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I drove to West Virginia yesterday To buy two transmissions. Seller surprised me with a big box of extras! His wife’s father had the original wheel horse and looks like it was a Suburban with a three piece transmission. He bought a replacement tractor for the mower deck when the original gear driven one wore out. what was new and an a neat idea I had not seen before was his special plate made to attach a two piece transmission to a three piece tractor frame! i took some pics to post for the Red Square members.

Got this wagon awhile back for next to nothing. Finally got time to give it allitle attention. Most of it was pretty solid with the exception of some rot at the back. l carefully cut the angle frame off and moved it forward about two or three inches. Welded it back on and now all l have to do is put some shoes and a little paint on er and shes ready to use. Not a beautiful fix but a functional one

Well, I decided to begin working on the D169 I bought from @stratostar250 at the big show a couple of years ago. Since the D series are the featured tractors at this year’s show, I figured no better time. Emory has asked me to do a military version and I figure as long as I don’t alter the basic original structure, no harm no foul. Right now, I’m thinking something along the lines of a Korean or Vietnam era Jeep. I had bought a nice original style set of decals from @Vinylguy last year at the show, but now I might need to go with a military look. Terry, @Vinylguy, do you have any ideas on how to militarize the decals? The only idea I’m pretty sure of is a star on the hood. When I fired it up yesterday, the right muffler literally fell off! I did find a nice set of 8”x4” mufflers with 1” pipe fittings on eBay. Started it today to get it off of the trailer as I have to go get some wood for some projects for the wife and a girl I work with. Man did it sound mean! That Onan starts and runs great! I guess that’s all for now - stay tuned! Short video of it running!

@pullstart That appears to be a whirlpool tub, I think I see 1 jet to the left of the waste & overflow. Just remember when you get all excited to use it for the first time don't use bubble bath, don't ask me how i know, 40 years ago it started heading for the door and out into the hall.

The red one is a ‘94 we bought used in 95. It’s a big block with 90k miles. I’ve always had a company truck so it was only used to haul our wood for heating and pulling our camper when the kids were little. The black one is an ‘03 we bought used in 2008 once the kids got too big to fit in the super cab. It was a super low mileage truck that we found in Chicago. The owner was having trouble selling it because it was a 6 speed and I love manuals. It currently has 50k miles on it and it’s our wood truck now.

Life got in the way over the summer and I haven’t had time to work on my tractor or be on the forum. Life finally got back to normal so I started working on my tractor. First the back story. I bought my “56 off a Craigslist from a local guy. He said it ran fine and would need some tlc. Decided to grab it and give it the love it deserves. Got it home and used it for about a month. Then the battery died and would not start. Finally got it to start after replacing the battery and removing almost all of the hacked wiring and replacing it. I also had to replace the starter generator belt has that one was shot. Once i could get it running, i drove it about a foot and the drive belt snapped. This all happened in about mid July . Well life got in the way and it got stuck in the back of the shop. I finally had the time this week to install the new belt and move it around the yard. I’m in the middle of the oil change and the normal maintenance. Sorry for the book guys. -Tractorboy

Well boys Big Red has to be put on the back burner for the time being. Here is how far I got, all the electrical rewired, kohler321, repainted and freshened, belt guard sheet metal started, back end structure to raise the sheet metal under seat, and one sheetmetal enclosure for accessing brake through the rear structure along with switching the hydro out or the 8 speed, seat was raised aprox 3 " to acomidate the over sized boots. It just took too long and other projects are in the waiting, like my chevy tracker to get to and from work and at my brothers we have to start an old ford pick up thats been tubed and lowered. Not sure when Ill get back to Big Red.

Now on a show car...this would get wet sanded with 2000 grit, buffed with a cutting compound, followed by polishing compounds then wax. For a mower that will get weekly use...it'll do.

LMFAO.....I remeber when I had a call back when I was doing service in T.O. a east Indian family, installed a dishwasher, they used dish soap.......kitchen filled with suds. And oh yes I charged them the double bubble rate cuz I was late going with the girlfreind to a Rush concert. Really dish soap, lmao!

I hate to be the buzz kill here Tractorhead but you got other problems. You is gonna see stuff at the show that you are gonna want... best start figuring out how you are gonna get tractors & parts home!

