Restoration of a 1971 800 Automatic

[MikesRJ 558]

I will soon begin the restoration of a 1971 800 Automatic. My plan for this machine to be my wife's worker machine, so the restoration will not be completely back to original specification. More than a refresh, but less than a full tear-down restoration.

I recently purchased this one from a gentleman in MD, the tractor made its way back to PA via the assistance of a good friend, RMaynard. Upon arrival to my humble abode, the first order of business was to get the original Briggs and Stratton engine (model/spec: 109434-0825-01) running well, then do a complete assessment of the remaining parts of the machine and their current condition.

The carburetor and fuel pump have been completely rebuilt and now the engine runs surprisingly well. Still has a lot of power and does not bog down at all when going up a steeper-than-you-really-should-be-going grade. No smoke or unusual noises, so hopefully this one will last for some time to come.

Which brings me to my first few of many (I'm sure) questions for the more educated ones among us.

1. Look at the 4th picture below. The dash panel shown appears to be a later model style, although the User Manual (I don't have a copy of the Parts Manual) shows both the later style and a metal screen-printed version in its pages. Does anyone know which is the correct dash panel for this machine?

2. Does anyone have a copy of the Parts Manual for this machine? The Parts Manual form number is A-7504. I have an original Owners Manual (form number A-5281), and an excellent PDF version of the same, if anyone needs a copy PM me.

I'll keep updating this thread as I make some more progress.

[rmaynard 16,289]

Mike,

As we discussed earlier, I think that the dash panel on yours is a replacement, and not a good fit at that. I think that you should remove it, and look at the panel behind it. As I found with my 856, there was residual printing detected behind the rust. If yours had the printed metal panel, there should still be some evidence. I would clean it up and put one of the Vinyl Guy's brushed aluminum decals on it.

I think the second part number is for a "service assembly". That indicates to me that when they had trouble with the dash assembly, they had a "slap-in" replacement.

Bob

[DMK855 15]

Looks like a good solid machine Mike!! I will be looking forward to the many pics and info to come!!

BTW.... I should have the new addition to the stable delivered to my parents on Thursday!!!! :USA:

[fireman 1,022]

Nice solid machine to start with Mike. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[VinsRJ 723]

Look'n forward to the up dates, Mike......... :)

[PPGman 5]

Still has a lot of power and does not bog down at all when going up a steeper-than-you-really-should-be-going grade

Nothing like seeing people slam on the brakes when they see a horse planted on a sidehill that most people wouldn't take a push mower accross! One of the qualities i love about the WH is their ability to turn into a "goat" if needed to get the job done!

Nice looking project Mike, i'm sure it will look great when its done! I think you should leave the seat "as is" though....... it gives it character!!

Look forward to seeing pictures when your done!

[MikesRJ 558]

... I think you should leave the seat "as is" though ...

Actually that's one of the not-original changes which will be made.

SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed, aka my wife) already requested a three-piece seat and a little extra air-brushing under the clear coat, since I quoted this one as "her machine".

[HankB 16]

SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed, aka my wife) already requested a three-piece seat and a little extra air-brushing under the clear coat, since I quoted this one as "her machine".

What? Oh, I see!

"Honest honey, I got this one for you!"

I'll have to try that one some day.

I'm curious about the three piece seat. What is that? My Raider 12 came with what I believe to be a boat seat and that seems to be pretty comfortable. The back folds forward too and has a strap with snap to hold it in place.

I'm also curious about what looks like an early mule drive. My Raider 12 has one of those to which some PO has welded push bars. It has no pulleys and the mower deck uses pulleys mounted under the PTO pulley. I wonder if it was original and then abandoned or of someone just added it to make some kind of bumper.

[MikesRJ 558]

This is a previous restoration I did on a three piece seat which now resides on my '73 10 HP - 8 Speed. The cushion covers I custom-made and installed in this picture. The seat can be mounted either on top of "C-springs", or directly to the fender pan. I chose to mount with the additional springs.

Seat on tractor in the background:

More pictures are located here:

http://www.mywheelhorse.com/modules.php?na...=show_doc&id=27

According to the owners manual, the Mule Drive on the front of mine is the original, which was later replaced by the Tach-a-Matic Mule Drive we commonly see today on later machines. The only thing the "Old Style" Mule Drive is missing is the tensioning spring.

OLD STYLE

NEW STYLE

[HankB 16]

That's a pretty nice looking seat!

Here's what the front attachment on my '71 (1-0310) Raider 12 looks like:

[MikesRJ 558]

Seat came out well. Thanks for the compliment.

Yup, your "front bumper" appears to be a welded conversion of the original mule drive. I still haven't quite figured out how to hook the tension spring to the old mule drive yet. Since this one is only going to be used for tugging carts around the property, I may just take the mule and deck attachments off completely.

[PPGman 5]

That seat is very nicely done. You Sir, are a craftsman :)

[Kelly 1,033]

Your missing the front cover also, it's getting dark right now but if you want, I have a tractor all set up with the spring and cover I can take pictures for you.

[Lane Ranger 11,385]

I rebuilt an 800 special mule drive for my brother this Spring. I took several photos in progress but for some reason could not find a finished photo.

Some of these may help you with the cover and the spring to frame connection.

The spring attaches to the bolt behind the washer (which I filed a groove in to hold the spring) when the mule drive is tightened to the frame

:)

[Lane Ranger 11,385]

I found a completed photo of the 800 Special Mule drive wih the spring on it.

It shows how the spring is suppose to attach on the mule drive frame.

When it is installed on the tractor frame it is the same set up.

:)

[MikesRJ 558]

Your missing the front cover also, it's getting dark right now but if you want, I have a tractor all set up with the spring and cover I can take pictures for you.

I'd appreciate that. I see the other posts but the more the merrier. Anyone have a plate for sale?

[Suburban 550 28]

Mike, looks like you have a project ahead of you and you probably won't have the time to get at it since you're back to work. Looks like a nice workable tractor. I had at one time, the complete old style mule drive for that tractor and ended up giving it to my cousins husband, just to get it out of the way. :wh: