Finally... The Restoration Is Complete - RJ59

[pezsox 31]

I want to first off thank all the folks here on this board for helping me with my project. My wifes grandfather passed away in 1989 and this tractor had sat in a pasture since the 70's. He purchased it new from the dealer and as some pictures show, he completely "farmerized" numerous pieces. He somehow installed a power steering pump, heat shields, and other items to just make it work. I was able to finish this project this weekend and give it back to a stunned mother-in-law and father-in-law. I tried to leave parts and pieces in original-ish form, but obviously had to fix others. You have all been so kind and generous with your time and answers. I have never worked on cars, or farm implements. I borrowed tools, asked questions, and for the first time in my life listened to advice. I am the epitome of someone who had never even heard of Wheel Horse 4four months ago. Sure there was some money spent, but this has been very fullfilling. My favorite parts were the heat shield that I was able to design to use her grandparents names, the id tag which is his birthday, and the engine tag that I had done so that it showed his DOB/DOD on it so nobody would forget. I told them the only rule was this has to be used, driven, played with, wrecked, fixed, used. It is not allowed to sit in the garage and looked at. I used rattle cans, so that if there is a scratch, we can just touch it up and put it out to be played with again. I will probably never own a Wheel Horse again, but I would like to think the knowledge you guys gave me, will stick with me. I feel like one of Ken's kids in the Tractor Club! Enjoy the pics. I have some before and afters, and a few of my wife back in 1975 playing on the tractor with her grandparents. There were plenty of tears shed yesterday when I unveiled it. I told them I just was going to get the engine to run, they had no idea. I know this board's motto is "pics, pics, pics"! so here you go.

sorry the pics were so small, I needed to make them small to fit so many...

[pezsox 31]

a few larger ones

[rexman72 210]

what a great job you did.thanks for sharing.

[Lane Ranger 10,943]

Looks great and a real tribute to your wife's grandfather -her parents must be real excited.   That first picture with the chains on the tires  shows a pulley and frame  (without the front cutting blade )  for a CBR-32  front sickle bar mower on it!

[redrooster 83]

Excellent!

[Jake Kuhn 1,554]

Very nice job on the resto! Turned out sweet! 

[Olratlr 25]

It looks real good.

[pezsox 31]

This is why I love this forum. Someone (you shall remain un-named) Let me know thru a private message that I may have put my back wheels on incorrectly. I assumed like every other vehicle in the world the valve stem is to the outside...wrong! Only would people who care let me know that this may be wrong, and only people who have this much knowledge would have noticed. Thanks

[KATO 115]

AWESOME  love the story too ...they will be very happy im sure

[slammer302 2,155]

I noticed that too. Nice rj looks good

[312Hydro 474]

Your tractor looks great! Thanks for sharing and I really like the customized heat shield. :handgestures-thumbupright:

[wallfish 16,971]

LOOKS GREAT!

These are the kind of stories that make this hobby fun.

[Bert 760]

Nice work!

[pezsox 31]

A friend of mine says they flip their farm wheels either way to make them wider or skinnier depending on what they are farming. Lol

[Ken B 3,164]

Awesome story and you did a nice job bringing that tractor back to life! I have a few suggestions, since you'd like to see this tractor used for fun and maybe even some chores I would add some weight to the front of the tractor to keep the front end on the ground as they can be flipped rather easily. I'd also try too find a belt guard so ones fingers don't wind up in a pinch...

[VinsRJ 721]

I would have to agree... you did a great job!

[grnlark 479]

Awesome!

[Navig8r 132]

Great job!  Tractor looks great, and it's awesome what you've done to keep family memories alive! 

[Fun Engineer 859]

That's a keeper.  Nice looking restoration and wonderful family history.

Edited March 11, 2014 by Fun Engineer

[bmsgaffer 2,043]

I'm sitting here thinking what a shame that you will have to get the tires remounted so the tread is facing the right way

 

Then I realize that all you have to do is swap sides, doh!

[pezsox 31]

I actually did not realize the torque these things have. The first time I tested the gears, I started in 3rd gear and damn near flipped it. I was shocked at the power these little engines have. I also was emailing someone before Christmas about a repro belt guard, I might have to continue that conversation. Too funny on the wheels, I thought the same thing then I looked at it and I sighed in relief. It's not 100% original and correct, but that's ok it's already been ridden thru 2 tankfulls of gas!

I do have those sickle parts, and a few other parts I am going to put in the 4 sale section.

[Irv 115]

Great work on the resto and a great, heart warming story.

[AMC RULES 37,125]

You do nice  work.

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,497]

A great job, and a better story. Well done.

 

Glenn

[meadowfield 2,570]

Lovely work!