Restoration Questions

[mike melillo]

Hello everyone. I'm a new member here, but not so new to cub Cadets. I own 2 whole units, a 125, a 149, several implements, and have one thats become a parts unit. I think thats a 104, but I'm not certain. The 125 was mechanically restored and runs exceptionally well, and I work it for all she's got. I have owned the 125 for about 20 years now, and I have a true appreciation for that tractor. My only gripes are the amount of noise the thing makes, and how expensive parts have gotten.

Anyway, I'm in the middle of a total restoration of a 149 and I have some questions about accuracy, and other details.

My steering wheel does not have the long triangle pointing back at the seat. It's a 3 sided triangle in the center only. Is it possible this is a 149 steering wheel?

On the K321, Did the engine color vary on this model, or were they always one color from the factory? I have seen both yellow and black.

I'm curious about the hydraulic ram for the implement lift. The unit is welded sealed, and no longer an available item from CC. I don't think it leaks, but the rod end is worn, and I know it's just a matter of time. So I'm curious to know if anyone has found a decent aftermarket, or if there having them cut open and re-welded to repack?

I m also a little torn on how far to go with the whole thing. I already have more money invested in parts than any of the new CC LT cost, and I haven't even spent a dollar on sand blasting, painting supplies, decals, or any of the other miscellaneous cosmetic items like the dash plate, or the fiberglass dash, re-plating the PTO lever...I would love to replace all of those things but I see more sense in making it mechanically sound, and reasonably OEM looking.

Just curious to get some feedback from like minded people with similar interest. Sorry for the winded fist post.

Thank you
Mike

[Maxwelhse]

Replating the chrome hydro handle? WOW.. You're going for broke! Sounds like a cool project!

Also... When someone says "rod end", I imediately think of the actual rod end, meaning where the cylinder is attaching. Seems like you could weld up the slop and save the cylinder if that is the case. Is that what you're talking about or I am misunderstanding you?

----

Anyhow... I have no idea of the originality of my 149, but if you need some pictures of this or that, of a rode hard and NEVER cared for tractor, let me know. I'd be happy to take a few for ya.

The only other thought I can leave you with is to forget about sandblasting (I know.. EGAD!!) most cub parts. They are heavy enough to withstand a firm wire wheel on a 4.5" angle grinder and come out no worse for the wear, but clean as the day they were born. That will save you a LOT of cash vs. blasting it all. I would have no compunction at all about that process on even the hood, though I may move around to avoid creating hot spots.

Good luck!

[CUBDRIVER75]

Any pics,what town in CT?And welcome!

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by mike melillo

"My steering wheel does not have the long triangle pointing back at the seat. It's a 3 sided triangle in the center only. Is it possible this is a 149 steering wheel?"

Without a pic, I'd say you have a steering wheel off of an '82 series.

Originally Posted by mike melillo

"On the K321, Did the engine color vary on this model, or were they always one color from the factory? I have seen both yellow and black."

I believe they were painted yellow at the cadet factory, but a replacement engine was black. Or a transplanted engine. The only yellow Kohlers I've seen were in a cadet.

As far as painting and cosmetic work.... There is no substitute for a proper disassembly sandblast and painting. It would sure be nice to replace the plastic dash, and re-chrome the handles.... but I do not believe the plastic is available any more, and re-chroming is expensive. Price is up to you! Do what you can afford. Oh, and .......

[Cubcrazy]

Originally Posted by mike melillo

Hello everyone. I'm a new member here, but not so new to cub Cadets. I own 2 whole units, a 125, a 149, several implements, and have one thats become a parts unit. I think thats a 104, but I'm not certain. The 125 was mechanically restored and runs exceptionally well, and I work it for all she's got. I have owned the 125 for about 20 years now, and I have a true appreciation for that tractor. My only gripes are the amount of noise the thing makes, and how expensive parts have gotten.

Anyway, I'm in the middle of a total restoration of a 149 and I have some questions about accuracy, and other details.

My steering wheel does not have the long triangle pointing back at the seat. It's a 3 sided triangle in the center only. Is it possible this is a 149 steering wheel?

On the K321, Did the engine color vary on this model, or were they always one color from the factory? I have seen both yellow and black.

I'm curious about the hydraulic ram for the implement lift. The unit is welded sealed, and no longer an available item from CC. I don't think it leaks, but the rod end is worn, and I know it's just a matter of time. So I'm curious to know if anyone has found a decent aftermarket, or if there having them cut open and re-welded to repack?

I m also a little torn on how far to go with the whole thing. I already have more money invested in parts than any of the new CC LT cost, and I haven't even spent a dollar on sand blasting, painting supplies, decals, or any of the other miscellaneous cosmetic items like the dash plate, or the fiberglass dash, re-plating the PTO lever...I would love to replace all of those things but I see more sense in making it mechanically sound, and reasonably OEM looking.

Just curious to get some feedback from like minded people with similar interest. Sorry for the winded fist post.

Thank you
Mike

[ACecil]

Welcome to OCC! Good luck with your restoration!

[sawdustdad]

My 149 (and 108s) have a long triangle with the metal decal in the steering wheel. Agree, the engines were yellow from the factory. As were the starter/generators up until the 1X8/9 series (including your 149) when they were black.

I know the restoration can be expensive. I think I spent close to $2000 on my 108 restoration, including an engine overhaul. It's as good as new now. I love it, and don't regret the cost at all. It runs SO sweet now. Perhaps your 149 needs a new muffler? It might help the noise.

[zippy1]

Welcome to OCC!
I can tell you, a restore or "Face lift" will get expensive. Because there is always something that pops up that you're not expecting, and that cost more money.
It is very satisfying when you're done, to use a new piece of old equipment. Is it worth all the work to make it like new, (or close)? You bet it is. Especially when you put it to work for the first time, as in my case just like back in 1964 with a few mods to make it more, me friendly. And it's basically a new tractor that will outlast anything off the showroom floor built today.
How do I know?
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=13735

[TheSaturnV]

When thinking about the costs, tally up what you've spent and see what kind of yard tractor that will buy you. Not much, I guarantee it. A decent mower, yes, but nothing that will be built anywhere near as well as your 149. I consider these old IH GTs to be mini CUT's.

You may not have to re-chrome your PTO lever, they can clean up nice with a fine grade wire wheel or even some steel wool.

[mike melillo]

I have the image attached.

As far as the expense go's I am just surprised at the cost of things nowadays, and it's not until your into it do you discover exactly how much is really worn out. I don't like short cuts, and I hate to do the same job twice if it can be avoided. Especially on those hard to reach parts, like "tron shaft" on the hydro unit. That thing is worn out beat. For 250.00 I can easily split the case, install new seals and gaskets, and I know the thing wont creep, and I wont have to pull the unit again if I change it (at least not for that).

On the engine alone I have 700 into rebuild parts. The gasket kit was 85.00, and the piston wrist pin & rings were near 200.00. I know I'm getting old but i remember those parts being a lot less, and that kind of money would have bought you a whole new engine or a K series short block. Today your lucky if you can even find one.

I really don't see myself plating any parts on this deal. I just get OCD on the idea of leaving it pitted when everything else is mechanically new, and shinny.

Thanks for the help and welcome!

Mike