Big Show rj build

[dells68 7,498]

Well, I found a little rj that I couldn't resist at the Big Show.  Thanks to @stevebo I even have a set of fenders and tool box for it.  She's a little rough, but appears to be pretty honest.  I have removed the hood and wet sanded it to see how much original paint is left.  I hate to do a restoration and take away all of the character it base earned over the years.  It needs trans seals, gaskets, and bushings desperately and they are on order from Lowell.  I picked up a sweet running little k91 from @BOB ELLISON.  I've got a schnacke recoil from @Jake Kuhn And am waiting on an oil bath from @Aldon.  Upon sanding the trans date code a little, I have what appears to be 02-8.  I think that would put it as a 58 which matches the reward positioning of the gas tank straps, but it does seem to have a 59/60 gas tank.  Please speak up on the trans code if you can help.  I went ahead and made and welded in the broken set of rearward tank straps.  Time for a little shut eye!

[ebinmaine 68,874]

I'll be here watching this one. Looking forward to it.

[953 nut 56,165]

Your herd is growing fast!                         Didn't you also pick up a "D" at the show?                    

[dells68 7,498]

49 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

Your herd is growing fast!                         Didn't you also pick up a "D" at the show?                    

Hey Dick, I did pick up a D160.  I'm going to see if I can get the Onan to run, but it will have to wait till winter to get anything else.  That along with cleaning up Emory's 633 he bought will keep me busy while it's cold out.  I think I enjoy the challenge of working on them as much as anything!

[ebinmaine 68,874]

1 hour ago, dells68 said:

.  I think I enjoy the challenge of working on them as much as anything!

YESS !!!

[Chris G 3,296]

2 hours ago, dells68 said:

 I think I enjoy the challenge of working on them as much as anything!

I believe the hunt and as u stated working on them,  well trying to preserve original status is the most fun. 

[dells68 7,498]

Well, I started breaking the rj on down tonight.  Only got one pic and that is of the right axle.  Notice anything wrong with the keyway?  Gonna try to weld it up a little and hope I can close up the play.  If not, I have a parts tranny I can get an axle from.  If that's the worst I run into, I'm  good!

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,363]

She is old and has been worked a little.... 

[dells68 7,498]

Just a little Steve?  Looks like a lot to me!  Both set screws were also loose on both hubs - couldn't have helped matters any!

[ebinmaine 68,874]

7 hours ago, dells68 said:

wrong with the keyway

Going to try using softer metal for the key?

I'd like to see pics....

 

 

[dells68 7,498]

Actually hadn't thought of changing the key.  I'm just planning to build the hole back up a little to take up some of the slop.  Waiting on my tranny rebuild kit, then I'll open her up and see what I have.  Hopefully the damage is confined to the keyway.  Seems like the damage is a result of being run with the set screw loose.🤞

[ebinmaine 68,874]

Yeah that's pretty likely from loose screws... I can relate to loose screws....

 

2 minutes ago, dells68 said:

changing the key.

Not changing the key. I worded that incorrectly.

There was a thread a while ago where someone used a softer metal as a filling for the keyway hole while welding.

I don't weld so I'm not sure what the procedure was.

[ebinmaine 68,874]

Dell I searched a bit for the thread but my search capabilities are... Not that capable..

 

It was copper that was one of the metals. Maybe brass was the other?

 

I'm sure others will chime in on this.

 

[WVHillbilly520H 10,374]

1 hour ago, ebinmaine said:

 

It was copper that was one of the metals. Maybe brass was the other?

 

 

Copper works the best...

[dells68 7,498]

Only problem is that I don't have access to a torch to braze the extra material in.  Is there any reason that I can't add just a little with a mig and clean it up with a dremmel?

[Howie 899]

I cut a copper piece to fit in there and mig welded around it on one. Sorry did not take a picture before anyone asks! I have a lathe so turned it down.

[wallfish 17,112]

On 6/28/2018 at 11:59 PM, dells68 said:

Please speak up on the trans code if you can help.

02 = Feb

8 = 1958

Solid seat is from a later 1959 or early 1960 tractor

The gas tank is from a 1960 or 61 suburban.

58 and 59 are the pretty much the same exact tractor with very minor possible changes. 59s even have a RJ-58 ID sticker

[dells68 7,498]

Thanks @wallfish!  That's what I was hoping.  The date is even stamped upside down from later date codes (read this one from the back of the tractor) - only way I'm sure of that is the 2.  It had a seat with holes that was really rough and welded on when I got it, so I swapped the seat from a suburban I bought and sold at the show.

I worked a little while today adding just a little red to the hood and sanding 80% of it off to make it stand out and hide discoloration from welding the strap back in.  It looks like more red than it is and is also before I wiped it down with lacquer thinner.  I also got a belt guard pressed and tacked up since that's the piece I was missing.  Thanks to @stevebo For letting me get the dimensions of his original.  The hole for the crankshaft is a little larger as that was the smallest hole saw I had.  Going shopping with the wife and going to get some fireworks.

[wallfish 17,112]

Nice job pressing that cover. Did you do that?

[WVHillbilly520H 10,374]

I could help you out with a period correct albeit color correct seat...no cracking at the mounting bolt, Jeff.

[dells68 7,498]

1 hour ago, wallfish said:

Nice job pressing that cover. Did you do that?

Thanks Fish.  I pressed it using a layered wooden form, a tubing bender rigged for use as a press, hammers, sockets, and lots of trial and error to get it.  Im happy with how it's turning out.  Since originals are next to impossible to find, this was my only option.  I'll post up some more pics when I get it done.

[dells68 7,498]

Thanks Jeff.  I'll let you know.  Emory has a 60 with a seat with the holes and apparently it should have the solid seat.  Not sure if I'll  change the seat though.  I kind of like the solid seat, but might should go with the correct one.

[953 nut 56,165]

Here is a good thread by @Ed Kennell on repairing a key way.

 

[ebinmaine 68,874]

2 hours ago, 953 nut said:

Here is a good thread by @Ed Kennell on repairing a key way.

 

Thanks Dick.

That's the one I was thinking of.

Couldn't find it on my amazing phone...

 

 

[dells68 7,498]

Well, spent all day yesterday working on our new barn, but got in a few minutes this morning before taking Dad to the dr.  Had already finished welding the guard I'm making, so did a little grinding and finish work.  Not too bad considering my welding is farm quality - function over looks.  A few pin holes that might get a little filler, but otherwise ok.  I know i got good penetration because I had to grind down several bird t..ds on the inside😂.  I'll  try to get a little more done tonight before going back to the barn early tomorrow.