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Hi all, Picked up a c175 at an estate sale a couple of weeks ago. Has always been kept inside, and has 885 hrs. In really nice shape besides the hood, no rust pits, or dents in anything else. Runs perfect, and the hydro is good and strong. Was not running when i bought it, but just took a battery and a shot of starting fluid and it purred to life. Came with a blower, 48" deck, and weights/chains. The sale it was at was a really cool place. The guy used to run a wheel horse dealer, but sold all his stuff about 10 yrs ago, this was his personal tractor. He did still have a few engine parts left over that I picked up, but nothing really special. There were 3 barns packed with stuff, you could hardly walk through, it was fun to dig through everything. Anyways, here's my tractor, never thought I would buy a horse this new, but this one is a keeper and I really like it. It will be my new blower tractor. Someday I might even do a quick repaint on it, as it would be an easy one to do. Also, I believe it is brand new in this picture of it at the dealer....

30 days now until the LeSueur, MN Pioneer Power Show. Just wanted to pop this up on people's radars. This will our 7th year showing Wheel Horses at this show. Got to meet several members who made the trip for the first time last year, looking forward to seeing any of them back as well as catching up with all the regulars. As always... hoping for new faces as well. The Pioneer Power club has been very receptive to us showing Wheel Horses at their show, in fact, it's brought about a whole new contingent of garden tractor exhibitors outside the realm of the regular hit and miss gas engine crowd. All in all, it's been fun to be a part of growing a little bit of this show. Last year I posted the following info which some people said was quite helpful, so I'll include it here again. You can get official information and showground map off the website http://www.pioneerpowershow.com but that doesn't really show what you guys need to know. It's best to get in at the Alternate gate, in the parking lot. Go in , turn left and go about 100 feet. That's where we set up. Fill in along the building first, and then across the lane as needed. We're supposed to have the whole area, but some other brands often end up filling in across the street too. First, here's the location of the show grounds, just off Hwy 26 between LeSueur and Montgomery on 265th Ave, just a few miles north of LeCenter. (Click images for larger versions) GPS address 34605 265th Ave, Le Sueur, Mn And here's the actual grounds.....One thing to remember, as you look at this map, North is to the left, East is up. Looking forward to another great show. Don't forget your lawn chairs!!

Back in the 80's I had my black 79 Z-28 and the jacket. I was all set! (My wife was sittin next to me when I opened this thread and at first she thought that guy was me!)

I've started the rebuild of my RJ58 and the CBR32 sickle bar that fits it. I've been collecting parts for it for a few years so I thought I'd get started on it. I didn't take many pics of the tear down, mostly just close ups for reference. I've got the engine tore down and cleaned up, ready to go to the machine shop. This one will get bored .010 and the crank will be turned .010. I got the parts for the engine today so I'll be able to take it to the shop this week. While it's at the machine shop I'm going to have them bore and tap the exhaust port to 3/4" N.P.T. Any opinions on which rim is correct for the RJ would be appreciated I picked up new blades for the sickle at the show in Le Sueur last year, I finally got those changed. Now I need to get it and a bunch of small parts sent to be plated.

I picked this 854 up last fall, it had a valve stuck in the engine and the oil pan gasket needed replaced as well as the points. I also had to replace the gas tank gasket, sediment bowl, fuel pump diaphragm and rebuild the carb. The tranny had water in it so I replaced all the bearings and seals, replaced the brake band lining and added a rear hitch. The seat was cracked so I picked up a good one at a show and I bought a back rest and had that recovered. It's got the wrong ignition switch in it so I've ordered a new one and most of the wiring has been replaced. The motor generator was junk but I had a good one on the shelf so I replaced that. The frame plate that bolts to the tranny was cracked, the hood stand bracket that bolts to the tool box was broken off along with one of the tabs that hold the belt guard on so I welded those things. This tractor was pretty rusty when I got it and I wanted to keep the original paint so I lightly sanded it just to knock the rust down a little then I wiped a coat of "salad dressing" on the tins. I really like the way it turned out, thanks for the idea Stevebo. The tires are cracked pretty bad so I may replace those some day but other than that I think this ones done. This may be the best running tractor I have.

