95 craftsman

Hello im new to the site and building mowers. However i'm not new to welding,brazing and building things as i make rc rock crawler cages.
I'm not to sure where this build is going yet but i will keep you up to date. I will be starting with a 95 craftsman with 19hp opposed engine that i picked up for $25. this will be a offroad mower of course and this is where i will start.

1.paint mower yellow and grey
2.put all new gaskets and seals on engine
3.lock axle
4.new starter done
5.custom front bumper

and much more but thats a start..

Good luck, and happy building!

Ok i have been working on this as much as time allows. so far i have replaced the sump gasket,intake gaskets, valve cover gaskets one of the head gaskets would do both but im 100% sure i will break a head bolt on the other. I might go ahead and break it and try to extract it but 1st i want to run a compression check and see what the difference is between the two cylinders. New starter,magneto and carb rebuild have been done as well as locking cleaning and re greasing the trans axle. i painted the frame yellow haven't got to the body yet and today i started the clutch. Not much of a choice out there for tires that fit a 8" rim i wanted something taller than 20" but staying around 7-8 wide so i guess my choice on rear tire will the the duro thrasher.
 

OK i have a small update. i have not been able to post monthly like the rules state due to work and having twins on the way.
Anyways i have chopped up the hood and got rid of the plastic grill as i wanted a older look, so i made my own front end. still need to buy some 4 1/2 round lights. I also took out the 19hp opposed and replaced it with a lighter more fuel efficient 14.5 briggs (better for the kids) here are some pics

Grill looking good! Although if it was me, I'd do it like this:
To mimick the old style "Squarebody" Craftsmans.

How does the hood hinge?

Btw, love the yellow! Looks sharp

I have been back and forth on so many grill designs. The grill is not done yet still gonna add some expanded metal. the hood pivots on a bolt on each side of the dash, now i gotta make a hood prop.sorry for the crap pic on this one

More updates.. I got headlights ordered up should be here Monday,still waiting on the start button. in the mean time i did manage to finish the clutch and get the rack mounted.

Looking pretty good so far. Cool grill tubing.

Well after looking at the rack I'm not 100% happy with it so I will be doing some changes to it in the next day or so.

got the headlight in they are from a 1980 wheel horse d160 i believe. I think i will modify the grill to fit them as i dont want to cut the part up.





parts not installed just seeing what it will look like

That comes together pretty cool. Dont have to worry about finding a replacement if it gets damaged.

I managed to get a little bit of work done since my last posting. I got the exhaust built but i will be redoing if i have time before the deadline.Some parts catch can,air filter came in the mail. I also got it all wired up with all new switches, solenoid whole works  I found some 21" tall atv tires on craigslist for $30 and i bought some thrashers. The trashers will go on the front and the atv wheels will go on the rear. I will be making rear hubs or altering the wheel in some way and the front will have to be lowered to level the mower back out. i have been riding it around the last week and decided i will go ahead and pulley swap it with a 6" front and 5" rear already bought those just need to get it done.

ok got the air filter and catch can installed as well as one of the atv wheels mounted and one of the front tires swapped from rear rim to a front rim, will do the others tomorrow. I'm really considering a cantilever front suspension. i will be leveling out the mower soon as i have a plan for steering.

wow didn't expect it to look so cool love the grill and did you make that snorkel thing and be intressed in making me one haha, nice job tho

That blue fuel line looks good. Add's HP! I'm using some yellow stuff. Tygon I think it is.

I'm actually gonna change the line, its what came with the catch can. I will also be changing the color of the engines cover to red textured powder coat. The blue was from a previous project that fell through.