putting the rj35 together at last

[ricksrj58 273]

i am able to start painting and building the rj,the PO had pretty much destroyed the hood stand and everything attached to it.here is the finished frame

[Jake Kuhn 1,554]

Very nice! I hope to get both my dad's 57 and my 57 finished by the end of the year if I'm lucky.

 

Jake

[953 nut 55,027]

Looking forward to the progress reports and photo updates; would also like to see some "before" photos.      

 

 

[Kevbo 80]

Nice job so far! Looking forward to seeing the progress.

[VinsRJ 721]

Looks like a nice foundation for great RJ!

[xenon213 10]

Looks great so far !

[ricksrj58 273]

i was having a brain fart LOL i think i know what gos where now.

[ricksrj58 273]

yep i got it all figured out and put together,i need to cut alittle of the steering shaft because the hole is way too large,finish painting more bits and pieces and than i can start on the hood and seat 

[VinsRJ 721]

Don't you just love when a plan comes together!?!

[ricksrj58 273]

well i was able to get the steering shaft cut down and ready for the wheel.and as you can see the PO had to fix some cracks and i suck when it comes to bodywork so its going to stay this way for awhile.the tank straps were shot so i had to put some temporary straps for a smaller tank untill i can get the correct tank for it. 

[Iggy68 28]

Looking good!

[thirdjoker 11]

i'm ok with body work-going to follow this one/

[VinsRJ 721]

Very common problems with RJ hoods, keep an eye out you may just be able to find a better example hood.

Edited May 1, 2013 by VinsRJ

[Hammerhead 817]

Nice looking RJ35. I am curious about the aluminum steering wheel. Did that come on this tractor or did somebody add it at a later date? I think the first run of 100 1955 WH's had that steering wheel or one very close to that design. Can anybody with an aluminum steering wheeled RJ35, tell if this wheel is just like their steering wheel? If it is an original WH steering wheel, it is a rare one and worth alot of money. Great project you have there! Keith 

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

Here is a pic of my very early 55 with alum. wheel. Another indication that mine is very early is that it has no front axle stop at all.

[VinsRJ 721]

The issue that is throwing me off is the center or "hub" of the wheel... I've never seen or remember seeing an aluminum or iron small wheel with any detail in the hub facia???

Edited May 9, 2013 by VinsRJ

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

I just looked at a close up of your wheel and it looks to me as if the hub of the wheel was milled and the detail that vin is seeing is the steering shaft. You may want to pull the pin and re set it flush with the hub and redrill. I used an aluminum shaft in mine for the steering shaft (which is not original) but I like that look. You may want to do the same or use paint the top of the shaft with aluminum color paint so it blends in more. in the end it is your tractor and you can do whatever you like with it. Cool machine for sure !!

Here are more close up pics of my wheel

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

Does that wheel have any numbers cast on the underside?

[VinsRJ 721]

... the detail that vin is seeing is the steering shaft.

 

 Steve, you speak wise... I just really exploded the view and noticed the steering shaft poking through.

[ricksrj58 273]

yeah the hub on my steering wheel was bored all the way.i just painted the end of the shaft red and i kinda like it.

[ricksrj58 273]

i have the new motor mounted and the back rims are painted and ready to go on.now i just need to get the front rims cleaned and painted and take it outside for fluids and to start the engine.

[AMC RULES 37,126]

 Looks awesome already. 

[welderman85 53]

Looks great nice work

[Ken B 3,164]

Looks real nice with that Clinton on there!

[VinsRJ 721]

Depending on what you want to do with the RJ, be prepared as soon as you start driving it, its going to flick grease everywhere... I hate that.