CC 149 Winter Projects.

[Ambush]

On second thought, it isn’t much work to split the tractor and it makes working on things so much easier. And I’m going to be changing color too.

[Ambush]

I wouldn’t say by the looks of it that I’ve gotten a lot done, but it does seem to soak up the hours, stripping paint, wire brushing, sanding, straightening and planning.
I gathered up bearings balls and a thrust bearing for the steering box. I drained and swabbed out the hydraulic reservoir. I got the frame painted. Today I rebuilt the steering box and painted it, so it’s ready to go. I’m making a pile of cleaned and ready to paint pieces for when I mix up some more paint. I couldn’t find a gasket for the steering box quickly or for a reasonable price, so I made one from a thin felt pad same as the original. The new ones are foam, I think.

[ironman]

In case you were not already aware, replacing the plastic bushing at the top of the steering tube with a bearing will improve smoothness.
The bearing from your front wheels will fit.
To keep it from riding up and out of the tube you can dimple the tube with a center punch or apply some JB Weld to the inner edge of the tube.

[Ambush]

Yes, thanks again Ironman. I learned that right here on OCC from the very knowledgeable and always generous membership!

[Ambush]

The tedious job of stripping and prepping small parts and linkages is nearing an end and I’m glad.

All are primed, many have the first coat and a few the second coat.

I’ll be happy when I can get the whole frame and attachments back together and start on the main body.

[Oak]

Looking good Ambush!

[finsruskw]

I would not paint the fins on the pump.
3 coats of paint will inhibit the cooling.
Same goes for the engine and the head but that will just burn off.

[garydee]

Ambush,
I can appreciate the hard work you have done to get as far as you have. The work is often dirty and tedious, but the long awaited results are something you and many others will appreciate in the years ahead.

The process reminds me of tearing a large phone book in half...(remember what those are?) a page at a time. Those who have the determination to press on will get everything done in a step by step sequence to complete the project. The learning experience is the greatest benefit from this long process, followed by tremendous satisfaction!

Keep up the great work!

[Ambush]

You are right finruskw and I will clean that paint off the pump case.


I thought about just watching the paint dry, but I got bored. I got the heat gun out and peeled the decals off. Then I started stripping the paint off the hood, front bezel and the tunnel cover. The stripping gel took the first layers of non- factory paint off with very little effort. The factory paint needed a bit more scraping but about 98% came off pretty good. I’ll wire brush and sand tomorrow. It’s nice that the metal is all solid and straight. Just as few little welding jobs to do.

I have to try to repair the dash too. It feels like plastic, but seems to maybe have a fibre imbedded in it I’ll probably try a short strand fibreglass with a thin sheet metal backer.

[finsruskw]

Yeah, most of them are like that from folks slamming the hood shut, that and it not being adjusted properly.