From this to that.

[Retired Wrencher 7,003]

I took my time when I picked this up in the middle of the summer. It’s going to be my winter project so I decided to tear it down to the frame and clean it. Also go through one part at a time on assembly.. It’s never gonna be a pretty tractor.Or a show peace but it will be something you can use at the shows or just riding around the house. I’ve always wanted this model but I never could pull the trigger on one.I hope you enjoy the pics. 

[953 nut 69,744]

Thanks for inviting us along for the ride.                           

[peter lena 10,082]

@Retired Wrencher like the , opportunities  of a bare frame ? lets you enhance things as you go ? the inner upper  frame corner , easily  holds a steel  brake line  1/4  or 5/16  , ELIMANATING  THAT  FUEL HOSE BREAK DOWN ?  ALSO THE PTO  LEVER SET UP ? loaded with  easy , improvements . like a roller stool ride around , so its a comfortable , look / see trial , done a lot of that  ,  when you  paint an  improvement  RED / BLACK , it  disappears . only a suggestion .  patana  oiled finish , would be easy , and era  correct . mule drive set up  , gold mine for functional detailing , tried marvel mystery oil , on a paint soak , for days , perfect  patina , enjoy it . pete  

[ri702bill 13,170]

Well - so far, so good. One item - the lower portion of the "F" plate with the booger-snot welds holding the patch in place. All that must be ground smooth to get the proper fit and support of the Unidrive. Thet area always traps water & rusts. Fix the welds, grind or wire wheel the whole face of the plate, prime & paint. It will last another 50 years...

Edited 14 hours ago by ri702bill

[James Wright 3]

The point about the F plate trapping water is worth heeding, since that corrosion tends to come back if the welds aren't dressed properly. Grinding the face flat before priming makes sense for the Unidrive support to sit right. On the patina side, an oiled finish does suit the era better than fresh paint, though I'd be cautious about how much soak any bare steel gets before assembly. The roller stool idea is practical too, letting you test fit and check clearances without straining. Nice to see this moving forward.

[peter lena 10,082]

@James Wright  been doing lubrication paint  maintenance for years ,  don't even think about it , just do it , every time I see  dull  faded  finish , and its so easy  , do it in stages , and go  slow , letting the paint get  warm  in sun . or dry inside , dare to try a spot , pete