McMOPAR 40 #1 Posted January 9, 2018 Well the RJ58 restoration has been on our list of things to do for a couple years now, and we finally got some time to do it. I really enjoyed restoring this little tractor with my two sons, and of course its like a brand new toy for them now that its all painted up and shiny. But the best part was the learning experience, for all of us. For me, I learned a lot of about my two boys. And for them they learned a lot about patience, how things come apart and them go back together again, and most importantly they learned how much hard work goes into a complete restoration like this. It might have taken twice as long verses if I just did it all myself, but it was worth it. They seem to have a lot more respect for it now, compared to a new toy that was just given to them. And as many memories as I already have with this tractor, we just added some more. I'll post some pictures of the process from start to finish, I hope you guys enjoy! Here are some pics of the RJ back in 1996. Here are some pics of it loaded ready to go back home for a full restoration. Some pics of the tear down. 5 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BOB ELLISON 2,981 #2 Posted January 9, 2018 I wish I could have done this with my kids when they were young. But instead I had to build our house. Now there gone and have there own family's. They never forget the time's with dad. I never have with mine. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 49,486 #3 Posted January 9, 2018 (edited) Nice job & love the plow! Can't think of a better way to teach or learn about your boys! Thanks for getting youngsters in the hobby! Edited January 9, 2018 by WHX14 Speelimg 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McMOPAR 40 #4 Posted January 9, 2018 And some pics of the RJ in primer. And some pics going back together... 7 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike'sHorseBarn 3,036 #5 Posted January 9, 2018 (edited) Looks good! I like that bracket to hold on the gas tank instead of welding straps to the hood! Edited January 10, 2018 by Mike'sHorseBarn 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,498 #6 Posted January 9, 2018 I thoroughly enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing it with us. Glenn 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sarge 3,464 #9 Posted January 10, 2018 The older little guy looks so serious - he's going to be interesting when he gets older. It begs the question - judging by his shirts, where's the Plymouth hiding? RJ turned out sweet - those kids will never forget putting sweat equity into something they enjoy. Sarge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McMOPAR 40 #10 Posted January 10, 2018 We have a few Plymouths. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sarge 3,464 #11 Posted January 11, 2018 Very nice collection of predatory fish - what engines? Every picture I see of that boy reminds me of that look every gearhead has at the drag strip waiting for that infernal light... Sarge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McMOPAR 40 #12 Posted January 11, 2018 70 Challenger has a 440, 72 Barracuda has a 318 & 67 Barracuda has a 273. Yes he's a thinker forsure, and very picky. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 49,486 #13 Posted January 11, 2018 Gotta ask tho how does he clutch seated Indian like that? Would think dad might have to build him a pedal extension! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sarge 3,464 #14 Posted January 12, 2018 One of my favorites was always the '70 Cuda, especially the big block models. Having one of those with that huge iron lump of a 440 up front may have rendered the steering nearly worthless, but what a ride! I grew up around those cars when I was a kid - wish I had Dad's cars now from back then....ugh. '66 Charger, brushed aluminum color w/wine red interior, 383 4spd. '67 Plymouth GTX, navy blue in/out w/440 auto '70 Dodge Charger, midnight black RT/SE w/saddle tan interior, 440-6 auto The values of those cars today is staggering. The paint on the little horse is amazing - excellent work. Sarge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McMOPAR 40 #15 Posted January 12, 2018 Yes I need to do that, and install the drive belt cover next summer. Right now he just turns it off when he's done. The 70 hemi cuda is my all time favourite, but unfortunately out of most people price range. Your father had some awesome cars, love the 67 GTX! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimkemp 526 #16 Posted January 13, 2018 Nice looking tractor , I can only hope mine comes out looking as good , Nice job !!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