Making a little more progress in between the other projects I have going. The steering sector needed a bit of work. As I mentioned, the ball joint on the original drag link had been welded into place. I ground it off and after getting some of the temper out of the weld I was able to get it re-tapped. Because it must have stripped out in the past (hence the weld) I didn’t know if I could get a good threaded hole for the new drag link I made. I think the weld helped me out here. It was a good fit but not perfect. I used Loctite 271 and after it set up it seemed fine but I decided to drill it for a roll pin for added strength. I think it will be fine. The steering pinion roll pin was a bit worn so it got replaced with doubled up roll pins. Then it was on to the hood stand. A picture of what I had is in post #39. I’m not too good at this type of metal work but I had an idea and I think it came out pretty good. The torched area filled in pretty good. The left ‘dog ear’ for the hood was cobbled up when that section was torched out. I ground the bottom tab free and reconnected it. Both ears needed straightening and that came out pretty good too. I’ve been test fitting everything as I go so I left the steering rod and hood stand in primer knowing I would mess it up some. I think I’m ready to do the final sanding and make it red. We’re leaving on vacation next week and I want to get them painted before we go so they will have dry time without my temptation to mess with things too soon. The other parts (lift arm, pedals, etc.) are ready to install once I’m done with the hood stand. I haven’t done anything to the front axle or the wheels yet. The wheels won’t take much because they are in pretty good shape. Just some sanding and a fresh coat of paint will make them look great. I’m kinda dragging me feet on those because I’m not worried about making it a roller yet and I’m hoping I come across some ags for the rear, maybe even 23-8.50’s. When we get back home I’m probably going to do the tool box and fenders so I can get things put together on top of the transmission. IDEA!! As I was taking these pictures I thought I’d post an ad in the wanted section later this afternoon. There’s a few things I need for this tractor and I’ll list them. This is really for the folks that live in the northern Indiana area. I’ll be up there the first week in August and if by chance somebody has something I need that they would part with I could pick it up rather than dealing with shipping. Details later today in the wanted section.

I would be willing to beat on one of your tractors.

YOU MEAN I CAN BOSS YOU AROUND ?

I'm in. Dibs on the Senior...I'll bring the trailer.

The title say''s it all really. I hope some of you will find this video handy.

Well we have it on good authority that there will not be a Show in Charlotte, MI this year. So Denise and I are planning on going to the above named show. We are hoping many of out Wheel Horse friends can find the time to attend as well. The dates are August 7th-10th at the Lagrange 4-H Fairgrounds Lagrange, IN. We are told there are camping spots are available and that there are hot showers on the grounds also. I have attached a show poster for your convenience, hope to see you there. David& Denise 2014 Lagrange Show.pdf

My Ranger has a K181 in it, easy swap, just lose the riser plate and it will bolt straight to the frame, the holes will line right up. There are a bunch of threads on here giving advice on sealing up the two piece tanks.

Here's a little update on the 57. Sunday I put the engine back together as a short block. It ended up just getting new gaskets/seals, a valve job and a new set of rings/ the cylinder honed. It should be a good engine as there was nothing wrong with it before I tore it apart. I got the shroud/hood done and ready for paint. Also, made a new speed selector rod and started making a speed selector arm, just have to pick up a piece of bar stock. Picked up a repop belt guard for it at the show, it is going to take some work to make it nice, but its better than nothing. I have a couple more brackets to finish sanding, and still have to fill some rust pits on the lift lever, but this is getting close to a last batch of paint. I don't see it being an issue on finishing this for the show in september. Anyways, here's a couple photos. Thanks, Jake

Atta boy Steve! But doesn't it make you wonder just what I do in my spare time?

You are getting voltage into the ground system somehow. It's either a grounding problem or a 12V wire shorted to ground somewhere enough to put voltage on the frame. If you're getting 17 volts with it running I would suspect the problem is before you get to the regulator. Check the wiring closely and check the grounds to the regulator and generator. It could also be the generator or regulator itself shorting voltage through it's casing to the frame. The meter going crazy when you get close without the probe touching is because the meter is picking up emitting votage, there is actually an electrical field around the tractor. I would't mess with it if you or the ground is wet because, well you know why... This is indeed an odd one.

Don, is she really going to notice another red Wheelhorse? Sent from my tractor seat.

Just tell the wife you bought it for her.

