RJ-58 (Help?)

[Old Ways 30]

I think I'll start with my story --I've been looking for one of these "little tractors" for about 5 years now, about when I got into "tractorin'."

I'm a senior in high school, and am working towards selling off my collection or tractors --but I've still been on the hunt for an RJ or short Suburban.  They're simple, and easy to store --and I'm in love with light, low-hp tractors.  I've been hoping to find one to restore so that I don't have to completely get out of tractoring during college.

I finally came across this tractor, in mid-restoration, about an hour from my home and did some horse-trading to get it.  I'm very happy with my purchase.

 

Now, for the questions and then pictures:
First, is the pictured rim correct for a '58?  

 

 

 

Second, is the pictured belt guard correct --if not, I'd be willing to do an even trade for a correct one?

 

Third, does anyone know what this engine would have been on originally?  It's a li'l Techy.  It has a gear-starter flywheel, and recoil.  I prefer the look of the K-91s, so if I can find one reasonably --I'll pounce on it or trade.

 

Fourth, is the exhaust pipe on the Tech. the correct one for the tractor?  (Minus the last elbow, of course.)

 

Fifth, the tires on the rear are BFG Power-Grips Garden Tractor tires --original? 

 

Sixth, what are the measurements for the tie-rod?  Mine is a hack job, with tons of toe-in.

 

Tractor and deck are complete, minus the exhaust guard --Have the original rims, but the tires are shredded.

 

Thanks for looking and any help! --I'm looking to finish/do the restoration again.  Hoping to go through the trans, and do a nut-and-bolt.  Also have a set of WH hubcaps I'd like to restore for it.

 

Edited November 6, 2014 by Dane in PA

[buckrancher 2,675]

Belt guard is not correct and the motor should be a clinton b1290 or a kohler k90

 

Brian

[AMC RULES 36,954]

You have a 401 belt guard there. (I could use)    

Front rims don't look to have the correct offset, not sure about the width either. 

[Sean Keys 57]

Good luck on your restoration, I am sure it will be fun! I had been looking for a round hood nut roaster for 10 years (obviously not very religiously) and I bought 4 (so far) this year. I am a sophomore in high school and know how you feel. You have an earlier 1958 model with what appears to be an incorrect seat. Look and see if there is a tag on the transmission to the right of the gear stick. If there is, posts its info on here. That will help with dating and with the parts search.

[Old Ways 30]

You have a 401 belt guard there. (I could use)    

Front rims don't look to have the correct offset, not sure about the width either. 

 

Do you have a '58 belt-guard for some tradies?  I have no idea what they're worth, so I'd prefer to trade straight-up for one --this one is NOS from a dealer in Johnstown (hence the, although incorrect, part number written on it).

The rims might not be correct, but they'll work.  They had original WH tires on them --completely shredded.  They are the same width found on most tractors up to '68?  (My Commando 8 had the same skinnier tires on it.)

Edited November 6, 2014 by Dane in PA

[Geno 1,928]

You're doing a nice job on it Dane. 

[Racinbob 10,363]

Looks like a great start to your project. I'm not sure about the rims but that's a Suburban belt guard. RJ guards look like this.

[Racinbob 10,363]

I'll also add that I'm sure folks will be knocking down your door to get their hands on that guard. Swapping for a RJ guard might be a different story. If you'd like, PM me and I'll send you info on a guy who has beautiful reproductions.

[GlenPettit 1,714]

Good luck on your restoration, I am sure it will be fun! I had been looking for a round hood nut roaster for 10 years (obviously not very religiously) and I bought 4 (so far) this year. I am a sophomore in high school and know how you feel. You have an earlier 1958 model with what appears to be an incorrect seat. Look and see if there is a tag on the transmission to the right of the gear stick. If there is, posts its info on here. That will help with dating and with the parts search.If I knew that Wheel Horses

If I knew that Wheel Horses would have helped me with dating, I should have started collecting them in High School, or even in the 6th grade ( is that what Scott is doing with his WH club? ).

[Sean Keys 57]

If I knew that Wheel Horses would have helped me with dating, I should have started collecting them in High School, or even in the 6th grade ( is that what Scott is doing with his WH club? ).

Oh my!!!   This an interesting theory we have going here!!  

[Old Ways 30]

Good luck on your restoration, I am sure it will be fun! I had been looking for a round hood nut roaster for 10 years (obviously not very religiously) and I bought 4 (so far) this year. I am a sophomore in high school and know how you feel. You have an earlier 1958 model with what appears to be an incorrect seat. Look and see if there is a tag on the transmission to the right of the gear stick. If there is, posts its info on here. That will help with dating and with the parts search.

The tag, if I'm correct, says 014-9

[Old Ways 30]

Got to work on some goodies I've had just waiting for this project...

 

Before:

 

 

During:

 

After:

 

 

Also found out that I've been accepted to MN State College --Southeast Tech!

[Racinbob 10,363]

Looking good! And a big congrats on your acceptance. :handgestures-thumbsup:

[Sean Keys 57]

The tag, if I'm correct, says 014-9

All of mine have a letter that corresponds with the month (A=January etc.) then comes the year. I think, but I could be mistaken. You might just have an RJ59 on your hands.

[jb4249 131]

It looks like a good restoration project. I think the front axles/spindles are wrong. That would probably make a difference in fitting the front proper wheels. The foot rests are from a newer model too.

jb4249

[jeremyrschroeder 6]

I'd buy that belt guard from you - if you were going to try and get one for an RJ.

 

Let me know - Thanks Jeremy

[CasualObserver 3,406]

 

 

Also found out that I've been accepted to MN State College --Southeast Tech!

 

Congrats!  And that's pretty cool.... you'll only be about 40 miles from me, and there's plenty of other collectors over here in the area if you need to get a fix!

[AMC RULES 36,954]

Here's 3 different rims from my RJ sets...click on the picts to enlarge. 

Over all, not much difference between them except their individual widths here.  

I think what differentiates RJ rims from later Suburban rims is the offset, bead lip, width, and whether they have none, one, or two holes.

I'm sure the RJ knowledge bank will chime in here, and correct this info...but you've gotta start somewhere.   

[Old Ways 30]

Got this little guy yesterday --will be getting a rebuild, at probably .2 over.  K91 --just need to find a carb and tins for it.

 

 

Also got some temp. front tires, until I can afford to buy new ones.  Got them for free off of a friend.  (Thanks, Andy --originator of different colored Wheel Horses)