1976 1450 Pics and Questions
 

Hey everyone here are the pictures, as promised, of my tractor and a few additional questions while I'm at it. I picked up this 1450 a few weeks ago, it needs a few things but overall is in decent shape. I'll be using it to mow my less than 1/2 acre yard and hopefully for some snow removal.

The pictures make the paint look a little better than it is.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/IR...-h648-no?.jpeg

The deck is actually in really good shape, needs paint though.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7D...-h648-no?.jpeg

Now for the questions, is it normal for my deck to sag down a bit if I had it raised all the way up overnight? I left it at it's highest point and it move probably 1/3 of the way down. Also is it hard on the hydraulics to leave the deck up?

The previous owner made an exhaust out of cast iron pipe with a pepperpot muffler, if I put a stock muffler back on will it reduce the exhaust noise noticeably? Would the original muffler box reduce it further? I'd like to make it as quiet as possible. Would any parts be needed besides a stock muffler and muffler box to return the setup to stock?
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/j5...-h648-no?.jpeg

In noticed my light switch is missing a blade, is there a way to repair this or an aftermarket toggle switch that I could buy?
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Ql...-h648-no?.jpeg

I've got the carb dialed in as best I can, it starts fairly easily, idles fine and runs great at wide open throttle, but I notice a brief amount of hesitation when going from idle to wide open throttle. Any advice on what I could try to fix this? It's not a major problem just slight annoyance.

Thanks, I can tell this site is going to be a great resource. :beerchug:

You're gonna need this stuff too;

And you should make one of these;

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...670#post154670

If that mower is in as good of mechanical shape as it is cosmetic, you won't be needing another one for a mighty long time cutting only 1/2 acre.

I've had pretty good luck salvaging those switches by soldering a new lug in place. Make sure the switch is making contact inside before you waste time repairing the lug.

Many time a dozen or so quick on/off cycles will clean up the contacts inside and make them work again.

Thanks TwoTon, I'm assuming that is a 1" thread lock nut?

It's getting there but not perfect cosmetically or mechanically. Is it big deal if I don't run the white plastic cooling fan on the driveshaft? I don't have one but it seems like it wouldn't warrant replacing, does it really improve cooling enough to invest in one?

How do I ensure it's making contact? Also where can I source a lug (new term for me)? I've been staring at them on my motorcycle horn, as I think they'd fit the bill but don't really want to salvage a perfectly good horn.

Put on a new fan. They were on there for a reason.

X-2, The fan is designed to keep your pump cool. Would be a good idea to remove the seat pan and make sure everything is clean of grass, oil. Then once you install a new fan, put your hand outback, and you'll feel the air it moves over the pump.:beerchug: