953 nut 55,298 #251 Posted March 14, 2018 9 minutes ago, 19richie66 said: It is unbelievable that 2 tractors, different models and transaxles, 15 years later the parts would fit in the same holes. Everyone knows the Ponds were thrifty, this just proving the point. Same thing with rear hubs, front axle assemblies, dash housings and hoods (well almost! just 3 1/4" off) are the same on the '63 953 and '70 GT-14. You wouldn't expect them to retool when they already have the molds and dies on hand. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cpete1 332 #252 Posted March 14, 2018 That's the entire point of these tractors. The design worked, probably got tweaked over the years but they stayed the same. I'm thinking that's why they are such a good candidate for doing rebuilds. So much similar that its easy to get familiar with everything and pass it along. Not to mention that the tractors do their job to full expectation. I plowed my 1000' driveway yesterday with a 310, not a bit of problem except for the soft ground underneath. I grew up on a dairy farm and plowed with all sorts of stuff and the little 310 amazes me as to how it works so well, given its size. Watching Richie do his magic on some of the design is just the icing on the cake, (Although I won't admit it in public). Thank goodness you guys are so miserable and not helpful and grumpy, this site would be too nice to get away from if it were any other way. Thanks for putting up with us Richie.. Chris 2 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,508 #253 Posted March 14, 2018 Glad to have you along for the ride. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,508 #254 Posted March 14, 2018 (edited) Ok so more backyard brake engineering going in today. Got my slot cut for my rod to move back n forth in, trimmed a little off of it to clear a bolt. Just need to thread it for a clevis rod end and redrill a hole for the connecting bolt that goes through the brake band bracket. Needs to move out about 1/2” to line up. I got all of the motion control group mounted and the parking brake lock installed with the release spring. Just need to tweek the levers for clearance and make a new top plate. Think I might just leave the hand control lever for now to see how I like it. Running out if time and dont know if the foot control thing is going to happen yet. Little things here and there but I think she’s gonna work just fine. Edited March 15, 2018 by 19richie66 2 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,594 #255 Posted March 15, 2018 Lookin good Mr Sir !!! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,508 #256 Posted March 16, 2018 (edited) Well today skittles got some new front hubs. I bought some 5 lug trailer hubs and wheels. I had to install a 3” long spanner to increase the axle size to 1” for the bearings. Also I took a 3/4” wide bushing (1” id x 1-1/4” od) and split it for the seal to ride on. New bearings, taces, hubs & seals. I just got my front wheels back from paint so they are going to sit for a while and harden up before putting tires on it. So I had to put my extra trailer wheels on it for now. Not sure I like the skinnies but I cannot wait to get my other wheels and tires on it. Also got the tensioner figured out today. Still have to make a spring tab for the tension spring. Edited March 16, 2018 by 19richie66 3 10 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,594 #257 Posted March 16, 2018 Looks great! Wish you and your welder lived closer... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Texas Todd 1,025 #258 Posted March 16, 2018 Bravo! Looking great! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcamino/wheelhorse 9,317 #259 Posted March 16, 2018 It is getting closer to the finish and on the way to PA. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,508 #260 Posted March 16, 2018 Thanks guys! 13 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: Looks great! Wish you and your welder lived closer... I wish people lived closer to me 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacemakerJack 10,738 #261 Posted March 16, 2018 (edited) So do we—this time of year anyway! Skittles is looking great—you’re doing an awesome job Richie! Edited March 16, 2018 by PeacemakerJack 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,298 #262 Posted March 16, 2018 10 hours ago, 19richie66 said: Not sure I like the skinnies I think the BIG and little makes a great combo. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RandyLittrell 3,884 #263 Posted March 16, 2018 1 hour ago, 953 nut said: I think the BIG and little makes a great combo. Me too, I really like the skinnier tri-ribs with ags on the back! Randy 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,508 #264 Posted March 16, 2018 Being in the sandy soil area I am in, tri ribs would trash what little yard I have left when turning. Will probably get a set later and put them on these wheels just to change up. These are 4.80x8 and they nose dive the tractor just a hair. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,298 #265 Posted March 16, 2018 I have 5.70-8 tires on this 953 and it sits level. 3 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,508 #266 Posted March 16, 2018 Belt tensioner is finished and functional as well as the brake linkage. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,508 #267 Posted March 17, 2018 Hydro filter mounted. Now just have to figure out my hydraulic hoses, lengths and fittings. Called Lowell and hope to be getting him to make me some. All parts are wheel horse but the power steering valve and cylinder. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcamino/wheelhorse 9,317 #268 Posted March 17, 2018 Can't wait to see skiddles and all the goodies. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,130 #269 Posted March 17, 2018 1 minute ago, elcamino/wheelhorse said: skiddles 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,508 #270 Posted March 20, 2018 Wheels are done. Just need stems and chrome lug nuts. 3 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmsgaffer 2,043 #271 Posted March 21, 2018 I am looking forward to seeing this one back together. Love the wheel color! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WVHillbilly520H 10,373 #272 Posted March 21, 2018 14 hours ago, 19richie66 said: Wheels are done. Just need stems and chrome lug nuts. May we inquire color and type? Thanks looks real good? 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,508 #273 Posted March 21, 2018 It’s matthews paint single stage. Thanks for the comments. Can’t wait to see it back together myself. Wrestling hydraulic hoses right now. Getting closer. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,508 #274 Posted March 29, 2018 (edited) Lengthened the steering shaft today 3” so I could get my wheel on it. Fits nice now. Figured while I had the welder out and nice weather I would go ahead and notch the shifter cage to clear the hydraulic fitting that is on the front of the pump. Welded that, all the cracks in the usual places on the rear of the fenders and the rear cross brace behind the seat. Also beat the dimples out of the extra set of rear fenders and hammer & dollied the rest of the sheet metal for the fender mounts. Also I have @wheelhorseman lowell making my hoses. Hope to have them soon and then I can get her plumbed and hopefully operational. Just Chuggin’along Edited March 29, 2018 by 19richie66 3 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,508 #275 Posted March 29, 2018 New front shoes 2 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
