WHwest8597 85 #1 Posted September 9, 2010 I picked up a 1985 417-8 that had been sitting outside for a while. The tractor has no engine and 48 inch deck that has some holes. I need to check the tranny as the tractor is stiff in neutral. I'm looking for some suggestions on complete restoration project. What size engine should I consider, the best was to remove paid down to bare metal? I want to make this tractor into a worker. Since I already have two 314-8s, I was thinking about using the 417-8 as a tiller and plow/blower tractor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel Horse Fan 3 #2 Posted September 10, 2010 I'm all for the biggest motor you can get for it, especially if it's going to be doing some hard work. I believe it originally came with a KT17. There are still some used and rebuilt ones floating around out there (couple on ebay). I'm working on getting my KT17 running now. Yes removing the paint to bare metal is probably the best option. Unless the paint is still in good condition. There are a few options for removing the paint. Just depends on how much time or money you have. The easiest but most expensive is to have someone sandblast the parts. OTherwise you can use a good paint stripper or use a a rapid strip wheel for your grinding wheel (sold at Home Depot). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
