squonk 41,171 #1 Posted July 16 (edited) The belt guard I got with my 551 Suburban doesn't fit over the pulleys. This tractor originally came with a Tecky 5.5 rowboat anchor and the 2 piece transmission. I got it with no engine and acquired a Non WH spec K90 from @formariz at the show. This K90 is shorter than the original Chief but as far as I can tell the pulleys are all the original size. So I'm building a belt guard. I am no metal smith and am limited on the available toolage. I'm making it out of another belt guard that has seen better days. I have it rough finished on the tractor. Outside of of course painting it, I want to make it look a little better. Maybe square off the front? Cut the angle back farther? Round off the front? What do you think? I though about placing the original style guard over the replacement and tracing the patter only bigger but I will lose the side pieces of the guard that cover the belt. The metal is pretty thick and I have no way to bend it. Edited July 16 by squonk 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,766 #2 Posted July 16 Seems like roundererer would be more matcherizing to the roundhood lines but I'm not sure I like what I drew.... Maybe less aggressive curves than that? Then close the front somehow? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,023 #3 Posted July 16 (edited) Are the pulleys too big? Or the distance between them is too far? Or ??? It will always look better if you can get that original guard to fit. Slotting engine mounting holes will not affect the value of the tractor. Edited July 16 by wallfish 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,171 #4 Posted July 16 2 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: Seems like roundererer would be more matcherizing to the roundhood lines but I'm not sure I like what I drew.... Maybe less aggressive curves than that? Then close the front somehow? I thought of something like that. I have a friend who can tig a section over to cover the front. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,023 #5 Posted July 16 If you keep that guard I'd curve it like EB pictured. But also leave the 90 deg angled pieces in place and they can then be bent and curved around to close off the front. Tack weld or braze it 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,171 #6 Posted July 16 15 minutes ago, wallfish said: Are the pulleys too big? Or the distance between them is too far? Or ??? It will always look better if you can get that original guard to fit. Slotting engine mounting holes will not affect the value of the tractor. Distance is too far. The pulleys are correct and the engine is as far back with the factory frame holes. One thing I want to avoid is the rattle these tractors have releasing the clutch when the belt slaps the guard. I had an RJ and this noise drove me nuts. The wire belt guides are working well and want to leave them on. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,171 #8 Posted July 16 4 minutes ago, wallfish said: leave the 90 deg angled pieces in place and they can then be bent and curved around to close off the front. I have the remnants of the guard I cut up that I believe has enough of the bent edge to run a continuous piece around the front. 2 minutes ago, wallfish said: If I do that I lose the front mounting hole Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,023 #9 Posted July 16 1 minute ago, squonk said: If I do that I lose the front mounting hole Don't cut the complete circle just the front half. I can't make 1/2 circles Full piece or just use the 2 on there and there will be a seem. One seem in the front by using the pieces on the guard. Leave the bent curve too on whatever you do and it matches the rest of it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,171 #10 Posted July 16 (edited) 6 minutes ago, wallfish said: Don't cut the complete circle just the front half. I can't make 1/2 circles Full piece or just use the 2 on there and there will be a seem. One seem in the front by using the pieces on the guard. Leave the bent curve too on whatever you do and it matches the rest of it. Ok I gotcha. I'm going to take it to my buddy with these pictures. He has band saws ,plasma cutters, mig and tight welders ect. Edited July 16 by squonk 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,023 #11 Posted July 16 1 hour ago, squonk said: Ok I gotcha. I'm going to take it to my buddy with these pictures. He has band saws ,plasma cutters, mig and tight welders ect. Mark the engine pulley location and size the best you can. He should be able to fix you right up 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites