cstempert 27 #1 Posted November 20, 2014 (edited) I'm starting to rebuild ( not sure if I want to restore or just build as is) the Sr I acquired this spring after meeting a couple of the other Sr. owners a couple weeks ago. I thank them for the info on some of the details on the tractor Pics of the tractor how it was when first offered to me At this point I did not even know what it was other than free for rebuilding and selling a 9N Didn't take long searching here and posting before I realized it was an RS-83 Hood had some nasty cracks on what looks like a bad gelcoat job. Paint wasn't even removed in most places so it was cracking and bubbling which exposed the original gelcoat so I decided to strip it off Still not sure what I am going to do as the center part is pretty rough...might leave the "patina" or paint fresh. Either way looks better than before Don't think I can make it back to one piece unless I paint it tho Edited November 20, 2014 by cstempert 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330 #2 Posted November 20, 2014 Coming along Chris. Remember when you get tired of working on that old thing and cannot see the finish line let me know Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Molon_Labe 731 #3 Posted November 20, 2014 Wow, that's a great project and looking really good so far. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cstempert 27 #4 Posted November 20, 2014 (edited) I found several thing right off that I was missing after looking at Steve's Sr I was missing the top engine shroud and screen retaining ring (holds the front of the hood too). Found a set on eBay Steering wheel was shot too Found another exact to Steve's original w only a few cracks it's a Sheller 1035 The threads on the rod were broken off of course so the taper key and thread are all pretty typical of any 40's Ford and many tractors I'll splice the shaft in when I rebuild the box I found a nice manual for the Wisconsin AEN so I bought that for ref. I was fortunate to find the engine has all the options for electric start and distributor ignition Only thing missing is the cover on the ignition cut-out, unfortunately it's also the same Auto-Lite CB-4001 used on Indian MC of similar vintage. I'll keep searching. At least the cut out looks ok The throttle control lever is wrong too I found a nice era B&S but a little different shape than the Western Controls beauty in Steve's I did find a nice Kohler that looks like it's probably the same, less plastic sleeve Here is the one on Steve's RS Westcon is still in business in Wichita KS and still makes the lever except different shape Anyone has anymore details. Feel free To message me Edited November 20, 2014 by cstempert 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sean Keys 57 #5 Posted November 20, 2014 Great work, looking good! Keep it up! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cstempert 27 #6 Posted November 20, 2014 Coming along Chris. Remember when you get tired of working on that old thing and cannot see the finish line let me know Heck... rarely don't see the light Steve. I've gotta couple projects running concurrently along with work and customer jobs...so those lights sometimes look like disco lights I'd ask "what would you do with 2 anyhow?" But I've seen your collection so ... Btw barn is coming out beautiful Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,426 #7 Posted November 20, 2014 Oh this is great...now I have two Senior rebuild threads to keep up with. Maybe we need to have a new section devoted entirely to Seniors. Good work so far. Keep us posted. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,127 #8 Posted November 20, 2014 Considering the rarity factor...and low production numbers... they definitely deserve a seperate forum here...their own section. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,679 #9 Posted November 20, 2014 looking good Chris Brian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cstempert 27 #10 Posted November 30, 2014 Does anyone have any reference pics of the throttle control cable pivot linkage on the Sr.? Back of the engine connects to governor I have a sheet metal piece that looks a little improvised Steve, maybe next time your in the barn. ( I forgot to take a couple pics that day ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330 #11 Posted November 30, 2014 Chris, Sr. is not in the barn rather wrapped up for a long winter's nap in the trailer. I will see what I can do.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cstempert 27 #12 Posted December 7, 2014 Chris, Sr. is not in the barn rather wrapped up for a long winter's nap in the trailer. I will see what I can do.... Here's where i need some help Steve. I see most of the linkage may be available from Wisconsin still, but I'm not sure which pivot it is. Hoping yours has something similar to below This is a manually operated for an AEN engine according to the Wisconsin publication but for a hand operated control on the engine not remote This looks like what it should be although this is for a later S8D/S10D series motor Which also has the hand control similar to yours : Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,679 #13 Posted December 7, 2014 none of those above when I get the camera battery charged I'll take a picture brian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cstempert 27 #14 Posted December 7, 2014 Great thanks Buckrancher Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,679 #15 Posted December 7, 2014 here's the part on the motor that the throttle cable attaches sorry it's blurry this piece clamps on the throttle cable wire and has a hole in the end for the gov. spring brian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fireman 1,021 #16 Posted December 7, 2014 Here's a picture of the one I made in the lathe. Mine was shot. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fireman 1,021 #17 Posted December 7, 2014 Just found a couple more pictures for you: 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cstempert 27 #18 Posted December 7, 2014 Boy... that's going to be a tough one to replicate and make it look right. Cast iron piece I assume. I'll probably make a steel one. If anyone feels ambitious send some dimensions Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cstempert 27 #19 Posted December 7, 2014 Here's a picture of the one I made in the lathe. Mine was shot. 101_1260.JPG 101_1259.JPG Probably do the same. The cast bracket I'll probably mill one and rough blast for cast look if I can't locate one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fireman 1,021 #20 Posted December 7, 2014 Neil, who is a mod here now has my Senior over in the UK. Maybe he can measure the round part that I made so you can replicate it. I made an exact copy of the old one. Brian I'm sure could also give you the dimensions. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,679 #21 Posted December 8, 2014 OAL .500 large dia. .300 small dia..1875 large dia length .250 brian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cstempert 27 #22 Posted December 8, 2014 Thanks Brian Appreciate the dims I'm going to make an Autosketch of the cast piece and maybe you can fill in the dimensions when you have time From the look of the pivot on mine it was boogered long ago, so the original is probably long gone. I bet I'll never find one of them either ( even though I'll look) so making it from a solid hunk of steel will be my best option. The spring to cable piece should be pretty straightforward, just small BTW, I've managed to strip off a majority of the newer paint and there's some original paint left on the frame and trans. For now the plan is to get as much original paint exposed and leave it in its original patina The hood will have to stay 3 piece for now. There are some old repairs in the fiberglass and I'll have to fill in where the headlight holes are but I can see the original red gelcoat and its a deep red so I think it wil stay until I restore completely if I go that route later Thanks again gents Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cstempert 27 #23 Posted February 8, 2015 Still not sure what I will do with the ugly holes in the grill. I'm leaning toward not completely redoing it as the original gelcoat finish is tired but looks interesting. I was thinking about '42-'47 Ford truck parking lights, but I don't know I need opinions on the look Most of the newer crappy bondo is gone, but I need to strip off the rest of the paint. maybe after its one color it will look better but right now it's got a retarded Frankenstein look I think 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330 #24 Posted February 8, 2015 You are going this far imo you need to make it right. If it was a worker model no problem with mods but not this baby !! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,127 #25 Posted February 8, 2015 Or...maybe a cyclops, with one light in the center... that was pretty common to find, back in the day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites