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Happy Birthday Mike!!!!! Sorry but just couldn't pass up this easy opportunity to post these "blast from the past" pics again.

Without a doubt the most difficult part to make up to this point. Steering shaft support and hood stand. Must have tried 10 times for that little pipe but finally got it.

Progress has slowed down a bit since life gets in the way. Not much of an update but did get a couple things done. Had a hard time with a few other things like the steering wheel and the hood stand for some reason. Just couldn't get them to look right so multiple attempts were a waste of time but should have them done later today. Frame connected to trans and the belt idler ready Hood mounting pin and hole drilled in frame. The hood will be pinned on so it can be removed. Should the steering wheel be "glued on" just like factory? And little tiny on off switch added. (whatever that is on the bottom that makes it look chipped in the pic, can't be seen by my naked eye? Tried to fix it 3 times and it still shows up)

Had a few inches to clear today. Ran like a champ. As soon as winter is done I have a few things to clean up on the horse and do the right way...like mount that fuel pump somewhere, remove the key witch box and put key in the dash where it should be and build a nice new exhaust as I have all the parts here now. C'mon spring.

AND, you'll have to be very delicate not to damage it as a replacement will definitely be like a hen's tooth on this one. Thanks for the nice compliment and glad you're following along! So, sometimes I search out the toothpicks with imperfections to use as highlights but mostly they just happen to end up wherever they do. Like these did. Noticed the one in the hood shortly after making it. Then this same one appeared on the hood stand. Kinda like these were destined to become a WH with the red line. Never saw this before and been through MANY a toothpick. Usually it's just a darker color or small dark spot or line. So far this red "imperfection" has only been found in this particular box of toothpicks although I haven't searched through them all. The box was opened and used before, probably for the motorcycle. Hood stand and idler pulley on

I just purchased one of the smaller wheel horse yard trailers but the Mode ID/Serial tag is missing. Was wondering if there is any other way to tell which model this trailer is. It was already dark when I got home so I’ll take better pictures tomorrow, but here is what I have taken so far.

Absolutely not. It would probably be close to complete if it wasn't made outta toothpicks and done with just wood. I wouldn't want to cover up all of art of crafting it because it would only look like it's made out of plastic if it's painted. Couldn't find that thread where a guy made perfect replicas by 3D printer and the thread which inspired this build to get started. That thing looks perfect down to the smallest detail. That's the stuff for paint and would bet painting it in very extreme detail would be an art all on it's own. Painting this one would be like covering that one with broken toothpick pieces.

What will the bus stop "regulars" do without you there to entertain them?

Deestone 10.5’s are more like 8.5’s in reality. These 23-10.5’s are on 6 or 6.5” wheels, whatever is on a C-101. If they were loaded, they’d surely have better grip in the muddy field and deep snow. Otherwise they work great! My loaded 8.5’s are out on loan and have a ton more grip. I think that’s due to the weight, not as much the size.

Amazing details! Beautiful work! BTW...If you glue on the steering wheel you may be posting a thread here in 40 years about needing to spend three weeks soaking it with PB Blaster, heat, wax etc. and needing a 1 ton press to remove it...

Well now that the cat's outta the bag, we all expect @rj35hunter Clay to do all of our tires at the show!!!!!!!!!!! Be sure to bring your spoons Clay! There may be a lot less RJ shop'n go'n on now. LoL

Bummer....Take care Mike and give the back time to heal. I know it'll be a problem, But try to not do anything stupid.

People have asked me for years why I don’t get a snowmobile...and my answer is based on your statement Kevin. We don’t retain a good snow base in our area. If you travel three hours north, the usually keep a decent base all season but not down here unless you go back to the late 1970’s. This year is an exception though. We have gotten quite a bit of snow since the beginning of January and it has stayed around for the most part. Those who have sleds and enjoy winter sports are loving it. THEN THERE IS THE REST OF US! (saying, “will winter ever end?”)

I am becoming a bit concerned! We haven't had any appreciable rain in three days and my mud is becoming a bit dehydrated, I may need to begin watering it!

Last time I wished happy birthday to a member I was told I should check his status first...... Pardon me while I investigate the last time you interacted with the forum and I'll get back with you............

