So yesterday I picked up two squarebody GTs, both with 18hp horizontal opposed twins (420000 series) and Hi/Lo 6 speed transaxles (Peerless 6330. One was running perfect, the other a donor parts tractor (an earlier model, but same in every way). The owner said that the donor probably ran, and that he had never tried it since he got it for parts. Well I had to try it anyways, I would kick myself for taking apart a nearly-running machine.
So anyways, the plan is to use this at work. None of our other 4-wheeled equipment is working other than the big tractors, and we need something to pull yard carts, rollers, and sprayers.
Here it is off the truck.
Pics from the head cleaning:
Before:
After (everything was done with WD-40 and a nylon hoof cleaning brush):
Im thinking of what I want to run off that front PTO. Was thinking of finding a generator with a bad engine but good alternator and making a front-facing attachment. Then I could use it to fix fences or trim bushes or whatever.
I need to redo the exhaust too. It needs to be quieter. Will probably try my hand at making custom flanges to have the manifolds join, then go to an actual small tractor muffler. Then depending on how loud it is after that I might make a resonator.
The back end will get a 2" receiver mounted higher than the normal mount so I can pull the one trailer we have that has a ball on it.
Direct steering mock. Got lucky and we still had a 17" piece of 1 1/2" x 1/4 flat stock from a previous repair (same size as the original tie rod arms), so I halved it. The one got a square cutout about an inch and change deep, and just slightly smaller than the OD of the spindle. A few whacks later it bottomed out and I curled the edges over for a semi-press fit.
Doc pointed out that a straight angle on the arm would result in poor right hand steering and that I should angle it. I couldnt understand it and I finally got down and doodled it and it all makes sense. Excuse the messup in the third pic.
Luckily I didnt weld the arm other than a tack so ill fix it tomorrow. Also need to find some pipe that i can sleeve over the original tie rods, I want to halve both of them and use one as a tie rod and the other as the drag link. Ball joints didnt have too much play so I hope it works.
Rainy day and boss left early so I got to do some more work!
Adjusted spindle and welded it.
Extended the steering shaft 2" with a 3 1/2" pipe and welded a bolt into the end. Also added a tab to hold the arm. Did this so I could rebuild it if necessary.
Gave it a little twist so it wouldnt angle the ball joints so much. Amazing what a yellow bottle torch and a ton of force can do.
Drilled holes 1" apart. For future reference, Marvel air tool oil works great for drilling.
Had to shorten the arm on the steering wheel cause it was hitting the frame. Only had to cut off one hole.
All in.
I cut the old tie rods in half and threaded the ends to make a new single tie rod and drag link tomorrow.
So did tie rods today. I used 16ga 1/2" OD square tube. Figured it would be more rigid than round tube. Then I just welded 3/8-16 nuts on the end so I have even more adjustability.
Sorry for the weird angle, but there they are all set up.
Pitman arm. Switched the one bolt for a longer one as a steering stop. Its a little off but it prevents rollover.
Turned all the way right, its not as sharp as left but itll work. The rods end up rubbing but it shouldnt be an issue. I might add another lock washer just to space it that much more. Also want to take the spindle back off and shorten the arm to just 3 holes.
Everything works ok, but its really hard to turn. Going to use a handlebar instead for more leverage. Will have to finish off tomorrow.
I finished the handlebar today. Totally slipped my mind to take a pic of the mount finished upl close but whatever. Either way, it works great. Room for improvement, but I can steer now. And yes, I was totally using that 6x6 as a seat.
Gas tank is just temporary, although it seems to work ok. Might just make the angle mount longer so it gets both holes and reinforce the firewall. Also plan on hooking up a diaphragm pump again. Dont really need it since its gravity fed right now, but itll help keep the right pulse.
Slapped the tins on and it looks ok! Have to do some tweaking to the mounts on the hood, and some new screws for the side panels. Also need bolts to connect the fenders to the floorboards, and a new seat. REALLY needs a new seat. Not sure if im gonna buy a new lowback or get a pan seat. Then itll be time for paint prep.
OK I need more help with this friggin thing. Its still running rich and just about flooding. I have tried adjusting it but it still looks like a gasoline tornado in the carb when it runs. Any ideas? Would rather not have to buy a new carb but if thats what it comes to ill do it.
Subject: 
March 15th 2014, 7:17 pm
