are being naughty and are in "detention" Note the flat side on the shift rails. The tranny pros @Racinbob and @stevasaurus tell me those are ther to prevent sticktion and not letting the rails slide.

Some models D series for instance the parking brake was a pawl. Sort of like a bent finger with teeth #4-33

I think this this is halfway on topic, maybe not. Steve I’d love to see a Dino’s Videos of you teaching that banana to dance!

Sorry to hear about your dad, i also lost mine years ago to cancer. I had parked his C160 auto and tarped it due to it having some issues. couple of years ago I redid it and now it is used a few time a week. It is a fav of the family and something that holds fond memories. Funny how a old tractor can carry so much to so many,

Here's the contents of that package I got me a Mid Mount Grader!!!!

Robbie; You will be amazed at how much snow these limited slip 10 pinions can push...having the variable speed and fast reverse make plowing almost fun... All my snow horses (blower and plows) are Charger/Electro's their hydro lift works immediately..unlike many Eatons. The 418A and C175-8s spend the winter in hibernation.

All I can say is what a great story this was of how this tractor came to be in your possession Will be following this one. Here's a pic of my 855 I just restored

I took some pictures of the blade it needs to be cleaned up it has been sitting in a building for a few years.

You will really enjoy using that blade. It’s amazing how much you can cut, shape and smooth with it. Plus it’s just pure fun seat time.

Yes glad to see your back at it! These things do sometimes take a back seat to life! Dan @Achto says he gets tunnel vision on these restos and just goes at it like a madman till it's done! I would too till the wife whips out the honey do list. Your work is like deja vu as I did many of the exact same things you are doing! Keep up the good work

Click on the fuzzy picture More https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/search/?&q="418-a"&type=downloads_file&search_and_or=or Garry

Thanks Jake! Our dog occasionally decides that it is a 5 lb cat and we'll get on your lap.... or if it gets super excited it believes wholeheartedly that it is a 2000 + pound oxen. Thankfully she is being broken of that for the most part. :-). I'm hoping to start installing that grader blade on my Patriot horse this afternoon if I get home at a decent hour.

For sure EB this one crumbled in pieces.

This helps a bunch, I can totally understand how stamped steel can be torn up by a gear! It needs a small gear section grafted into the arm to be effective, I’d suppose. Or just park on flat surfaces and call it a day

Looking through Facebook I ran across this. Little bit more red paint and maybe......

I just use wheel bearing grease as that's what I have handy. There's a cover on one side with 4 screws holding it on. Open it up and take a look see in there. I'm not sure what the drain hole is you're referring to. Can you post a pic? Unless you are referring to the front auger gearbox. That takes gear oil but I fill mine with Lubriplate 105 grease which is light but thicker than oil. My seals leak the oil out but not the Lubriplate grease so I've been using that for quite a few years.

Congrats Dan! Just got my mag today and noticed it right away Lately about every issue Jay has something in it. Not sure but I think Matt has been given a couple of pages an issue for us "Horse Barn" Matt is doing the "Horse Barn" Wheel Horse article for every issue now so interested RS members should subscribe

Congratulations @Achto Hmmm, seeing as how I really do find myself "Mowing at Dark" quite often, is there a possibility of establishing a Texas Tractor Mafia chapter. I realize I've got some practice to do on my disassembly and truck loading skills, but if I make it to the BS on 4 wheels this year it ain't gonna be pretty

Nice Tigs ... It's amazing what a nice job those mid mounts do!

This summer I had the AC 912H over at my son's new pole barn site doing some grader work. Had the job site Boss keeping a close eye on Grandpa's grading skills.

Yeah we have it real thick in various localities throughout the state. It's stronger around certain people or crowds for sure. I've noticed that too... And get a kick out of the various accents of those of us from around the country... And globe. Midwest accent is interesting to me. Here in New England we're always taking the "R" (pronounced ah) out of words. You folks out there (pronounced they-uh) add 'em where there was none. Ex. Place you park... Gararge. Place we pahk.... G'rahge.

well steve i do have the accent sometimes it shows in different places lived here all my life but i was a elvis vocalist for or have been since 8 yrs old i had won a trip to graceland back in 2002 a dream that was fullfilled of mine at the time but as far as the show in maine ...never heard of it but yeah when i 'm watching your vids i do get a kick out of your accent as well i don't know if you know it or not but you have a famous line where your taking a gear out and not cooperating well and then you say " C'mon sweetheart " i crack up and say to myself well you got to talk to the gears to makee'm do what u want lol

Even though I’m not a fan of the predator engine, that looks bad to the bone. It turned out well. I actually like the pot mufflers better then the single. I have two more electric PTO’s if anyone is interested in a similar predator swap.

