1864 "War Machine" - Project Winterize
 

*Disclaimer: This thread is not for the Cub purists. There will be color changing, holes in fenders, even some running paint/bedliner. But in the end, this none-low-production Cub will be something catered to what I want it to be, and what I will use it for. Some will hate it, some will appreciate it but in the end, it will be destined to earn its keep. Now, on to the freakshow*

So, to start this off. I know, I know: winter is NOT a word anyone wants to hear this time of year, but the fact is it's coming...it's always coming. Even when it ends, it's coming! The season we all love to hate, but anyway.

One thing I've noticed about our beloved Cubs is that winter (and the salt that comes with it) seems to be most abusive to fenders and footrests. The frames seem to hold up well, the hoods, panels, etc; all seem to hold their own but the fenders and footrests get the crud kicked out of them. So, since I have made the decision to keep the 1864 as my year round worker, I figured I better make it one. And I mean really made the decision, not "I'm waiting for something better to come along so this will do in the mean time" decided, I mean REALLY decided to keep it. I mean what's not to love about it for a worker: power steering, SHARP turning, smooth running Command with low hours, solid trans, hydraulic lift, etc. She's earned a place in my heart, and garage, as long as she runs.

I began by removing the fenders and footrests and roughing up the beat up parts. From there, the footrests and underside of the fenders were coated in Herculiner. The top of the fenders were then coated in spray on truck bed liner by Rustoleum. For the record, I mainly wanted something to cover top side of the fenders to cover up the scratches, rust spots, and dings to help prevent future rust. The careful observer will notice a few runs of the Herculiner on the top side of the fenders. I wasn't the least bit concerned with preventing this as the top side of the fenders (and the interior of the cab, for that matter) will be covered in the same material todays big boy tractor cabs are coated in, so no one will ever be the wiser.

That's as far as I've made it at this point. I need to order the fabric and adhesive and get that cut to fit. From there, the cab will get its covering next and that'll be about it. Won't be a trailer queen by any means but it should hold up quite well to the beatings of mother nature. Thanks for looking, guys! :beerchug:

http://s26.postimg.org/7m2s7jcsp/IMG...502_212515.jpg

http://s26.postimg.org/6va21rafd/IMG...504_184240.jpg

I like it! Very interesting, the bed liner coating looks good! This will be a cool thread that watch! Thanks for sharing!

Now you talking! A winter warrior! How about some carbon vinyl film to give it a "Mad max" look?:biggrin2:

http://www.topvinylfilms.com/carbon-fiber-sheet/

Hmm not a bad idea; wrap the hood and side panels to make it a shadow in the night! :biggrin2:

I bet it will be night and day improvement next winter. The liner should really cut down the noise in the cab as well.

That was part of the goal with this project. Not only add durability but make it a bit nicer enviroment inside the cab I spend so much time in. It'd be nice to add a radio or something but then I'd be getting greedy :biggrin2:

Also on the to do list is add some additional weather stripping around some areas in need of it. It'll be much better next year if things go right.

You may not want to seal that cab up to much. I know on mine I always have to deal with the windows fogging. Lots of times when I back up I have to swing my doors open to air the cab out. I think I may install a fan next winter to blow air on the windshield.

I'm with you on the radio. I would love one in my cab as well.

I'm not going for 100% sealed up, I'm with you and don't want some foggy windows. I do, however, want to make it quieter and add some weatherstripping around where it meets up with the hood and side panels. At times, I would get a bit of a breeze through there when the wind kicked up and I don't know about you, but my legs get the coldest working in there! :biggrin2:

Also on the to do list is replace those plastic panels also in the pic below with Plexiglas ones for added visibility. What's on there now I like better than how it came from the factory but I'd still like to improve upon it a bit more.

http://s26.postimg.org/4uq0zc0ax/IMG...435_Custom.jpg

I would go with polycarbonate (lexan) instead of plexiglass (acrylic). Acrylic breaks fairly easy and is a real pain to saw and drill holes in.

Enough with the winter stuff. I just took the cover off the pool today. Please hold off on the winter talk till late November. :BB&YS: