stevebo-(Moderator) 8,264 #76 Posted December 3, 2012 Guys- If you remember a few years ago my next door neighbor took some really nice photos of the RJ35's. I usually do not ask him to take pics of my tractors however I asked if he would take some of the SR. Last night she got a mystery oil bath and today she was gently scrubbed using the oil and soft scotchbrite pad. I then degreased it and washed it with soap and water. Here are a few pics just after it was washed. The old girl really cleaned up well. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheelhorse84 87 #77 Posted December 3, 2012 She's a beauty. I've never seen one in person how would you compare it's size to other models. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,264 #78 Posted December 3, 2012 It is about the same size as my economy. The rear tires are 8-16 if that gives you an idea. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevbo 80 #79 Posted December 3, 2012 Wow! You did a great job cleaning it up!! stevebo could you explain the process of a "mystery oil bath"? :text-imnewhere: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,264 #80 Posted December 3, 2012 This is a long story.... some call it "salad dressing" lol. When I have a tractor that is "crusty" I spray a light oil on it and use tranny fluid and acetone lightly brushed on moving parts to get them moving again. The oil soaks in and helps remove the crusty rust etc. I then use a brush and scotchbrite pad to smooth everything out. After I wash it down with degreaser and water to remove the heavy oil. I blow it dry and then go back and used a very light coat of the oil (mystry oil, wd-40 etc) and wipe it off. When you apply the oil it pulls out the original color. This is a much talked about process. Others have clearcoated over the original patina with much success and others will not even consider putting any type of oil on they're tractors. It is personal preference. I prefer this method. :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jake Kuhn 1,554 #81 Posted December 3, 2012 That cleaned up great! :text-coolphotos: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fireman 1,021 #82 Posted December 3, 2012 Steve that looks awesome! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevbo 80 #83 Posted December 3, 2012 Steve I like your method. I will be sure to save the process you just described for my own use! How much acetone and tranny fluid do you mix together? Do you put this ratio in a spraybottle? What type of tranny fluid? I will have to try using marvel mystery oil in a spray bottle to coat my tractors after they are washed (I have used WD-40 in the past). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevbo 80 #84 Posted December 3, 2012 I found this very interesting post on the internet to back up Steve! "Machinist's Workshop magazine actually tested penetrants for break out torque on rusted nuts. Significant results! They arranged a subjective test of all the popular penetrants with the control being the torque required to remove the nut from a "scientifically rusted" environment. Penetrating oil .......... Average load None ..................... 516 pounds WD-40 .................... 238 pounds PB Blaster ............... 214 pounds Liquid Wrench ............ 127 pounds Kano Kroil ............... 106 pounds ATF-Acetone mix............ 53 pounds The Automatic Transmission fluid (ATF)-Acetone mix was a "home brew" mix of 50 - 50 automatic transmission fluid and acetone." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,264 #85 Posted December 4, 2012 This is kinda cool that my neighbor did. This is a picture of a farm just up the road from us. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,134 #86 Posted December 4, 2012 That would make a nice Christmas card! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VinsRJ 721 #87 Posted December 4, 2012 Steve I like your method. I will be sure to save the process you just described for my own use! How much acetone and tranny fluid do you mix together? Do you put this ratio in a spraybottle? What type of tranny fluid? I will have to try using marvel mystery oil in a spray bottle to coat my tractors after they are washed (I have used WD-40 in the past). Don't try standing near your tractor afterwards... no matter how hard you try that crap gets onto every article of clothing you own. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hammerhead 816 #88 Posted December 4, 2012 Wow what a haul! Very nice Sr. I'd clean it up and oil it down and keep it original, but I always say that! LOL! There's alot of red paint under that rust. I use 4 OOOO steel wool on most of my tractors, that's as FINE of steel wool as they make. Lots of WD40 helps too. You can even use a fine wire wheel on a drill to get the scale rust off of the rearend and big stuff like the frame. Just don't get too crazy with it. You will be amazed at all the paint that will show up all of a sudden. Way to go, I figured your Wife would say it was HER birthday tractor! Keith Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,134 #89 Posted December 4, 2012 I'd like to see a picture of the Economy and the Senior together for comparison purposes. A shot of the Senior and your oldest RJ together would be pretty cool as well.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fireman 1,021 #90 Posted December 4, 2012 Steve do something like this: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,679 #91 Posted December 4, 2012 looks really awesome Steve but why do I keep getting a craving for a wedge of lettuce brian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
neil 2,408 #92 Posted July 20, 2013 Is there any difference in rim size of rear wheels as those with the short spokes to those with the long spokes . Does anyone know why they were different ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,264 #93 Posted July 21, 2013 From what I was told the short spokes had the rear brake drums from the V8 cars and the longer ones were the smaller motor cars. (model A) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,264 #94 Posted July 26, 2017 I finally decided to take the next step to get the primer off and it is coming out great. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,264 #95 Posted July 26, 2017 I think this is the finished product. May work on it a little more but overall I think it looks much better. 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,294 #96 Posted July 26, 2017 That looks great Steve. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TDF5G 2,069 #97 Posted July 27, 2017 That looks great! Mighty fine! I like it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,012 #98 Posted July 27, 2017 What product is on the tires? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,264 #99 Posted July 27, 2017 1 hour ago, WHX11 said: What product is on the tires? Just an auto spray on like black magic or something like that I think. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 66,539 #100 Posted July 28, 2017 Lovely piece of machinery Share this post Link to post Share on other sites