I figure I should update this thread with the most recent picture(s). Gone are the ags up front in favor of 18-8.50X8 turfs and an NOS hood with all decals finally installed. The generator is the 7200 watt unit one can get from Harbor Freight which is easily powered by the K341; enough to get me through any power outage I may experience. Lastly, the rear cast iron wheel weights that add over fifty pounds per side. In addition to the rear tires loaded with Rim-Guard, I am at just over 160 pounds per side now.

I have had a 1970 GTO sitting in my garage since the mid 80's. Parked it when the transmission quit shifting properly and no 98 octane fuel. Did start gathering parts in the late part of the 80's. Quarter panels were re- placed and trunk floor replaced, frame sandblasted and painted. Health issues and other life issues caused it to just sit there. Through an odd set of circumstances last summer I found a guy close to me that restores cars and has done a bunch of GTO's. He came up and looked at the carand as of Nov 20th it is in his shop. It is now back to bare metal and awaiting his magic touch! Since he has the body I figured I had better get the engine and rest of drive train ready. I have the engine ready, transmission ready to be bolted to it. Both of my kids are happy dad finally got thjis thing somewhere to be finished up.

Back on April 1 2019 @formariz under the heading of Secret Room showed us what a Craftsman is capable of when he puts all his knowledge into a project after many years of an apprenticeship then to a journeyman and finally a master of his craft. It takes a certain mindset and determination and often makes you wonder why someone really has to be that fussy,the answer is because we were taught to do a job to the best of our ability so it would stand the test of time and maybe someone would pass on a good recommendation for us so we may be able to support ourselves and family and to have some nice creature comforts while we are on Earth. A big thank you to all the Master Craftsmen who came before us and passed those Trade Secrets to us. I recently found a few old SD cards with more Trade pics and thought I would share them. These are from 2 different jobs 1 Plumbing and 1 Heating back in 2014 and 2016. Note on the Heating job the boiler is not yet installed just the Supply & Returns etc.

Too bad you don’t live close to the big show Kevin - I know where I’d be booking my reservations!

Me and Willy just before Christmas.

Old slow poke here finally got the hitch pin out, wound up drilling through it and finishing it off with a chisel to get the thin remains on the shaft out. Opened the case and am not to disappoint at this time with what I see. But I am on my union break so tomorrow get it cleaned up and see how good it really is. Sure is such a satisfying sound when you crack open a cast iron case!

@JCM I thank you for your kind words and would like to perhaps try to explain also a little more than you did, the reason why we do what we do and also why we like to show it. Some will undoubtedly think that it is just to stroke our egos specially if they are not familiar with what ever type of work we are referring to. The truth is however very far from that. Your work in the plumbing trade is actually a better example for that than my work is. What I do is already expected prior to completion to look good and be admired not only for its appearance but also its quality and workmanship. What you do however is many times hidden not only from actual sight within a wall but most of the times in an area where no one but the end user really sees it on a regular basis. Perhaps that is also one of the reasons that generally such work is haphazard, sloppy and without thought. After all who sees it any way, and as long as it does not leak its good enough right? Sadly that is the general consensus today. So when confronted with such work what does one think? Unfortunately today most consumers are uneducated as to what is good work and what should be expected. What makes a man do that type of work when much less would be good enough? Certainly he could make much more money by not being so meticulous and do it faster. Instead of thinking in those terms one should just try a little bit to put themselves in that persons mindset. I can only speak for myself but I believe there are more similarities than not in our thought process. Such process is not always easy since many factors come into to it that are inevitable, finances and time constraints being the biggest ones. There is always that struggle between wanting to do what we know is right and what is actually possible in order to obtain the work. For me that struggle may be easier, because what I do is already many times "luxury" work. People don't need what I do to live or function and that fact already makes me a very lucky person. Even then, many times comes the question,"how can we do it cheaper", or "the other guy was going to do it this way instead". I am fortunate enough in many of those situations that I can just politely walk away. Such a customer will always be blinded by the dollar signs and will never appreciate or be happy with the outcome. Nothing bad about the customer but I rather not deal with it since I have been there a few times. Starting such a project requires of course planning although there are always changes and improvisations as we go. Personally I never follow a plan blindly and I am always thinking of better ways and outcomes as I go.In a way the plan keeps evolving. Work also never stops when not working. Always thinking about it in off times,realizing often at those times, the mistakes made. It is also while thinking about job in off times, that the indescribable satisfaction of pride and accomplishment becomes stronger and drives one to want to do even better. I think often of the ones that molded and inspired me, and what they would think of it or how they would go about it. In much of what I do I am also lucky to have many times physical references to fall on and learn even more. It is amazing how much one can learn from someone else's work. It is the same as reading a book. I can honestly say that I probably have learned more from individuals that have passed long ago than from living ones. Many times I only finally understood something they tried to teach me after they passed and later on I "really" read their work. Finally when the job is done, it is really never done. One is always thinking of the difficulties and shortcomings in finished jobs and learning for new ones. Constantly learning and thinking to become better. And lastly, to me always a bit of sadness takes over. As time goes on the desire or need to become a craftsman is quickly eroding away. Lack of need, desire, time,patience, dedication, influence, and so on will eventually put an end to many of the skilled trades and crafts we know. Luckily in trades like mine many individuals do it as a hobby, and I can honestly say that a lot of the best woodworkers out there do not do it for a living but rather as a hobby. I have been lucky to have been exposed to greatly talented individuals through out my life who took the time and desire to share what they knew with me, and also to have been smart enough to recognize it when it was in front of me and take full advantage of it.

