Lawn Ranger winter project

[slammer302 2,154]

I just finished up my suburban restoration and I thought a winter project would be fun for me and my kids to mess with on these cold days it came down to the 857 I just got back or my lawn ranger I picked the lawn ranger its been my little worker this summer so I thought I better give it sum love. 857 going to wait in line here's wait I got so far

[Wishin4a416 2,189]

Looks like a great Father/Son Project. Something to do this Winter.

[posifour11 723]

Can't wait to see it.

[slammer302 2,154]

I think were going to be able to handle everything ourselves except for the hood needs a tab welded back on were it bolts on to the front of the frame I live in niangua mo if theirs any welders in my area give me shout

[KC9KAS 4,741]

Looks like a nice project.

Thanks for the photos, and keep us updated with your progress.

[slammer302 2,154]

Started on the motor last night I was hoping this motor had the cast iron sleeve I don't it does

[slammer302 2,154]

The techy ran good though so I don't know what to do opinions????

Run it or Rebuild?

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I got it cleaned up

[sorekiwi 761]

If it ran well and didn't smoke much, I'd just lap the valves, clean the points and set the timing while the heads off.  Then put it back together and run it. 

 

There is something cool about 50 year old parts doing what they have been doing for 50 years (at least in my twisted head...).

[slammer302 2,154]

I like it to

[953 nut 51,736]

  One of my 953s has never even had the head off it. The only non original parts are belts, front tires and spark plug and points! It makes me feel proud every time I drive it.  

 

Keep us posted, I love father and son projects.  

[slammer302 2,154]

He just gave me a new project

[slammer302 2,154]

Got the front end apart all looks good except the front spindles look worn from the wheels that were on it don't have bearings they have some kind of bushings in them don't think they will be going back on

[SousaKerry 500]

They all look that way, there is a Babbitt material inside the rims and as long as they are well greased they should last, but 50 years will do a number on anything even with good grease.  I just put mine back together greased the heck out of them and hoped for the best. 

 

One time I did try to sleeve another tractor then I made custom bronze bushings for the rims, it really did not work very well as I got the tolerances too tight.  If I had it to do over again I think I would try to bend up new spindles.

[slammer302 2,154]

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[slammer302 2,154]

I've got the frame cleaned and primed and most the front end peaces waiting on the head gasket to show up ordered yesterday off eBay and got the pipe for the exhaust polished up

[posifour11 723]

This is gonna be done before winter at this rate. What's your winter project?

[slammer302 2,154]

There is going to be sum things that will put me on hold like finding someone to weld the hood up finding front wheels and money for new tires and painting will take a bit cleaning and priming seems to go fast

[slammer302 2,154]

Got the trans apart and cleaned and back together

[slammer302 2,154]

I've not got to do much but I did get the motor done

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[slammer302 2,154]

I have the trans attached and the front end is coming along

[Dkphillips 22]

I am preparing to do the same "winter" project...my L-157 ranger. Just got this tractor about a month ago and cannot wait until I have some time to work on it. It is in very good shape with the 32" mower deck. Have started on engine but got too busy to finish yet. May need some advice on timing later as I had to remove the engine parts that screw up timing due to no spark. There was a broken wire that I got fixed and now have spark. I will follow your progress so I can learn from your experiences. This is my first Wheel Horse re-do project even though this is my 4th horse. Purchased all others new (1967-cannot remember the model, GT 14 and C 145). I love to tinker so I am sure I will want another project sometime soon.

Good luck with your Ranger and I hope you have a great Thanksgiving.

[slammer302 2,154]

I've been working on getting my hood some pics of what my hood should look like this is the patch I've been working on

[slammer302 2,154]

I meant if someone could post a pic of what it should look like would be helpful. Of the front were it attaches to the front of the frame

[slammer302 2,154]

Put the motor back on today I still need to get some decals for it

[slammer302 2,154]

I was able to get the bushing out of the front wheel I'm going with bearings hope they will be easier on my spindles