Making my cab cozy for the winter

[jimbob200521]

As some of you may know, I started this frankenstein of a project earlier this year. Long story short I had an 1863 with a low hour engine and an 1864 with a high hour engine. Swapped engines (I like the Sunstrand in the 1864 better). The plan was for a winterized machine to push snow with. So I removed the fenders and footrests and coated the footrests and underside of the fenders in truck bed liner (let's see 'em rust now!). Since the top of the fenders was kind of beat up, I just shot them with black paint and moved on. Now I've finally gotten time to work on this again. Spent Saturday afternoon in the garage plugging away.

I am using black fabric (got a roll from a buddy) and, as pictured below, some spray adhesive to adhere the fabric where I want it. I covered the top of the fenders down to the foot rests in fabric and started on the cab. It's not perfect but it's better than I thought I'd get it. The only place I'm beating my head over is the back window; that cut came out horrible so I'll have to come up with something to make that look better. Otherwise, it's coming along great!

I also want to do something different for my electrical controls (lights, wiper, etc) this winter so we'll see what I can come up with for that. I have some pretty nifty plans but we'll see what time and money allow me to do. Anyway, enjoy a few pics guys and let me know what you think!

[cubcadet]

Looking good Ryan, good idea.

[Redblower]

I like it! probably cut down on noise a bit too, makes it look "custom"!
I never thought of insulating my cab, good idea, although I get so warm in there I usually have to take my hat off...
Vic

[jimbob200521]

Originally Posted by Redblower

I like it! probably cut down on noise a bit too, makes it look "custom"!
I never thought of insulating my cab, good idea, although I get so warm in there I usually have to take my hat off...
Vic

I'm not usually one to "custom" mod a Cub but some things you just know you're going to keep and use And yeah, part of my hope was that it would cut down on noise a bit. That whiney hydro in the dead of winter can get quite loud. I'm also hoping it will help insulate even just a little bit and keep me a few degrees warmer.

I'm anxious to get the cab mounted back up and see how it looks/feels. I also plan on doing some other custom stuff inside the cab before the snow flies so we'll see how far I get before it gets too cold. But I'll say this, I hope to add an armrest with some controls on it for aux stuff like lights and a few gauges. We'll see what time allows

[Berwil]

I think shag would have provided a higher "R" value.

So far it looks great. I'll be interested to hear the results of your sound deadening/insulating venture.

Bill

[jimbob200521]

Originally Posted by Berwil

I think shag would have provided a higher "R" value.

So far it looks great. I'll be interested to hear the results of your sound deadening/insulating venture.

Bill

As will I I know last year it was like sitting in a huge resonation chamber so any improvement would be fine with me

[Sam Mac]

You'll have a place to sleep if your better half kicks you out.

[jimbob200521]

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

You'll have a place to sleep if your better half kicks you out.

Good thing she doesn't get on here; I'd hate for her to have that idea planted in her head

[jimbob200521]

For those interested, here is quick video of the "finished" product (is anything ever really finished? ) I have to say, I was pretty sure it'd be quieter running but it quieted down more than I expected. Also hoping it adds a bit of insulation/warmth value. Hope you guys enjoy!

https://youtu.be/tWZgcPXELy0

[cubcadet]

Looks good Ryan.