550 Restore Paint Questions

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,362]

Guys,

I just recieved my HH55 Lauson today from Joe Pake (great guy). I am going to start by restoring the engine first. Joe did all the mechanical work to tune it up and get it running perfect. I need to paint it up (easy part). Joe supplied me with the proper decals for the shroud. Can anyone tell me if there are any parts that did not come stick from the factory unpainted like the carb and carb elbow, head etc ?? ? I want to make sure do it right.

Question 2 is were all the rims painted white on this tractor or they come any other color? This one is going to be my next project tractor. Anyone have pics they can post of they're 550 that would be great. I looked at those in the pic gallery and have to say Ray's looks awesome. I saw it at the show last year and it looks better in person. :thumbs:

[tgranthamfd 29]

That's one better left for the experts, my vote would be that they were all the linen beige, unless some of the eairly year 550's were black, but I'm not 100% on that one. I think the only black rims, that I have noticed, were on some of the RJ's.

[Suburban 550 28]

Steve, here are a couple pictures that aren't in the gallery. I don't know if I sent these to you or not. These are a little updated fom the gallery which includes engine decals from Terry Dennis and a NOS air cleaner I bought from TT at the 2008 show. As far as the engine everything on the engine was painted red when I bought it except the air cleaner. All the wheels on these tractors were painted linen beige as far as I know. My wheels came out a little whiter than I wanted them but I guess I'll have to live with them. I'll try to get you some close up pics this weekend. BTW, thanks for the compliment.

[VinsRJ 723]

Steve, IMO its about texture with the motors vs super correct to the nut/paint restos. Leave some aluminum parts raw and buff other parts. These little changes are what makes the motor POP! off the frame and become a focal point of conversation or just plain interest. Whatever you choose to do good luck and I can't wait to see the finished product.

BTW there's another Clinton coming off the assembly line of the Vince's "No Start" Engine Company. Blows the 1200 you saw out of the water.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,362]

Vince,

I may just polish up the carb and elbow/air filter and paint the rest. I am looking forward to seeing that clinton. I have to get the one I have going too. I am not sure if the oil bath air cleaner and elbow I have on the Kohler will fit the clinton

I am waiting on some parts from Charile (shroud, stock air cleaner and some other small parts)

[VinsRJ 723]

Steve, you may run into a problem with the elbow as early Clintons had LMG Walbro carbs and Kohlers typically ran Carter N carbs.

[Coadster32 793]

Hey Steve, if you remember my 551 w/lauson on it, it came off an ariens snowthrower. It's a linen beige white, and I like the way it looks. Rims were also linen beige. I hand mixed modeling paint to match the raised letters on the hood also. (as the names of the kids on the fenders.) As your usual job, I'm sure you'll do a great job with it! :thumbs:

[rickv1957 72]

Ray,thats a very fine little horse you have! Rick

[Suburban 550 28]

Thanks Rick. Steve, pm'd you some closeups last night. Let me know if you need anything else. Good Luck on your restoration. :thumbs:

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,362]

Ray,

I think the pictures you pm'd me are perfect. I will let you know if I need anything else. Thanks again-