Brett Kelly 13 #1 Posted August 8, 2023 Hello. I'm hoping I can find some folks to lean on as I progress through a 41' Speedex Model B restoration. I'm shooting for "as it looked new". This is kind of a gray area as no two Speedex are built the same. They're more like "really close". I managed to find an unrestored model, though the poor thing has been painted at least six different colors. The Briggs ZZ is missing it's tag but I assume it is original to the tractor. The flywheel and mag dates are both 41'. The tractor has what looks to be a really old steering wheel conversion. I admire someone's ingenuity so much that I plan to restore the conversion separately so it can be put on or removed with six bolts and two cotter pins. This leads me to the tiller steering. A Simplicity plow was grafted to the frame at some point but the steering arm welded to the spindle was in the way so it was cut off. I know the height and width dimensions but I don't know the length. Could I trouble someone with a B to measure it for me? Any help would be appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 40,121 #2 Posted August 8, 2023 (edited) to the If you don't get an answer here, try the Smokestack forum. Edited August 8, 2023 by Ed Kennell Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 64,139 #3 Posted August 8, 2023 Hello, almost neighbor! It would be cool to see more pictures, and that paint is pretty sweet! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brett Kelly 13 #4 Posted August 8, 2023 I'm usually pretty bad about taking pictures of restorations, but I've taken quite a few of this one. Always wanted a B so I'm trying to document it. I can upload a few after work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brett Kelly 13 #5 Posted August 8, 2023 This one is from the Marketplace ad. A couple more. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brett Kelly 13 #6 Posted August 8, 2023 Anyone know what this steering box is off of? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brett Kelly 13 #7 Posted August 9, 2023 It needs a lot of work, but this is what my free time lives for. You can see the coil went out some time in the past and was changed over to a battery and external coil. Looks like what parked it was a broken intake valve spring. I've rebuilt the carb, replaced the spring, and sourced a rewound coil (ironically from another 41'). Engine runs and sounds good. I figured it would need a rebuild but compression is good. End play is good. No smoke. Oil ring seems good. Looks like maybe just a de-carbon and re-gasket is needed. The drivetrain seems to working as it should. From what I can tell, the tiller was converted to raise a plow via homebrew linkage. If the plow was not on it, the tiller could be used to raise and lower a rear attachment via (I think) the original steering linkage. The seat setup doesn't appear to be original. I'm kinda liking it though. Appears homemade. If it isn't, somebody has worked it over a bit. It has three positions on it. Straight up, and a left and right lean for when you're one tire in the plow rut. I'm having trouble finding good pictures of an original rear lift. I believe I have everything for the back but I'm missing an arm on the left side to work everything. I could use some measurements here, or a couple really good pictures to help fabricate. The length of the steering arm is needed. I'm sure I could fake it but I'd like duplicate an original if possible. The biggest issue I see with this tractor is the belt guard half closest to the operator. You can see in the picture that the right side has been cut down for some reason. I'd like to correct this but I've never had much luck welding cast in the past and I no longer have the right equipment to try. I'm contemplating having someone else do this which is weird for me but I have a high confidence that I'll screw it up. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tractornut86 621 #8 Posted August 13, 2023 I have and had several model Bs over the years. Besides the jacked up steering and the seat post it isn't that bad of a tractor. Mine are literally buried in the building but I may be able to climb back and get photos and measurements if you aren't in a hurry or also there is a Speedex group on Facebook that you could join and there is several on there also. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brett Kelly 13 #9 Posted August 13, 2023 I appreciate the info. I'm in no hurry. Currently collecting parts and info. This will be this winters project. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brett Kelly 13 #10 Posted March 14 (edited) I found my own picture on Google! Forgot I posted over here. I rebuilt every last nut and bolt on this thing. Found out the steering box is a Model A as well. It fits the period and had seven different coats of paint on it as well as the rest of the tractor so I figured it was converted early on. It really grew on me so, so much for 'original'. I had to leave it. I still wanted to keep the lever steer handle so I made it a hand brake. Edited March 14 by Brett Kelly 2 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 57,284 #11 Posted March 14 (edited) 10 hours ago, Brett Kelly said: steering box is a Model A Probably 90% of shade tree modifications done in the 1940s and 1950s involved Model A repurposed parts. You did a great job finishing the conservation on the home built one of a kind tractor. Speedex and Wheel Horse have a long history together, here is a little thread I did last year on them. Edited March 14 by 953 nut 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blasterdad 2,929 #12 Posted March 14 @Brett Kelly Wow, that turned out BEAUTIFUL !!! I love the steering wheel & shifter knob. I'm still waiting to get to mine, too many other projects right now... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
