cleat 5,933 #1 Posted November 7, 2023 Since I have four 520H's and one 520HC I decided to convert one of the 520H's into a 520-8 This is the tractor I decided to convert. I started by rebuilding a spare frame and used a transmission from a GT1600 (I know it is 1" axle 4 pinion). The 1600 is my next project. Welded a plate on the frame like the later 520's have. Frame sanded, primed, and painted. Transmission cleaned up, primed, and painted. Transmission bolted to frame. 10 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 5,933 #2 Posted November 7, 2023 Brake drum and input pulley installed. Wheel stud bolts installed with blue loctite. Wheels installed then frame pulled vertical for a couple of days to ensure complete draining of gear oil. 11 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 5,933 #3 Posted November 7, 2023 New front lower steering shaft bearing installed with spacers so bearing rides on an unworn part of shaft. Rebuilt front tach assembly bolted on. Front axle assembly installed that had been rebuilt on the original 520H. 1 14 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,838 #4 Posted November 7, 2023 That transmission painting jig is a great idea! 4 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,540 #6 Posted November 7, 2023 Nice!!! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 27,566 #7 Posted November 7, 2023 Very nice work! I'll be watching your progress. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,656 #9 Posted November 7, 2023 (edited) It's not a clone, it's a real 520 with a different transmission. Just a little modifying here and there. Edited November 8, 2023 by Lee1977 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,614 #10 Posted November 7, 2023 @cleat awesome piece ! that open frame would be a simple spot to add a steel fuel line , cutting down on fuel hose breakdown / debris , leaving just the end connections for clear to and from tank , filters . also been using Lucas climbing gear lube , very quiet , good luck with all your ideas , Pete 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,443 #11 Posted November 7, 2023 NIIIIICE work!! 6 hours ago, cleat said: New front lower steering shaft bearing installed with spacers so bearing rides on an unworn part of shaft I gotta remember that!! 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,214 #12 Posted November 7, 2023 (edited) 1 hour ago, ebinmaine said: NIIIIICE work!! I gotta remember that!! Or you can ADD the bearing if’n you only have a flat plate and no bearing. On the 854 the plate bolt spacing matched the beariing bolt spacing for the used bearing I found. Edited November 7, 2023 by Handy Don 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moparfanforever 844 #13 Posted November 7, 2023 Looks very nice!! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Newbie 7,069 #14 Posted November 7, 2023 @cleat, You should take a little more pride in your work… Just kidding, that is superb ! 1 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Terry M-(Moderator) 2,175 #15 Posted November 9, 2023 Looks like a fun build…looking forward to it.. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrc 812 #16 Posted November 9, 2023 as always....very nice work! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 5,933 #17 Posted November 9, 2023 Installed high/low shifter Main shifter ready to install with new double roll pin installed. Greased unpainted areas and pivot points then installed shifter Installed shift boot. 1 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 5,933 #18 Posted November 9, 2023 Have a few parts hanging up letting the paint dry before installation. 2 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,008 #19 Posted November 9, 2023 Beautiful job! 15 minutes ago, cleat said: Installed shift boot. Should be in a law book somewhere. Well done! 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 5,933 #20 Posted November 9, 2023 Installed a PTO pivot plate assembly from an early 520H with the belt guide welded onto it. 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wishin4a416 2,191 #21 Posted November 10, 2023 Beautiful work!!!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 5,933 #22 Posted November 10, 2023 (edited) Worked on the somewhat sloppy steering today. Here is an overview of the parts. This is one of the culprits to loose steering. The pinion gear is loose on the steering shaft. You can see the flats on the gear and shaft. I cut 0.002" shim stock to fit the flats. Here is a shim partly installed on one side. Shim was installed on each flat. Lower steering block also gets worn so I installed a new bushing into that. Edited November 10, 2023 by cleat 3 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 5,933 #23 Posted November 10, 2023 Here is the steering unit assembled Lower steering shaft set into position. Steering unit bolted to frame. Lower steering shaft bolted to steering unit for trial fit. Had to unbolt it and file lower block where it mounts to the steering support block several times until I got to near zero gear lash ( needs a bit in the middle or it binds at the full turn positions). Tie rods installed. Tractor as it sits today. 1 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonw440 187 #24 Posted November 10, 2023 What a great start! Watching 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,443 #25 Posted November 10, 2023 @cleat Beautiful work! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
