1977 B-80 Restoration

[Easton Rich 621]

I got this one on trade, I'd had my eye on it for a while and was planning on buying it. He knew I liked it so, I got this and a no-name 8hp. I'm super excited to have a pair of the best Wheel Horses ever made! I plan to do a complete stock rebuild on this one, nothing special. I love hearing your guys' feedback and tips. It helps a lot! Pictures soon

[ri702bill 9,445]

The B-80 is the earlier rendition of the C-81. Extremely similar.

Items to look at - may need repair / replacement....

 

The "F" plate on the frame is prone to cracking at the 4 Unidrive bolt holes. Not a showstopper, but time consuming to repair properly.

The lower steering block tabs are prone to cracking - replace if needed ( the later style 500 series is preferred - has thicker tabs and bolts right in..).

Check the front axle / spindles / pivot for excessive wear / play. Repairable.

The OE tierods cannot be lubricated. Replace with aftermarket adjustable ones with Heim joint ends. Side benefit - allows a more proper toe-in adjustment and the ability to center the steering wheel.

Check the lower end of the steering wheel for cracks - two good sized cracks on opposite sides and I toss that wheel .... It is overmolded on the steel hex inner hub and WILL separate at the most inconvenient time - mine did. I replaced mine with a Grant Classic one similar to what is on the 420 LSE.

The shaker plate bushings deteriorate over time. Replace with aftermarket solid ones. (Some folks also make up solid spacers for this).

Add an additional engine ground near the starter.

If the tractor has headlights - add a ground wire with a removable connector. I used an old style 2 pin polarized flat trailer connector.

Now is a good time to consider adding a Marine Primer Bulb to assist starting after a period of non-use.

Once these are addressed - enjoy your rugged, fuel sipping worker.

[Racinbob 11,935]

I'm very partial to the 76-77 B series. They are identical to the C series of those years other than a few minor basically cosmetic things. In 78 the B's became light duty lawn tractors. I much prefer the older style steering tower for access to things 'inside', the underhood fuel tank although the rear mount does make sense but is causes other issues and the lack of engine wobble mounts. In my opinion those two years were Wheel Horses finest. I purchased mine brand new just after the blizzard of 78. It was a leftover model sitting on the floor of Chandlers Wheel Horse in South Bend. Shortly after that I converted it to a 'B'-160 and it spent a large amount of its life that way tilling, pushing dirt gravel and gravel, blowing snow and of course, mowing. I worked the snot out of it and never heard a single complaint.

 

Here it is with the K341.

 

 

I recently converted it back to a B-80 and dedicated it to a snowblade year round.

 

[Retired Wrencher 5,789]

53 minutes ago, Racinbob said:

I'm very partial to the 76-77 B series. They are identical to the C series of those years other than a few minor basically cosmetic things. In 78 the B's became light duty lawn tractors. I much prefer the older style steering tower for access to things 'inside', the underhood fuel tank although the rear mount does make sense but is causes other issues and the lack of engine wobble mounts. In my opinion those two years were Wheel Horses finest. I purchased mine brand new just after the blizzard of 78. It was a leftover model sitting on the floor of Chandlers Wheel Horse in South Bend. Shortly after that I converted it to a 'B'-160 and it spent a large amount of its life that way tilling, pushing dirt gravel and gravel, blowing snow and of course, mowing. I worked the snot out of it and never heard a single complaint.

 

Here it is with the K341.

 

 

I recently converted it back to a B-80 and dedicated it to a snowblade year round.

 

In my book, there’s nothing like a B80  8 speed  8 hp great engines do days work and still have fuel left over. I’ve had a couple of them. I’ve had also the four speeds and I miss them all.