pacer 3,160 #1 Posted July 19, 2013 I've had my 1975 D-180 for some 25+ years and other than necessary maintenance (oil change, etc) I have badly overlooked its appearance - poor thing! And this bad boy thing is such a beast, I tend to somewhat abuse it too. It continually amazes me as to just what it can do and using it that way doesnt help its appearance. I have the 48" mower deck, a Brinley turning plow, a 4' rear dirt blade, a set of cultivators and obviously the 3 point hitch, so I have the accessories to work it even more. I had recently finished a major rebuild of a 1054 and it turned out so well that on looking at my faithful 180 sitting all ugly and forlorn, I just had to do something about it! Mostly just paint (like the 1054, used Rustoleums "sunrise red") not doing a major tear down, just some sheet metal. Fenders and hood had some dings so easier to work out off the tractor, removed the air shrouds off engine (needed to check fins anyway), grille, seat, tank, steering wheel/dash and a few other small things. I did sand blast or disk sanded most everything in order to get rid of that horrible blue and yellow - the blue was mostly gone anyway. Course while I was into it I corrected some neglected wiring, rebuilt carb (boy, did that make a difference!) replace a bent up steering wheel, etc, and of course the cream on the cake - new decals from Terry! They sure make a paint job POP! So, I know some will want to know about the remoted air cleaner... I dont use the mower deck anymore, but back when I did I had a pretty bad problem with the air filter clogging up very quickly when it was in the factory position (2-3 filters a season) so I got busy one day and cobbled up a remote filter -- and that completely solved that problem, I can go a long time now with out filter change. Oddly enough the flywheel shroud doesnt get a hint of chaff. The seat is from a Delta Airlines belt loader - I worked for them 35 years, the rear tires are the - getting more and more scarce - 15"ers in a "skid steer" version, 27-8.5x15 6ply 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,254 #2 Posted July 19, 2013 WOW! Hard to believe its the same tractor! Mike.............. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vinylguy 4,673 #4 Posted July 19, 2013 WOW what a transformation. Beautiful job!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coldone 35 #5 Posted July 19, 2013 WOW what a great looking tractor. When you wanna do mine? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amanda 81 #6 Posted July 19, 2013 That looks awesome! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
546cowboy 301 #8 Posted July 19, 2013 What a difference that made. I do believe it's not the step-child anymore. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jake Kuhn 1,554 #9 Posted July 20, 2013 Looks great! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,117 #10 Posted July 20, 2013 Holy sheep dip Batman! That can't be the same tractor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woodchuckfarmer 333 #11 Posted July 20, 2013 Its like night and day...nice job Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 37,866 #12 Posted July 20, 2013 C'mon, that's a new D with the old tires,seat, and steerin knob. Right???? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
horsesaver98 18 #13 Posted July 20, 2013 Can ya post some of the 1054 and you did a fine job on that Can ya post some of the 1054 and you did a fine job on that Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brandonozz 168 #14 Posted July 20, 2013 Very, Very Nice! Are you going to be scared to get her dirty now? I'm afraid I would! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamesBe1 82 #15 Posted July 20, 2013 Nice work. I like your choice of red. I may use that in the future. How did the aircleaner get relocated to its present position? Obviously not factory, but I have to admit that it looks kinda cool. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cutlas3391 776 #16 Posted July 20, 2013 Nice work!!! I love the meats on those rear tires!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marv 914 #18 Posted July 21, 2013 That is goergous. I am working my D200 trying to get it to look like that. Wonder if you want to finish it for me LOL. I may be embarrased to post it when it is finished. Marvin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,516 #19 Posted July 21, 2013 (edited) Now that is a serious, very serious, cleanup! I'm sure we're all in awe, a great job! Thank you for sharing. Gives us all direction, what we should aim for when "cleaning up" our old Horses! Looks like you were aiming for the moon. Again, great job, excellent work, saved old iron for sure! Congrats! PS. That is not a cleanup! A full restoration is more like it! PSS. Run out of steam? Rear tail lights goin' on soon? Edited July 21, 2013 by Tankman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,160 #20 Posted July 21, 2013 Thanks for all the these good comments fellas, -- boy, makes a fella feel good! It really wasnt a very involved project - the tractor was in good mechanical condition so I didnt have to get sidetracked doing a lot of repairs and could concentrate on getting it cleaned and the paint put on. I think I was on it about 12 days - I'm retired, that helps. I dont know about tail lights, I've probably only ran it after dark 3-4 times since I've had it - no snow down here so no need to be out in the dark clearing driveways. I had mentioned just finishing up the 1054 that inspired doing the D and thought I'd show a couple pics of it for anybody that had missed it... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,516 #21 Posted July 21, 2013 More, WOW!!, for the 1054. All are now embarrassed, planning to do better. Inspirational! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marv 914 #22 Posted July 21, 2013 Double WOW. I am loading mine on the trailer to bring it to you. On second thought I will bring all of them. Marvin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Austin860 82 #23 Posted July 21, 2013 Marv you can bing the 250 to me ! haha. That's only a clean up!! I wish my d180 looked that good( instead of in pieces) . Beautiful machine Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisd200(inactive) 55 #24 Posted July 21, 2013 Keep those D's looking great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fantastic job! I like the remote air filter idea. I have considered it myself. Nice touch! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