I got it Bob...the bow, the left arm is up and bent in the other and the shirt collar is different. Z WALA...must be the practice from looking at those rims for an hour earlier. BOOM SHA-KA-LA-KA... Don't ask me to pass this test tomorrow...I just seem to be sharp tonight.

Mike, ever play this game?

I have the plastic replacements.$55 plus shipping.$144 list price .I can ship or I will be at the Jones MI.swap meet Aug1-3.or LaGrange IN. The next weekend.

With pink 'n white decals, special order of course!

Legal as all get out as long as the mare is in your shed! The Ms. will also need a lawn vac with pink canvas, pink snow plow, a snowblower that is bright pink, of course the seat, yep, nice pink cover of course! What ever the lady wants (hope she gets the WHA (Wheel Horse Addiction) she gets!

Nice score km3h, keep us updated. I love the pics.

Here's a great old standby... specifically made for removing oxidization from paint.

Great lookin tractor !! Congrats, and thanks for sharing.

Nice tractor! That sounded like a good way to spend the day. I had the TransAm jacket when Smokey and the Bandit was the big and I decided I need a TransAm - 4 to be exact.

Steve... give that man a camera, a lawn chair and a lemonade! Wish I wasn't so far away, I'd love to help. Sounds like an awesome project and a lot of fun to be had. Like the old Wheel Horse ads say.... Get more done-Have more fun!

Anybody know which one of these rims is correct for the 58 RJ?

It's Gene BTW , And not stuffing them , I use about 1/2 for chilli for the winter , The rest get saved for home-fries , to add to sandwiches etc... All my close friends get a small baggie in the fall .

Did a great job Denny !

Well lets not get crazy....

I bet it is.

I am trying to envision a pink 416??? Seen a lot of Pink Rangers but a pink 416? Is that even legal Tankman?

gottah ask,. what did you do to bring out that amazzzzzing finish ?????? and what !!!!!!! is you secret salad dressing.????? .... the patina on your tractor is priceless......................... thankns for the pics......howard in virginia

there really isn't a short-cut to this repair. As I said before, examine the hubs inside and examine the axels. I have replaced axels & hubs quite a bit,and your better off doing it correctly in the long run. I mentioned the bearings because they can be worn and that leads to a leaky seal too. However, I have been advised not to drive the old bearings inward, could do some damage! Sorry about that! I guess it all depends on how "good " a job you want to do, or if it's a quick fix just to be able an drive the tractor?

That's about a 1967-ish Toro. Shortly after they bought the Springfield mowers line from Quick Manufacturing in Springfield, OH.

Great work!! Back to some good quality of life for the poocher.

Pulling a trailer and back-up mower for the C-120/180.

Very nice 854 is one of my favorite wheel horses, wish I had one.

Turned out great denny!

Great looking 854 !

Denny showed me this one at the Oregon show and i gotta say if he had been away from it long enough i would have worked out a way to smuggle it out of the show area and on my trailer...... very nice original tractor there, definitely one to have.....

Nice job on the 854

That came out real nice!

Work clothes look great... the found patina is awesome Denny.

Decided to check out this show with Jason and I have to say that ..It was a really nice show! A great variety of several brands of garden tractors with good food available and very friendly people . Might plan on attending this show again next year. Here are a few random pics I took.

I almost got run over several time by the same couple of youngsters while at the show. Being new to the whole thing I just moved on. Some of those tractors had big engines in them with the governors removed and foot throttles. That's OK if the driver has a bit of discipline and is careful but when they want to hear the rumble of the engine and show off a bit it is a bit scary. I was thinking of the vicarious liability on the show sponsors if someone got hurt.

The hood was cracked from the weight of the gas tank so I decided to mount the tank to the frame instead of hanging it from the hood. It still needs a little tweaking but looks like it'll work. I've left a small air gap between the tank frame and the hood so it won't rub. Next I need to extend the filler neck on the tank to get it back to the correct height.

I'm going to use stainless hardware when I put this back together and found a young man here in town that was able to make this shoulder bolt for the idler pulley on my sickle bar from a piece of stainless I had laying around. He tinkers in his garage when he's not working, amazing in a town of less than 3000 that someone can do stuff like this. I think it'll add a nice touch to my project.