-= Li'l Red =-

its a great build, would love to see back even stronger

Creepycrawler wrote:

its a great build, would love to see back even stronger

Oh the back is already much stronger than stock. I welded it up solid on the c-channel and removed the self tappers with grade 8 bolts and nuts. I’m trying to not rush into a come as it goes build. Maybe actually plan it some more before starting.

I have some newer taller and wider tires coming in.

Those for the front? I’m thinking about a set of those for the mk1 revival on the front. Similar if not the same as the ones Studebaker runs on keiser

CraftsmanQuad19 wrote:

Those for the front? I’m thinking about a set of those for the mk1 revival on the front. Similar if not the same as the ones Studebaker runs on keiser

Yeah for the front.  I think they are the cheaper cousin to what he runs.  His look massive.

Sounds like you uabe some big plans for this tractor. I saw a photo awhile back where you have put the 20s off of your Murray GT and it looked tougher. Hope you stick with the rears you have on it now. You'll be pleased with the motor. Whats in it now?

The original 17hp briggs opposed that came on the tractor.  I'm toying with the idea of putting the rears on a wider garden tractor tire.  See if I can pull the hubs off an old peerless 2300 sitting in the back of the yard so I can take advantage of the 5 lug wheel. 

While I have that off, I will be looking to see if I can make a minor mod to the drum brake for better grip.  The bolt for the fixed side of the band needs to go up a about one inch.  Should be an easy drill a hole and move it.

Reference image:

Probably going to try to video blog the updates!

Lookie what I got this weekend!

I love the new front tire choice, it will definitely help out conquering larger obstacles

Nice 9N! My grandfather had an old Ford 8n, very reliable tractors. You mentioned in your video that the shock tower would have to be moved. Have you considered leaf springs? You wouldn’t have a tower to worry about and there would probably be fewer modifications involved. You have more experience than I do but that’s my 2c

I haven't actually.  I do have a pair from a previous build.



Man, that build needed the rack and pinion I have now.  Too bad I scrapped it.

I have a few things ready to start rebuilding this thing.  I think I will start with the rear tire rim swap.  Then pulling the engine.  From there I will need to figure out the direction with the front end.  Same but better or change it completely.  

Didn't know the engine hoist was bent.  I'll fix that down the line. It will be fine for a mower engine.

That craftsman looks awesome! Do you have a build thread for it?

Hmm.... hit my first hurdle.  The 21hp v-twin appears to have a faulty crankcase gasket.  I have noticed a few drips here and there.  Well, I finally traced it down to a place where the gasket is hanging out like a tiny bit, but just enough to leak.

So... 

1.) Get the gaskets to fix the 21hp and continue on course.

2) Stick with the 17hp that came with the engine, but try to spruce it up a bit.

I'm kinda leaning towards keeping the oppy.  It's already all set up for it and I would like to tweak on it.  Save on the 21hp, and fix on it at my leisure.

I would stay with the oppy too. It's the original engine to the tractor. I love telling people who ask if I put  a bigger engine in it that it's still the stock one.

I'll still be making the front end updates even if I do not change the engine.

It’s your call, but I would keep the oppy just because they sound cool

Yeah, I think I'll keep the oppy for now, or at least till it croaks.  LOL.

While thinking this morning about the project.  A "duh" type moment hit me like a ton of bricks. I'm a smart guy, not sure why I didn't think of this in the first place.  The arrangement of my shocks are severely limiting articulation.  I have them literally going straight up and down.



I should have them slanted and drawn in a little further.  / \

That would probably make them flex more and ride even smoother.

I just realized only things I have done to the oppy in this tractor is change the sump gasket and pto side oil seal.  I bet this thing would benefit with some new head gaskets.

@MightyRaze i'm about to do the same basic thing on a 14hp oppy and put it in my build off tractor, but google is stupid, or i am, and i can't find the part numbers for the gaskets and seal, i have no experience with these engines, so if you can give me a little help with the seals and pan gasket part numbers i'd appreciate it, it's my understanding that the seal and pan gaskets are the same for all 14 to 20hp briggs opposed twins

Shoot me your model-type and I can get you the exact part #'s.  Mine was a 495868 for the engine gasket set.

Little teaser for later...

Time to re-evaluate my path as it has somewhat changed.

• Plans are open, but I think I may take a stab at a custom frame. if it does not cost too much.
  Scrapped, cost too much for right now.
  
• Put in the 21HP Vtwin
  Scrapped, engine needs some repair.  Will hold for another day. 
  
• Better front suspension and front frame.  Do the shocks need angled?  
  Still need to plan out.
  
• While the tires are good, maybe upgrade them.  Put these on other tractors.
  Rear tires swapped over to garden tractor wheels.  Hubs installed on rear axle.  Waiting now for rear axle nuts.  Front tires purchased, waiting on tubes.
  
• New Exhaust planned
  
• Backup drum brake adjusted.
  Not needed.  Left alone.
  
  
  

angling the shocks will soften the ride, i'm not sure how to put it exactly, but with them at an angle they will feel softer, and will give more articulation as well, one of the strange facts i've learned building rc rock crawlers which have coil over oil filled shocks similar to what you have on red, and where do i find the model number, is it on the flywheel cover like the singles?

darkside0914 wrote:

angling the shocks will soften the ride, i'm not sure how to put it exactly, but with them at an angle they will feel softer, and will give more articulation as well, one of the strange facts i've learned building rc rock crawlers which have coil over oil filled shocks similar to what you have on red, and where do i find the model number, is it on the flywheel cover like the singles?

Yes either the cover like a single or on the side tins.