'67 Lawn Ranger for the grandkids

[dclarke 4,046]

I pick this Ranger up a few years ago with the intention of building something my grandkids can drive when they get a little older. I took it apart a while back (a long while back) and it's been sitting on the shelf. I've gotten rid of the Tecky and the mower deck,  I have a K161 pull start Kohler I'm gonna put in it and I'm planning on adding a second clutch pedal so the kids can reach it as well as a set of running board style foot rests to keep their feet out of the back tires. I've also got an 8 speed tranny here so I'm going to see if I can make it fit too. This tractor is gonna get a rattle can paint job, it's just easier with my limited shop space and the kids will likely scratch it up anyway. 

I took a few parts to get blasted yesterday and got those back today, I think I'm going to mock up the frame, tranny, engine and seat pan before I paint those pieces. I'm going to need to add a 3/4" rod to the frame for the extra pedal and some kind of bracket for the foot rest and probably have to add a mounting tab to the drive belt cover so it'll fit the Kohler. I picked up a set of tires from Miller Tire and have those mounted, at this point I'm still painting the rear rims so I won't inflate those tires until the paint drys. 

 

Edited June 16, 2018 by dclarke

[953 nut 56,165]

12 minutes ago, dclarke said:

planning on adding a second clutch pedal so the kids can reach it

I have seen a couple at the Big show that use the implement lift lever as a hand clutch. They were spring loaded so if the child lets go of it the tractor will stop. Seems like a good safe way to handle the child driver, if they were to fall off it will stop at once.

[dclarke 4,046]

4 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

I have seen a couple at the Big show that use the implement lift lever as a hand clutch. They were spring loaded so if the child lets go of it the tractor will stop. Seems like a good safe way to handle the child driver, if they were to fall off it will stop at once.

Interesting. I’d sure like to see pics of that setup. 

[WHNJ701 4,165]

Looks like a fun project, similar idea with the hand clutch I had both my kids operating tractors young I redid them each a panzer. (I had to get 2 since they couldn't share) they use a hand drive which is easy for them to use.  plus when they were learning I could walk along side and grab it if needed

[ebinmaine 68,874]

Nice work Den.

[dclarke 4,046]

9 hours ago, 953 nut said:

I have seen a couple at the Big show that use the implement lift lever as a hand clutch. They were spring loaded so if the child lets go of it the tractor will stop. Seems like a good safe way to handle the child driver, if they were to fall off it will stop at once.

Richard, I found a video on youtube of a guy modifying a hand lever and it looks like that might be the way to go,espicially while the boys are so young.  Thanks for the tip!

[Shynon 7,470]

Denny, @Terry M has a great clutch/brake set up and @prondzy has his modified with floorboards, hope they will chime in with pics. By the way looks like a fun rewarding build.

[dclarke 4,046]

I started piecing this thing back together to see what modifications I need to make before paint. I had to modify the R.H.side panel and the tool tray to clear the hi/lo shift lever and the tranny dipstick on the 8 speed. 

[dclarke 4,046]

I've managed to get a little more done this week. I had to shorten and bend the trans hi/lo shift lever to get it where I wanted it, I also added a brace to stiffen it some then cut a slot for it in the tunnel cover. There was some play in the frame where the drive belt idler pulley shaft goes thru it so I reamed the holes out and added bushings to fix that. Then I cut a pair of foot rests from a B series tractor down to fit this Ranger and added a couple of braces to the frame to support them. I've still got a little tweaking to do to them but I'm pretty happy with how they fit. I decided to use a different steering wheel so I need to get the seat mounted and figure out what height I want the steering wheel to be. In the pic it's mounted to the original Ranger steering shaft and I think it might be too low. 

[dclarke 4,046]

This week I've had a chance to finish up the foot rests, patch the hole in the hood around the gas tank filler neck and rework the Tecky gas tank bracket to fit the Kohler and I've drilled the seat pan so I can either bolt the seat directly to it or use the flip up bracket with the seat springs. 

Edited June 28, 2018 by dclarke

[Shynon 7,470]

Looking good Denny 

[rmaynard 15,730]

Nice work Denny. 

[dclarke 4,046]

Ryder came over to see how it fits. 

[JPWH 6,147]

Looks like a good fit! All smiles too.

[Shynon 7,470]

17 minutes ago, dclarke said:

Ryder came over to see how it fits. 

How long before it's done grandpa

[dclarke 4,046]

3 minutes ago, Shynon said:

How long before it's done grandpa

I’m hoping before the leaves change. Lol

[prondzy 3,883]

Looks good Denny, guess i better get back in the garage to finish mine for the kids too!

[ebinmaine 68,874]

3 hours ago, dclarke said:

I’m hoping before the leaves change. Lol

Oohhh.., I think you'll pull that off alright....

Great progress so far!!

 

 

[Terry M-(Moderator) 2,177]

Coming along nice , Denny !! 

[dclarke 4,046]

I only have one pic of my progress this week. I've got the frame and several small parts painted and I disassembled the tranny in order to blast the cases and have it back together with new seals. I'm hoping to have a rolling frame in the next week or so. 

[dclarke 4,046]

Got a little bit done on a Sunday morning. 

[Terry M-(Moderator) 2,177]

Those Lug nuts look Nice, Denny..

[Wildhorse 298]

Very nice! Love the Rangers! 

[dtallon 320]

Thanks for sharing Denny.  I will be following your progress.  I have an 8-speed and Kohler I am wanting to put in a Ranger as well.  

 

Dave

[dclarke 4,046]

The last few days I've been painting parts and have been able to get a few of them bolted on. I replaced the brake lining with a new one that I had in stock from our vendor Bob Maynard, had to reconfigure the rod that operates the brake band to get it to work and made a link to connect both pedals. Also got the front wheels on and some of the steering installed. Now it's back to watching paint dry.