Let's see your IH Cub Cadets!

[young enthusiest]

Originally Posted by Eagle Keeper

Keep the photo's coming ! Cubs from around the world ! This photo essay has conjured up some questions . Not to be misconstrued as criticism. What is restored ? I see many applications of this term abused on online auctions and other venues . To many it, means a new paint job. Even if it's the wrong paint. Guys, if Your going to go to the trouble of stripping down one of these fine machines and painting it ........... For goodness sakes "USE THE CUB PAINT" !!!!!!! Spend the extra 15 dollars and buy the right stuff. Anyhow, that is not a restoration. Restoration means taking out the clip board and compiling the deviation from factory specs. The obvious, head gasket leaks, tie rod ends, brake wear, tire rot, carb throttle shaft wear, front axle pivot point shimming, hydro control spring wear and swash plate input shaft leaks. Clutch and brake adjustment . The thing with most of these older Cubs is .....the thing that should wear out the most wears out the least. These old single cylinder engines just run forever and ever. They are a stone ax and a tribute to American ingenuity !!!! You all have fine machines. There are a few modifications that have been added to some Cubs here that I don't understand. So ,what do you guys think a restored Cub should entail ??? PS, Grey531 has a swell tractor that he has tweaked himself in a short period of time. Nice job Art !!

Um, I guess with what you said, My cub is not being "restored". I am using tremclad out of a rattle can. I am putting in new wiring (not a factory harness but my own thing) and There are a lot of things that will not be factory. I'm probably going to be using tire tube rubber for ISO replacment. I am also not using the factory Ih bolts, I'm installing new gauges, tie rod ends, front wheel bearings, new lights, and some other things. does this really count as a restoration, or is it not even close?

[young enthusiest]

Ok, my 1200

[klejeune]

I don't consider my Original with Danco loader a restoration, but more of a refurbishment. Most "restorations" aren't exact replications either as the factory didn't use automotive paint with perfect coverage. Most paint had sags and runs. It's a tractor, not a car. Just spending another $15 on the right paint isn't the only extra cost. I don't own a paint gun yet. I didn't have the time to put into what I should have done. I wanted it as a worker that looked nice and could be shown off too. I didn't weld up some holes that shouldn't be there and I wish I had, but was running out of time for the local show I wanted to be in. I don't go for awards and there are only a few that know the difference anyway. I'll never "restore" anything, but I'll get it close enough for me.

I don't take your comment as critism. But at shows and parades, others look at it as a "restoration". Sometimes I'll explain my theory as "refurbished" other times I just let them go with their own thoughts.

[Eagle Keeper]

Y.E. you are doing a bang up job on Your restoration. Like I said, some consider restoration to just be a new coat of paint. Not You. Your going for the guts first. My hat is off to you young man. 5-10 yrs from now You'll be turning out truly amazing equipment. It's already evident in your work. My post was more directed to the geezers !! Dang klejeune ,that is one sweet ride. Yeah I new my post was going to be a little controversial . I reworded it several times , but had it diluted down to a point that it looked like a statement from Pelosi. Your reply klejeune is what I'm looking for. Again ,when I saw your tractor it was a shock !!! What a great job. As far as factory runs or paint defects. I have never seen that many. At least not on the sheet metal. Frames, yes. Believe me, I have painted more than one tractor with a spray bomb. They do turn out very nice [Factory Paint] .

[T-Mo]

I know a few people who get very offended when the word "restoration" or "restored" is used. If it satisfies the owner, then that should be good enough.

[young enthusiest]

Originally Posted by Eagle Keeper

Y.E. you are doing a bang up job on Your restoration. Like I said, some consider restoration to just be a new coat of paint. Not You. Your going for the guts first. My hat is off to you young man. 5-10 yrs from now You'll be turning out truly amazing equipment. It's already evident in your work. My post was more directed to the geezers !! Dang klejeune ,that is one sweet ride. .

Thanks Eagle keeper! I'm just tryin to learn from constructive criticism. I can't look at klejeune's o and loader and not think that I've got to have on of those!!! In my work on my 1200 I found a way to fill all the little chips and dents in the fiberglass dash. mix up a fair amount of cold weld (or JB weld) put the blob at one end, take something flat, (a Popsicle stick for instance) and run the blob back and forth over the surface of the chips dents etc. be sure to not scrape so hard, that nothing stays. you can even fill in the heavily damaged hood rest. mine was completely broken off on the left side, and I managed to get it to look decent. let the stuff cure for a day, then use 400 paper on it to smooth it out. paint and looks real good! I realize that I am way way off topic here, so I think I'll just stop. lol

[Butterbean]

Here are a few pics of my 126. It is the best tractor I've ever had.

[ACecil]

Awesome looking 126 Butterbean!

[Grey531]

Nice cubs one and all

I never get tired of looking at these machines in any condition. And yes sometimes beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

That being said , I think what Eagle was getting at is the way many cubs are advertised as "restored or "just like new" etc. And they're anything but.

It's very easy to fall for something that looks good on the outside and end up paying for it later.

Sounds like someone I know

I really admire you folks that can see the possibilities and take a neglected machine and turn it into something special.

Even if it's less than perfect.

Thanks guys and keep the pics coming!

[lonnyb]

Heres all of mine.
72, 100, 107, 127, 383 hydro, 582 special, 3235 and a MTD yardking




This one was taken last summer