My Wheel Horse puller was originally a basket case 1977 model C-120 8 speed. It has a 22hp Robin-Subaru V-twin engine. The hood is from a 1965 Wheel Horse. The custom made front spindles lower the front end about 4". My cousin did the vinyl graphics for me.

Totally agree. I don't think John's intention was to create a perfect replica although it is a rather precise one. We all know what it is. We are all entitled to our opinions and one can not argue others' tastes, but in my opinion staining it or painting it , would only hide and detract from its appeal. One needs to clearly see all the individual components and the hundreds of different pieces of material that it is composed of. We ourselves have a different and deeper appreciation for it because we know so well what it is, and have a visual reference for it. Its appeal however is way beyond what it represents. Not only the craftsmanship involved but also the stretching of the physical limitations of the materials themselves is something to admire. Incredible that a mind and hands which can mold,cut ,twist and join rough rusty metal parts to create a motorcycle all from parts totally not appropriate for the task, can also be so gentle, caring and careful as to create such a delicate object. There is no substitute or equivalent for the human touch.

I forgot to ask, will this transmission have 3 forward speeds and reverse?

If there's time after this one is done, I'm think'n I can turn a small block of pine, some toothpicks and a dowel, into an RJ. Guesstimating about 40-50 total hours and it can be stained. Might try working on both at the same time???? Many of the details can be painted on (tank straps) which is part of why it takes much longer with the toothpicks. All that glue time just to stick them together for a proper size piece and then only to have them split apart at crucial points consumes much of the time. And no breaking stuff to get a curve, just shape it by sanding. I'll have to figure out the tires like using a hole saw. Plus I have a small desktop wood shop with table saw, sander and drill press. Don't really use those for the toothpicks but I do cut a lot of them on the front as you can see all the pieces on there. Basic toothpick tools plus a couple drill bits, clamps and sandpaper. Almost forgot. There's the steering wheel drying while pinched in the Advil bottle cap. Noticed it in the pic

Well technically she is not a blood relative so she might be alright if they found out. But I love her just the same and she still calls me Uncle Richard. .

Looks like a 5.5 cubic foot dump trailer from the '60s and '70s, here is a manual.

We had to put down our boy Rosco a week before Christmas the year before last. I cried like a baby. A blubbery mess. but he is better off than he was here. He too suffered from seizures and they were under control for a while there but then he started having them every other hour and then hourly and just couldn't come back from them. He tried biting me after the last one and that's when I knew it was time. He never hurt anyone and followed me wherever I went. Now we have several other furry clowns to keep up with but Rosco will always be my boy. Dang if I ain't dripped all over on my keyboard.....

Well don't let it happen again ...you know how easily I get! I see he has the fuse blocks yet.

Yes sir!

I sell those for $20, my kits are more complete than any I've seen.

No problem, it started raining again right after lunch, my mud is becoming re-hydrated!

The only thing about that statement I like is that you keep your base. We get the snow, it’s beautiful, I work like crazy to clear it, then before we get to enjoy it much it melts and rains. We’ve had the snowmobile going once or twice for short amounts of time this season.

#METOO I made two arched wooden ramps that goes over the deck, and rest both on the ground, and on the deck. I just drive straight over it, both on and off. Takes less than 5 minutes to hook up this way, and not a drop of sweat lost, most importantly.

It's a B R 549!

Rylee wanted me to read this to her. I did. Then I showed her the picture of the shovel and said elastic band. She found great humor in the story. She’s a funny kid too.

Here's mine. It's a copy of a wheel horse loader subframe. Attaches to the mid attach matic and rear axle, stabilizer rods attach to the front attach matic.

I rebuild original carbs when I can, lately I will buy old original carbs to rebuild instead of buying the cheap 14 dollar knock carbs, you get what you pay for.

Several of us, myself included, have purchased the cheapie carburetors off of the fleabay and had decent results for the most part. That said, if your original carb can be taken apart, cleaned, and rebuilt. That is definitely the way to go! Check your throttle shaft bore for wear for starters.

Here is my snow rig for the year! This is all I needed to clear my driveway with !!

I had to work quickly...the bottle of propane I was using to heat the garage was running out!

new to me. I have asked questions just never posted pics. Picked this up in Macugie Pa from it's original owner. It came with a 42 rear discharge deck, 48" plow and chains. This is how it came very clean. Alway's kept in heated garage at a car wash. Think I got a deal, paid $750. It was 400 hundred m,iles from home, but well worth the trip.

