IndianaMatt 34 #1 Posted June 11, 2014 Well, i got the 417 in the work shop tonight. I started to really look her over for the first time... It is really rough. It needs tons of work and I do not know where to start. I was originally going to start by tearing down the KT17 but after thinking about it I have changed my mind. I think I will start with body work and such, the reason being is that if I get her looking good I will be more motovated to finish it. I will include some pictures later. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scotsman 46 #2 Posted June 11, 2014 (edited) Make sure the 8 speed fluid is new for starters, I just do the basics oil change and tighten up loose parts and then run them to see what needs fixin before I work it. But that's just me,I buy good models that are beat up , and I enjoy tinkering. (and am a cheap Scotsman) But if you are restoring it, give it a few days, and you'll get some good advice. I am more of a "front line of the battle mechanic "patching em up than a restoration guy. Good luck Edited June 11, 2014 by Scotsman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,033 #3 Posted June 11, 2014 I too would do a once of on the mech. side of it, you may find issues you don't want to deal with, get it in good working cond. first, pretty don't make it go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IndianaMatt 34 #4 Posted June 29, 2014 Well the 417 is all apart in the garage. It has been the hardest tare down I have ever seen. All the bolts and screws were rusted so bad I have drilled and cut most of them out. I cant get the steering wheel off and the clutch pedal is so rusted internally I cant budge it. The seat and seat pan isn't salvageable. So any tips on the rusted frozen steering wheel before I start cutting? This has been a nightmare. I enjoy working on stuff but this is uncalled for. The best part is this thing has less than 500 hours on it... Again who ever is responsible for this shouldn't be allowed to ever own another mechanical device. I have sanded the hood and rear fenders. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,976 #5 Posted June 29, 2014 Hang in there Matt. The 417's are worth putting in the extra effort to save. You are doing a good thing. Just keep your focus on what a fantastic tractor this is going to be when you finished. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IndianaMatt 34 #6 Posted June 29, 2014 Thank you for the encouragement. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
546cowboy 302 #7 Posted June 29, 2014 Doesn't sound like the engine will need too much attention with those hours unless there wasn't any maintenance done on it. You really don't want to get into a KT-17 unless you absolutely have to. Cosmetic stuff is easily fixed just takes a little time and attention to detail. Some of those steering wheels are a challenge and it sounds like that tractor was outside for quite some time. Always keep in mind what you will have when it's done and the satisfaction of knowing what it took to get it that way. We do this because we love to see these tractors the way they were meant to be. A made in America piece of history that looks and works the way we do. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
papaglide 542 #8 Posted June 29, 2014 (edited) I am with Van and Lynn on this one. I have a 417 with a broken governor. Still haven't got it fixed and almost had the tractor sold, TWICE. Common sense prevailed and I didn't sell. I just have to keep it in my head that this tractor will be awesome when she is fixed. The same goes for you, keep the prize in mind bro! Edited June 29, 2014 by papaglide 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #9 Posted June 29, 2014 For the roll pin in the steering column holding the wheel............PF Blaster...............Time.................The correct Roll Pin Punch and a Hammer................................Repeat, Repeat, Repeat! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdleach 525 #10 Posted June 29, 2014 Well Matt, I sympathize with your plight. There is an easy solution though. Just box up all the pieces and drop them off at my garage here in Columbus. I'll even reimburse you for the gas! Hang in there, persistence will win the day, and you will end up with a very nice tractor. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IndianaMatt 34 #11 Posted July 1, 2014 Well Matt, I sympathize with your plight. There is an easy solution though. Just box up all the pieces and drop them off at my garage here in Columbus. I'll even reimburse you for the gas! Hang in there, persistence will win the day, and you will end up with a very nice tractor. I have even put the small parts in labeled Ziploc bags for you. Oh and I have lots of this is what it looked like pictures. lol 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,925 #12 Posted July 1, 2014 like Boovuc said. Soak the stuck parts with your favorite penetrating oil. I too use PB Blaster. If you can get it to 'puddle' on the area, all the better. There's been time when I waited for days to let it work all the while soaking again several times a day. I agree with you about the PO never owning a nice machine again. That clutch pedal apparently was never greased. Be patient and I think you'll be happy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
