Pullstart 63,201 #51 Posted August 2, 2019 You do ‘t have a cutting torch, do you? That 3/8” rod could be had I. 3’ sections at most hardware stores, bend to match and drill your holes 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 49,486 #52 Posted August 2, 2019 Then use saltwater/peroxide to patina. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
870express 116 #53 Posted August 2, 2019 (edited) 14 hours ago, pullstart said: You do ‘t have a cutting torch, do you? That 3/8” rod could be had I. 3’ sections at most hardware stores, bend to match and drill your holes I don't have a cutting torch, but I saw a youtube video of VinsRJ straightening a bent steering link. He used a MAPP torch to heat the steel rod cherry red, and then clamped the rod in a vice to bend it. I think I could do that. In fact I bought 3 feet of 3/8" steel rod this morning for that purpose. I tried heating it with my propane torch, which wasn't hot enough. So now it's back to Lowe's in search of a MAPP torch. I've considered buying an oxy-acetylene rig, seeing a number of them locally on craigslist. Maybe in another year or two. I really can't justify the cost right now for no more than I would use it. A MAPP torch would be more in line with my needs. And I've got an anvil and a good 8 pound hammer for fine-tuning and "technical adjustments". Edited August 2, 2019 by 870express 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 63,201 #54 Posted August 2, 2019 Honestly, the vice/ anvil and hammer would do wonders on a 3/8” rod! A piece of pipe and a vice would do it too, but maybe not quite so smooth looking. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
870express 116 #55 Posted August 3, 2019 I decided today was the day. I pulled on the start rope for a couple minutes - nothing. Got compression? - check Fuel tank petcock open? - check. Got fuel in the carb? - check Kill switch open/run? - check Got spark? - nope Disconnected the kill switch. Bingo! She fired right up. Some darkish/greyish smoke for a few minutes, then it cleared up. Idles a little fast. Advanced the throttle and it chokes down - probably a clogged air filter. I let it idle while holding some steel wool on the drive pulley to clean it up and make it shiny. Then very carefully put the drive belt in place, and the transmission began spinning in neutral and seemed to run peaceably with no ominous sounds. I let it run for about 10 minutes, then my excitement got the better of me. I hopped on, pushed the clutch pedal down, eased it into 1st gear, and let the pedal out slowly. It took off and I drove it around the yard for a few minutes. Since the steering link was broken, I had to kick the front wheels with my feet to turn right or left. It will pop a wheelie when starting in 3rd gear. It still needs a lot of tweaking, but it's a start. It's ALIVE, Igor! IT'S ALIVE! 4 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 63,201 #56 Posted August 5, 2019 Great work! Have you discussed the steering needs yet? Maybe I overlooked that problem... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
870express 116 #57 Posted August 5, 2019 11 hours ago, pullstart said: Great work! Have you discussed the steering needs yet? Maybe I overlooked that problem... Yep. I ended up making a steering link with 3/8" steel rod. Works just fine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
870express 116 #58 Posted August 5, 2019 (edited) My brother-in-law sent me this photo. There he is at about 5 years of age, sitting on the RJ-58. That would have been about 1962 or '63. We will definitely put this old horse back to work pulling the current generation of grandkids around at our annual family get-together. That looks like a Kohler engine on it. The current Clinton engine must be a replacement. Edited August 5, 2019 by 870express 2 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,141 #59 Posted August 5, 2019 Thing is too nice to restore... you would be surprised how much original paint is still hiding there. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
870express 116 #60 Posted August 5, 2019 9 minutes ago, AMC RULES said: Thing is too nice to restore... you would be surprised how much original paint is still hiding there. I agree. My plan is to use Rustoleum krud-kutter on it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Play 393 #61 Posted August 8, 2019 Anyone else notice both tractors have the lift cable routed under the engine between the frame rails? Was that originally how they were to be routed? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