I had Caleb take some video footage and pics out of the second story of our shed today while I was blowing snow with the deuce! I can’t thank @WVHillbilly520H for the suggestions on the chute and paddle extensions. We had about 10”-12” on the level but I had multiple drifts that were around 20”. This was pretty heavy snow and so it made the diesel work but I love this machine! It has no problem launching snow an easy 40’ when working with the wind. the little tree under the rooster tail is about 15’ tall and about 35’ from where I’m blowing in the driveway.

On the hunt for a to restore with my daughter...haven’t found the right one yet but in the mean time picked this up from my brother in law. She and I are going to get her going for light neighborhood “patrol duty”... Its a 1982 CB 125. Been in his basement for 20+ years...retired from meter maid duty after a mishap that bent a few things...we will begin squaring things up shortly...

https://wheelhorsepartsandmore.com/hydraulics.html#!/Welded-cylinder-repair/p/84932539/category=23548048

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. My 60th birthday sure has been a different experience. I hope I am able to travel and see most of you in PA this June. I am not able you will be in my thoughts.

happy birthday Mike eric j

Thank you, all, for the info & tips. I did put a new condenser on it. Even bought new points from local NAPA store but they’re evidently for a different Kohler engine. Had me stumped for a bit when I installed them in the “closed” position of the motor and they were gapped @ .022”. Turns out that the distance from the back of the points’ mounting bracket - to the plastic part the push rod goes against is .030” closer than original points. Got a new set that’s supposed to be the right ones on the way. Y’all have a good one! HH (Mike)

Wife needs TV trays. I have some some ideas what I'm going to build, after this build. Plus I have some walnut blanks to turn some bowls.

OK, that checks out fine. the other end of that metal rod is about 3/16" from the drive belt, & the belt slacks off & kisses it when I push the clutch petal. Also, the belt is on top of that flange you mentioned under the right foot plate. Thanks for the tip about the adjustable clutch pedal. I'll look @ that if I ever let my wife use the machine again. She has a habit of breaking something or running over something whenever she's on it LOL. I suspect it runs along the same line as me when I mess up the dish or cloths washer anytime I use them LOL!

Clutch pedal rod #14 is threaded into a #22 trunnion at the rear. Take the cotter pin out at the padel and you should be able to shorten the rod for a shorter driver. Garry

Sealant on the mounting bolt threads would stop most of the oil leakage as the holes go thru the block.

My 416-H

Jim, Yeah, you're right about the 953/1054 being the first in the line of Big Guys. I didn't technically forget them, but I did leave them out of the discussion for the following rationalization... i think the GT14 caught on much better than the 953/1054 models and it was certainly marketed as a larger, more capable machine. Sort of an early "compact utility" instead of just a large garden tractor. Even the brochures of its day suggested it was a bigger machine to fill special niches. That's my story anyway... Mike, As soon as I re-read my post I knew somebody was going to bring up the 18-Automatic !!! Good eyes . I have an 18-Auto sitting in the garage, but I have always lumped them in with the D-auto series of tractors and don't grant them special status. I do the same with all the other '73 identity crisis models too. Fundamentally little separates the 73's from the later letter series, so I just throw them all together. You mention prototypes...I actually had a chance a couple of years ago to buy an original prototype 18-Auto/D-series from a lady in LaPaz, IN (not far from Mike) which is just a little south of the factory in South Bend. It was actually in decent shape and it was certainly interesting from a collector standpoint. The serial plate was hand-stamped with a model number for the D180 (from memory I think it was 1-0612) but the serial number was printed "USED". The tractor had some unique factory features, like the hood scoop that was needed to clear the air filter. And the notched frame to accomodate the 18 Kohler which I guess was a little bigger than they thought it was going to be. Also had a transmission cooler with fan plumbed to the rear fender and some holes here and there punched in the sheet metal where I guess stuff was mounted during evaluation. I asked the Toro guys at one of the WH shows what they thought of this and they verified that WH did occasionally assign a model number to prototypes and sell them. They discontinued the practice since there was often enough unique parts on them to make servicing difficult by the local dealers and they had numerous complaints to that end. In retrospect, I shouldn't have passed it up. But no sense crying about it now and she wanted more than I thought it was worth. Win some, lose some. Steve