Found this about 50 miles from home. says it is a non runner but has a clean tank and engine turns free no spark? It has been somewhat restored but has not run for years? Wants $400 for it. Painted dash but I can fix that problem. It started life as a 657 but was upgraded to an 8 horse

I can relate to that!! That's been part of what I have been up against this summer, only the "honey do list" has been more like a "Git er Done or else..." list. Anyway, here are a couple more pics of the painting operation. This is what I am using for the primer: And the paint (note the date how long ago when I had this stuff mixed): I know there has been a lot of discussion on here as to paints and colors, and realize a lot of it just comes down to personal preference. I'll just add my and say that I am extremely satisfied with the red that I chose. I'll have to say that when I compared it to a couple of parts I had with OEM paint, including areas of my tractor such as under the Model/Serial tag, under the engine tag, and even under some of the removed decals, this is a VERY close match to original. Dad's garage, my makeshift paint shop: As for the painting, since I have been up against it this summer and didn't have time to get any painting done until now, I had to take over my Dad's garage and basement due to temps averaging in the 50's. I had originally planned on doing all of this outside and using my storage building for the curing, but since it is not heated, my Dad offered the use of his facilities. Thank-You Dad, you really bailed me out! I basically had everything hanging on the wires and ready to go in his basement, then carried each individually to the garage to prime (repeat process for paint on a subsequent day), then back to the warm basement to re-hang and cure. A lot of running back and forth, especially when this stuff doesn't have a real long pot life once activated. Anyway, long story short, that is all behind me now as everything is all primed and painted. I did actually run a little short on the paint and did not get the rear hitch stuff and a couple of the tach-a-matic brackets done. But as I mentioned earlier in this post, I have not even begun Phase 2, which is the mower deck and a whole separate project, so I can hit these at that time when I get more paint. I do want to add that I am far from a professional painter and ended up with a couple of minor runs and a few dust specks here and there, but overall I think it came out pretty good all things considered. I doubt if anyone will see my flaws except for me, but I guess that I'm my own worst critic. Besides, as I mentioned back when I began this thing, she is going to be a work horse anyway & I'm sure will probably end up with a few new flaws before I'm done! I didn't really have time to take any photos of the "Wheel Horse laundry" hanging to dry, but I'm sure you guys having done your own restores have seen plenty of that . I'm just glad to be past the headache, LITERALLY, cause I can't begin to tell you all how many times I kept banging my head on all of the hanging pieces! And I even knew they were there! That pretty much catches me up to where I'm at now, short of the couple of things I tinkered with this week. I'll get these posted real soon, once i get some more photos and then start into the reassembly.

Thanks for the reminder, I wasn't sure if i had to do that with hydros.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You guys!!!

A good set of wiring diagrams for this tractor Garry

The Mow-Cycle units would be right up @WHX21 alley. Unsafe at any speed.

Here are a few of my personal favorites. First one appears to have some DNA Please pardon the color on this one. These are the real deal, made by Mow-Cycle. Saved the best for last, the future of lawn mowing

Might be in better shape had it did Lane! Actually this one is not bad as it was dry which is odd considering it sat outside for years with nothing more than this for a lever boot. Tuff part will be getting the detents to loosen up to get the shift rails out. The rest is gravy. Not to worry as I have other trannys to fall back on including a choice six speed for this project. The problem is I have an abundance of 1" hubs I would like to use but shy on 1 1/8 ones. The six speed was rebuilt by @stevasaurus and features full length keyways but needs to opened again as The Dino is not sure he has the diff bolts in the right direction. He's wrong I told him I'm coming for one of his home brew wine jugs to make a e tank!

I restored mine to the correct color which is Lincoln light pewter. My work Horse is a 1984

Oh yeah. As truckers we're constantly looking for correct directions and we use that one all the time!

There is a good chance that the parking brake has been sheared off inside the tranny. This was a real common issue on those transmissions.

These are just about at every salvage yard. Chris G recently did one panzer color

nice moto mower I have the earlier version