1450 Hydro question

[clint]

I just purchased a Cub Cadet 1450 Hydro, it's in great shape, well great shape for a restore, which I plan to do. I know worthless without pictures, I will get some up soon. I have a few questions, and just a general lust for knowledge, and would be in debt for any help.

First think I have a hard time getting it to crank, once it's running it is smooth, plenty of power etc. I have to put a hot wire to the hot side of the coil to get it to crank, however I'm reading 12 volts at the hot coil terminal. I'm really thinking of trying the points saver I have read about, one thing I like is for my tractor/lawn mower to crank when I want it to!! Any info for helping me trouble shoot this will be greatly appreciated.

Second, I removed the cover where the drive shaft from motor to transmission, two problems... One is there is two hex bolts on top or supposed to be, I only have one, the other has a small needle like sticking out, both are seeping some fluid, everything hydraulic works on the tractor, lift, forward reverse etc. I need to get this fixed tho, and was wondering where I can find the piece. I will see if I can get a picture, but maybe my description will be of some help. As well with this I don't have any brakes, I have downloaded the manuals, and think I can handle the adjustment on this ( I hope).

I will also in the future need to rebuild the steering shaft, as there is some play, I want to nip that before it causes a costly repair for sure, and of course the front clutch needs to be replaced, I'm thinking of doing the mod using the universal joint here unless anyone gives me a good reason (looking for knowledge here) not to, and the plastic fan will need to be replaced. I wonder on this, the aluminum electric motor fan looks like it would be a good replacement, I don't think I would have any problem making a bushing/adapter for this ( I have a lathe). I purchased a set of side fenders, however the rubber grommet thingies that go from the motor at the flywheel/rear of engine are missing on both sides, so any ideas on making one, or where to purchase would be helpful. Also someone of course took the heat shrouds off the top front of the motor, and the original aircleaner/housing for the carb so I will need to make these, or find some, any info on this would also be appreciated. The deck is in great shape, does need safety cover for left side of belt.

the good part is, the paint is in decent shape, no bad rust, front wheels need blasting, and painting, some speckle rust, however it's all original, stickers, plates etc, I thought about repainting it, however I really like factory paint, even if it's not in perfect shape, it's really hard to duplicate the class of the stickers, emblems, tags etc.. This will be a long ongoing project, my main goal as of now is getting it to crank, and mechanically sound. Looking at my post above, I said it's in great shape, but wow, she does need some TLC, I just want to get it back to factory specs (with maybe a few mods like the drive shaft) A few pics below, I will get some complete pics.

I hope I didn't post my first post in the wrong sub forum, this is a great site, with loads of info, and helpful users, I hope to become one of in the future.