Added a 1968 Commando 8 to the stable today

[rmaynard 15,509]

As I had said in a previous post, I sold two of my favorite horses last week, and was hoping to get a Commando 8 this weekend. Well, the wife and I took a 350 mile road trip today and picked up the Commando. The third generation owner told me how his grandfather purchased the tractor new. Then his father got the tractor when grandfather died, and he got it when his father died. Today he parted with the Commando, and it began it's new journey to my family.

I didn't get back home until after dark, so the tractor is still in the van. I will have better pictures tomorrow.

Here is a side view of the Commando. As you can see, it has the wrong decal on the hood, and a replacement throttle cable has been added on the side.

The mower deck is in excellent condition, It has been maintained properly and new spindles were replaced within the last year.

Extra belts came along with it.

As a bonus, I got a box of parts which I haven't even explored. I was told there are new spindles and other spare parts for the deck.

The seller gave me the original manuals and all of the service records that he could find.

After I take the tractor out of the van, I will provide more pictures.

[tunahead72 2,424]

Congratulations, Bob, looks like you got a good one there! And a nice story to go with it, too.

What's the plan -- full restoration, worker, or something in between?

[rmaynard 15,509]

Congratulations, Bob, looks like you got a good one there! And a nice story to go with it, too.

What's the plan -- full restoration, worker, or something in between?

Ed,

I believe this one is going to get the same treatment as the two B-100's before her. Full down to the frame restoration.

[tunahead72 2,424]

Excellent, can't wait to see it in person when you're done.

[whfan74 2,066]

Going to have it ready for the Big Show?

[Pollack Pete 2,273]

Very nice Commando.Nice to start with a tractor in good shape.I love some of the stories that come with these old tractors.Good luck with your new toy.

[rmaynard 15,509]

Going to have it ready for the Big Show?

I hope so. It seems like a long time until June 22nd, but time flies. I'm going to need a few parts. The original owners did some modifications, nothing that can't be undone, but none-the-less, they have to be corrected. Paint was applied to the hood and fender pan with a brush, and I don't know what I will find under the paint. There is no rust-through anywhere. Then engine was torn apart at the dealer in 2001, and the ACR was replaced. The exhaust valve was also replaced and both valves reground. In 2009, a new carburetor was installed. The transmission seals were leaking, and new seals did not correct the problem. In 2003, the transmission was opened up and new bearing were installed. Turned out the axles were worn, so they were taken to a machine shop and welded, then ground back to 1". Problem solved.

It's very interesting to look through the service history and know exactly what has been done.

Anyway, here are a few more pictures:

[buckrancher 2,679]

looks like a good project Bob I bet I will be able to see my refection in the paint next june

Brian

[Bassquack 8]

Looks like that one has a ton of potential..should be a pretty easy rebuild for you.

I am in the middle of my 68 commando down to the frame restore also. let me know if you find an extra seat and steering wheel.

look forward to more pics..

Bob, one question, do you reapir all the pits in the medal on the frame and structure, obviously the body panels will be repaired.

[Rooster 191]

No Doubt this will be another text book restore Bob, cannot wait to watch it unfold and learn from a master!

Loving that Seat!

[rmaynard 15,509]

Bob, one question, do you repair all the pits in the medal on the frame and structure, obviously the body panels will be repaired.

Typically, the frame and structure get sand blasted. Whatever is the result of that is how I leave it. I do use a good thick epoxy primer that tends to flow and fill the smaller pits, but that's it.

[Retired Wrencher 5,464]

:USA: Hi Bob I can not believe how clean this tractor is for it`s age real nice shape also enjoy the project. Gary B..................

[KC9KAS 4,741]

Nice solid looking machine. Good luck with the restoration, and keep the pictures of the resto coming.

[wheelhorse656 20]

Cant wait to see the progress and maybe next year get to see in in person!

[Jake Kuhn 1,555]

Very nice commando you got there! :bow-blue:

[Suburban 550 28]

Congratulations, Bob. Can't wait to see it all redone for next years show. No doubt in my mind, it will be a beauty.

[MikesRJ 552]

You guys are killing me ... LOL. I can't find a spare minute to touch mine and you two are forging ahead. :greetings-clappingyellow:

[shallowwatersailor 3,213]

Nice addition. I know it will be perfect when completed!

[Retired Wrencher 5,464]

Bob do you still have the Commando?

Edited August 18, 2022 by Retierd Wrencher

[rmaynard 15,509]

9 hours ago, Retierd Wrencher said:

Bob do you still have the Commando?

Yes, I do.

[Retired Wrencher 5,464]

14 hours ago, rmaynard said:

Yes, I do.

Bob I just enjoy going thru some of these old posts to see what we did back then. Nice tractor. I have one also I pick up from a senior member.

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,326]

1 hour ago, Retired Wrencher said:

Nice tractor. I have one also I pick up from a senior member.

Senior ?? 

[Pullstart 62,905]

Cool story Bob!  Awesome service records too!  No doubt it’ll stay pristine for a long time… did you restore it and did you keep that seat back?

[peter lena 8,634]

@rmaynard  good going on that , could not pass this up , when you are on your commando , DO YOU HAVE TO BE COMMANDO ?  pete .

[Retired Wrencher 5,464]

22 hours ago, Sparky said:

Senior ?? 

You are #1 Mike. I know it says 2 but you are the man.