vette10r 13 #1 Posted February 2, 2016 Hey guys I have a 1977 C-81 I got from my Grandpa when he pasts away. I am slowly restoring it and im using it for snow plowing and mowing in the summer. He had some chains for the rear tires but they seem much to big so I ran to Fleet Farm and got some spring to tighten them up. They still do not seem right so im wondering where I can get the correct chains? Im also looking for a new steering wheel as this one is cracked, im looking for all the original stickers so I can re-paint then put the correct stickers on. And I need the chain the hooks the mower deck to the handle that raises and lowers the deck. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Ill make a list below and throw up a picture of her. Im sure I will be looking for more parts in the future that I will add. Thanks Parts Needed: Correct Tire Chains New Steering Wheel Original Stickers Chain That Attaches The Mower Deck To The Handle. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,303 #2 Posted February 2, 2016 You can always connect to one or two links from the end to effectively tighten the chains. Deck lift chain you can get at any hardware store. Do you also need the trunnion and eye bolt ? Eye bolt can also be easily sourced. Chain simply bolts to lift arm. Stickers come from here http://www.redoyourhorse.com/ Cleat 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vette10r 13 #3 Posted February 2, 2016 Thanks Cleat, I don't know why I didn't think about pulling the chains tighter and connecting a few links back ill give it a shot but I would still like to buy new ones eventually because I want to bring her back to new condition. As far as the deck lift chain, the chain actually didn't snap it was the eyebolt that snapped but everything is in rough shape from all the years of use. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,303 #4 Posted February 2, 2016 You can buy a new eye bolt and a chain connecting link at your local hardware store. As for the trunnion, I have bought a couple from http://www.mowerpartpros.com/OEMpartfinder.htm#/Toro_Consumer/31-20OE01,_520-H_Garden_Tractor,_1988/HYDRAULIC_LIFT_LINKAGE-520-H_&_520-HC/31-20OE01-2550-1988/810623R1-23R10022-00010 I see they also have the chain assembly. Cleat Different tractor (I posted parts for a 520), but I believe these parts are the same. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vette10r 13 #5 Posted February 2, 2016 awesome thanks for the link! I think I might order the original parts just to keep it all correct. I know its a little more money but I want to make it perfect. Did Wheel Horse make chains for my exact model or did people just grab what they could find back then? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob R 966 #6 Posted February 2, 2016 Cleat is correct all you need do with the chains is tighten them, you made need to remove one of the cross cleats if you can't tighten enough, chains come in two and four links (one cross link for every two links or one cross link for every four links). Same with the broke eyebolt just replace what's broke the old parts and chains are much stronger then the new one's so use what you have.... Here's my C81 ready to hit the white stuff made mine two (2) link. That little bugger pushes like a bull dozer..... weights don't hurt either. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vette10r 13 #7 Posted February 2, 2016 So you must have 2 link and I have 4 link? Where did you get the 2 link, they look like they would hook up much better. Also where did you get the bungy or springs on the outside holding them tight? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob R 966 #8 Posted February 2, 2016 Yes sir, I bought a set of used chains and made a set of 2 links for the C81 using the extra cross links etc. The springs you see were also from a used set I bought but you could make them easily from old screen door springs.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vette10r 13 #9 Posted February 2, 2016 Thanks for the info guys! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wishin4a416 2,191 #10 Posted February 2, 2016 Very nice looking machine. it doesnt look like it needs much of a restore. Looks well cared for. Good Luck!!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TDF5G 2,069 #11 Posted February 3, 2016 I don't think it's a 1977. The 8HP tractors were B-80s in '77. It's most likely a '78 or '79. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,518 #12 Posted February 3, 2016 (edited) Most auto parts outlets have bungee chain tensioners. If down pressure is required use the "long link." I have a long link but never used it. The chain is required for your mower deck. I only use the short link pushin' snow. Edited February 4, 2016 by Tankman 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vette10r 13 #13 Posted February 3, 2016 2 hours ago, TDF5G said: I don't think it's a 1977. The 8HP tractors were B-80s in '77. It's most likely a '78 or '79. Thanks, my Dad told me it was a 77 im not 100% sure it there a way I can figure out the year? 51 minutes ago, Tankman said: Most auto parts outlets have bungee chain tensioners. If down pressure is required use the "long link." I have a long link but never used it. The chain is required for your mower deck. I only use the short link pushin' snow. I ended up grabbing a piece of steal from fleet farm and made a bar to use with the plow. So far it is working great and I have plenty of down force if needed. But yes I will need the chain for the mower deck this summer so I will be ordering that. 20 hours ago, Wishin4a416 said: Very nice looking machine. it doesnt look like it needs much of a restore. Looks well cared for. Good Luck!!! Thanks! Yes it was well taken care of and runs perfect! I just want to do a fresh coat of paint on everything and replace any broken parts. She ran great in the storm we got here in Minnesota last night too! Thanks for the help with the chains, I tightened them up and aired all the tires to 10 psi and it never slipped once! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,518 #14 Posted February 3, 2016 I would remove the "pulley less" mule drive. Not needed for plowing, easy to re-install when the deck goes in. Find and post your serial number to find out what year your Horse is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TDF5G 2,069 #15 Posted February 3, 2016 Find your ID number on this list. http://www.mywheelhorse.com/graphics/file/wheel_horse_products_master_model_list.pdf Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flatheadpete 183 #16 Posted February 3, 2016 Good to see another member that has 'Grandpa's Wheel Horse'. I have Grandpa's 856. He slathered a coat of paint on it sometime ago but other than that, it's original. I'm keeping it like that for now. I'll get to a proper resto someday.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 49,119 #17 Posted February 3, 2016 Check here if you need to educate yourself on chains .. nice site to browse and learn... http://www.tirechain.com/ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kegler 68 #18 Posted February 4, 2016 I have never had to use bungees or springs. Pull your valve stems to lower the pressure in the tire's, tighten the chains, as much as possible, then re inflate the tires. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vette10r 13 #19 Posted February 4, 2016 5 hours ago, Kegler said: I have never had to use bungees or springs. Pull your valve stems to lower the pressure in the tire's, tighten the chains, as much as possible, then re inflate the tires. I actually did this, I still have the springs but I let the air out and tightened the chain then re-inflated and they worked great! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,303 #20 Posted February 4, 2016 My tires are loaded so no pulling the stems for me but if you tighten the chains enough by using the correct link enough slack can be removed so chains are tight enough. Cleat Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vette10r 13 #21 Posted February 5, 2016 Does anybody have a link for the steering wheel? This one has a big crack in it and Im about to break it in half one of these times! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 49,119 #22 Posted February 5, 2016 Keep your eyes peeled on vette....might find a replacement there, also post a wanted in classifieds here can't hurt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vette10r 13 #23 Posted February 5, 2016 52 minutes ago, WHX6 said: Keep your eyes peeled on vette....might find a replacement there, also post a wanted in classifieds here can't hurt. Do you know the model number by chance or where I can find it? I really need a good manual for this thing and a parts manual Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TDF5G 2,069 #24 Posted February 5, 2016 The ID tag should be right under the dash panel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,090 #25 Posted February 5, 2016 The C-81 was made 1978 and 1979 http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/search/?q=%22c-81%22&type=downloads_file Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