After i had changed the Car Brakes, i have now Old Brakediscs in spare they far from any reuse. I thinkin on dispose them, but than i take a short view to my Horse and i had an great idea, why not use them as Counterweight witch can be stacked. not the Mass of Weight each, but i must also changed the Rear brakes so i can collect easy Counterweight material out of Scrap. Simply and easy to use.. With the Zipties and the 2 Bolts they will be held in place and if i adding more, i have more Weight, that simple. 👍😎

Ben, the impact isn’t as likely to have snapped that tab, as a dry socket on that axle. Remember that when greasing the front end on these, jack the frame up under the engine and take the load off that pin... so grease can get to “wear” it needs it the most

Guess I'll add my two on here...whil they are 26 and 22 yrs old...I never considered them to be old or vintage so I think they're a better fit here. First one is my 1994 Ford F150 Eddie Bauer edition, equipped with the 351 V8 and automatic transmission. I bought this truck back in March of last year as a non running unit for $1200. It went through three people owning it that couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. I replaced the ECM and have since put over 20k trouble free miles on it. It served me well until i acquired a camper last July and needed a bigger truck to haul it.

I don’t drink anymore, but I’d buy a bottle of that for the shelf! I’ll keep it next to the wine for ya @pullstart! 😂

For simplicity reasons, fuel economy and for never letting me down 89 312-8 Still love the 8 speeds

Not sure what runs through peoples minds that do this kind of thing. They probably don't have a mind because they're Poppin pills are doing some other kind of things! Sorry to hear about that it's never a good day for anyone for this. Looks like you got your good friend there though!

I thInk what Jim’s trying to say is “good job, I’d love to come drink your juice and smoke your ‘baccy and watch you work Dan!”

When I was younger, my driveway consisted of almost exactly what you owned apart from being 4wd. In 2003 my dad bought a new black 03 3/4 ton 4 door short bed 2wd Hemi, and also a red 03 1/2 ton 4 door short bed Hemi. Still has the black truck and it's been excellent to him. It'll squeeze out 21 MPG on a long trip, but typically gets around 19 on shorter trips. Red truck was traded off about 10 years ago by my mother. It wouldn't get 17 on the highway on a long trip to save its life!

Probably the cheapest method would be to install a knife switch on your camper battery. Open the switch when you park the camper to disconnect it from the truck battery. After you start the truck close the switch so that it will charge off of the truck. Not the handiest but cheapest. https://www.ebay.com/p/3026066854?iid=223236833822&chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=223236833822&targetid=539174542515&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9019452&poi=&campaignid=6470552772&mkgroupid=81274341727&rlsatarget=aud-298628318826:pla-539174542515&abcId=1139336&merchantid=113790136&gclid=CjwKCAiA6bvwBRBbEiwAUER6JX6nLe77MpqzzbAYMsPMYTtMc-vLIGv5Nl0uZRJPCw1vzfIJZFOpiBoC68oQAvD_BwE

OMG, I don't really even drink whiskey much, but my son does. And I've been listening to a bunch of early Chris Stapleton tunes lately, he's from Kentucky originally, and every other word out of his mouth is either "whiskey" or "moonshine". And now this! Sign me up for a bottle if anybody gets some, I'll see you guys at the show and find a good use for it!

