551 progress

[1961551 2]

Here is my progress so far on the 551 for my son. This is the condition it was in when I got it. Has been sitting for a very long time.

engine rings were stuck. but still a hone pattern in cylinder. its all apart now, and new parts are coming in everyday for a rebuild

shot peened chassis. very clean and very good paint adhesion.

original transmission was locked up. needed all bearings and some gears.had lots

of water. i mean lots of water. probably a quart. pulled one out of a lawn ranger that only needed two bearings and one gear. assembly is in progress.

some of the painted parts.

my son, drew on the 633. im restoring the 551 for him. i better hurry. i here they grow up quick.

[Gene_S 93]

Very nice all original 551! Keep up the good work!

Was there any date on that old battery that was in there to give you any idea how long it had been sitting?

Thanks,

Gene :scratchead:

[bitten 134]

The picture of your son is priceless. Looks like he will have a nice 551 before he knows it.Keep up the good work.

P.J.

[TJ 175]

Nice work on the tractor and what a nice thing to do for your son.

Your right, they do grow up fast. My son was that age only yesterday, and then, two weeks ago, after 18 months away from home, a lady was kind enough to take this picture of us at the airport as he was leaving:

Tom

[Suburban 550 28]

Nice work, Jimmy. I'm sure you'll have it done by the time he's ready to drive it. Tom, great picture of you and your son. :scratchead:

[bell 11]

Nice work so far! Looks GREAT! :scratchead:

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

:scratchead: :hide:

[1961551 2]

Gene, i checked the label on the battery out of it. it is dated january, 1990. it could have been running then. but when i got it, it was missing blower housing, so someone was working on it and gave up. could have been trying to get it going and installed a new battery then. who knows? will post more pics as progress continues. i realized after posting, there is a progress forum. sorry.

[Gene_S 93]

I was wondering Jimmy because it sure looks like an older battery then that! I had a pretty decent 551 till I couldn't find the right motor and then sold it... You have a very nice all together tractor!

Gene

[Indy w h 5]

I remember when my son was that age. He tore up everything in the shop.

But ya gotta love them. Now he's 12 and were did the time go ? You got a

good lookin son and a good lookin horse!! My compliments to you.

Good job.

Indy

[CasualObserver 3,408]

will post more pics as progress continues. i realized after posting, there is a progress forum.

No problem... moved to the Work In Progress forum. Please keep up the good work and pics! Everyone enjoys following along. :scratchead:

[Coadster32 793]

Looks like a great way to go about the restore. Nice looking kid on the tractor also. Soon, my son will be that big. Good Luck, and thanks for the pics. :scratchead:

[1961551 2]

rolling chassis. long weekend. had family pictures and worked on father in laws truck. but i had a little time in between the ruckus.

trans rebuilt with new bearings and seals. anyone can do it. finished in enamel.

original tires. in good shape. we will see how good they hold up.

original tires. shot peened and painted rims antique white. replaced liquid fill valve stems . had a hard time finding those.

shot peened and painted rims antique white.

had to adjust the brake band. it was not riding on the drum properly.it was warped.

cole boston switch cleaned up and clear coated. had to take apart and replace the start contact. used a copper rivet for horse tack and turned down in the lathe.

tested and brushed up starter solenoid. clear coated. cole boston.

[captjake 1]

nice :scratchead:

[Coadster32 793]

This is a nice project to follow along to. Great job!! :scratchead: