Narrowing down my frame selection for my 18 Automatic resto-mod.

["D"- Man 827]

I removed everything from the frame of my 18 automatic, only to discover that it had been altered a bit in the engine mounting holes area. The previous owner had elongated the holes. I can only assume that this may have been done in an effort to accommodate easy removal of the coupling without removing the engine bolts. Just loosen and slide forward. This frame was otherwise a very straight frame with no pitting. I had this frame sandblasted, then I primered and painted it. I purchased an 18 Automatic parts tractor which had a unmolested frame other than rust pits discovered only after I had it sandblasted. Deep pits on the top and sides. So I took a footrest off of my D-180 to see if it was rusted and pitted. No it was not, it was however a complete assembled tractor. So I thought I'll check the engine mounting holes they were fine I thought I had found a perfect canidate for my resto-mod frame. Upon further inspection I noticed the uprights that hold the rod for the hydro cylinders was bent and had separated from the frame a little and were slightly twisted. I was now left with a decision: which frame should I use and how much work do I want to do to one of them? I decided to have a go at applying some bondo on the pitted frame. This will get me a straight frame with good mounting holes and be very presentable. No pics yet as I will have to wait until I get home and download them from my P.C.

Edited May 6, 2015 by 23 Automatic LSE

[Niagara D 11]

If there are any parts left you would like to pass along let me know.

["D"- Man 827]

Niagara D

P.M. me what you need, Mark.

[312Hydro 474]

You could have the elongated holes welded up and re drilled.

["D"- Man 827]

Rich, I had thought of doing just that until I remembered that I already had removed the seat spring mount from the pitted frame in order to accommodate the hydro cooling fan.  The hydro cooling fan was obviously an afterthought to the 18 Automatic as the seat spring mount was alleviated on the later frames with the fan.  I have considered that since I now have an otherwise good frame, maybe I could {someday} try to make a 4 wheel steering trailer with 4 of the 26x12-12's that were made for the rear, mounted to two of the front axles and connected so that the front two wheels turn in opposite directions from the rear two.  This is mostly just wishful thinking.

["D"- Man 827]

Here is a picture of the elongated holes where the engine mounts.  For more pics see topic

How To Make An 18 Automatic Into A 23 Automatique LSE

Edited May 8, 2015 by 23 Automatic LSE

[312Hydro 474]

With the engine bolted down would you even see them?

[19richie66 17,530]

If that was the better frame, I could live with that. Better than filling all the pits on the other frame. Like you say, with the engine on it you would not know they were there. Either way, looking good.....