Love seeing my calendar on your wall!

Love seeing my tractor on your wall!!! Enjoy!

I have had my HF 20 ton jump like that before, I was pressing a shaft out of a water pump off of a 1947 White over the road tractor. I was applying some heat when it moved. Fun and games.

Just to warn you... the trucks outside...🙁 I wish it was inside!! I’ll take photos tomorrow.

Most, if not all, C-160's came with the 13 fin block. Not really a rare find but because of the pullers desiring them, they're getting hard to find, unless it's in a tractor.

Me and Willy go back a long way, and if he is ever Ridin' on the City of New Orleans, he can always stop in here. I have the best chance of that happening cents, since, sense we now have Recreational Pot in Illinois and Rye Whiskey from Kentucky and Point Beers from Steven's Point Wisconsin. Bring on the party.

As Del Griffith (John Candy) said in the movie Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, after they had been sideswiped by two tractor-trailers, "Oh, that'll buff right out".

My first truck was the 300 with a granny low 4 speed. I was a dumb kid so I abused the heck out of it and it spoiled me because it took everything I threw at it.

Like Kev said Tuna you ain't a whiskey aficionado be nice to lookin one on the shelf anyway... decor I think they call it. Sides Willie Nelson just happens to show up at yer door someday best have something to offer!

Ya frickin moron you would've said something I coulda flew over and helped... was in Berlin at TSC anyway picking up 30 gallons of 80/90 for all these trannies! Looks nice tho and way bigger than the old frame. Let me know you need this weekend you ain't got the salt mine ... free all weekend.

Finally feel like I made some progress today. Up until this point I've been flying solo on this project but today I had to get some assistance to get it tilted on its side. Oh I tried to pick it up myself but then brains kicked in and I decided that it was a bad idea .

May as well run my truck in here. I sold my Dodge Cummins, that I bought new in 91. Drove it 26 years and just did not need a big truck anymore. I got this 2000 Ranger just 3 years ago. It was stock with 116,000 miles on it. Been changing things on it ever since. ----- John

It's cocktail hr here Jimbo and I had a late service call so gotta catch up with the missus... and I ain't on call this weekend!

Turns out, according to the book I found, it uses the same bits as what are available today.. think I'll pick up a few and work on it this weekend. Everything is very clean, it may just fire up.

Two thumbs up for that post, so very true! I can't hardly believe the difference between my 68 Commando and the 877. As much as I liked plowing with the Commando, its the 877 from now on

http://kirkengines.com/index.php#AluminumCovers You can get a cover here

Like was said before, if your not concerned about being all original it might be easier to swap in a new motor like a Kohler K181 (8 hp). This is my 657 which is pretty much identicle to your 656, it has a Kohler 8hp pull start under the hood now and fits perfectly.

Now you know better than that Jim!! I'm one of those nuts that don't get rid of anything. Heck, I got underware that are older than my kid, & he's 27

Good eye Tom, its a 04 Honda RS125R. Last year for the factory two stroke grand prix racer. Makes about 40hp and weighs 160 odd lbs dry. Sorry for the non tractor pic! Might be a motorcycle fan or two in the crowd...

Oooooh, I realize, that this will be in SUMMER. Maybe possible to rent a Motocycle or a Harley to be flexible. - oh Heeeyyy Hum, was it possible to rent a Wheelhorse in New York, to drove stylish to the Event ? 🤔 That would be a blast ! i‘ll think i had a idea for a new Business... 😂

ok now that you are an official wheel horse owner we gotta come clean wheel horse tractors do not last forever some at least after 20 or 30 years an engine can require service - and some even expire (gulp) seats sometimes only last for 20 or 30 years and then will show wear or cracks mower decks - if not maintained - will only go 20 or 25 years before rust holes appear mower blade or bearing can be damaged when attempting to cut 3-4" saplings tires will show cracking after 20 or 30 years wheel horse oem belts will only last 10 ... 15 ... (20 or more ?) ... years ... for some reason batteries do not last a lifetime when installed in a wheel horse tractor ... (very annoying)