C-81 restomod
By
Redneckdavis, in Restorations, Modifications, & Customizations
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By Traveller28
I wanted to jump on here and show y'all my lastest project. A 1960's model 704(mainly, other parts are used that aren't 704) i decided to try what I've wanted to do for a while. I had a bunch of parts lying around from other builds I've done and decided to pull out the frame and hood from the last 704 I built and start putting together my tricycle gear tractor.
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By giddyap
I hope to make "It's my thing" my archival record. My first, It's my thing, "I do what I wanna do" is about my wheel standing Wheel Horse, this is about my C-81. Stock machines are just NOT my thing, I have to modify them to my pleasing, to be the apple of my eye, eye candy, or beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In other words, please take no offense in what I choose to do to my property. When I submit more "It's my thing" you know what to expect.
First photo is when it came home in stock condition. 2nd photo I removed the wrap around gas tank and added the underseat box and flip seat pan. 3rd photo atv 25x10-12 tires and raised seat pan. 4th is working mode. 5th added a 3/8 thick rubber scrapper between blade and cutting edge. Photos 6&7 light bar and back rest, a rear hanger to carry 60 pounds and the front of the hood is chopped 2 inches for a much improved profile. Somewhere between photos I sold the complete engine, PTO and wiring, removed PTO lever and dropped in a Predator
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By Pullstart
I picked this C-81 up a while back when I grabbed the C-145 for Jim. It was apparently a runner, but had been sitting a while and his mechanic told him it smokes and needs overhauling. The fuel smells worse than varnish. I shot a bit of starting fluid in after cleaning the points and away we go! It drives great in all gears, high and low. It sure smokes, but I’d like to see what some sea foam and fresh fuel will do for the old girl! I notice the fuel line is cracked, so I’ll plan a fresh fuel system before anything else.
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By mhlmeader
Hi folks, I been on a quest lately to find a wheelhorse or two that I would actually use for mowing/work, instead of just putting around on. I mow about 1.5 acres and have been using a husqvarna with 36 inch deck. This past week I picked up two horses that I think will finally fit the bill. Last week I got the 312-8. And the other day, I found this c-81. It was owned for the last 25 years by the same family, hes a retired mechanic and took great care of it. When I arrived to pick it up, he was actually greasing the deck for me:). New paint, tires, battery, belts. He didn't refinish the deck, but maintained it very well. I only had one picture to go on, when i agreed to buy it, but was VERY impressed when I saw it in person. Runs like a kitten too!!!
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By 953 nut
I have always thought a 953 would look good with a narrow front end and finally decided to take the plunge. The tractor is more maneuverable than with the wide front end and steers great. This 953, which I bought from @Mike'sHorseBarn, has the Ross Steering box but the same thing could be done with the later models with a Fan Gear 953/1054 or GT-14. The entire steering system bolts in place with holes that were already in the frame and the entire process is reversible if I were to decide to go back to stock.
I started with a foot long piece of 3/4" round stock (an old steering shaft) and bent it at the center to fifteen degrees so the tires would be canted in like they are on an old farm tractor.
Then I made a fixture to hold the axle in place while welding it to a piece of one inch round stock (an old one inch axle).
I mounted the tires (Deestone 3.50-6) and wheels and they looked great! Shaft collars were added inside and holes for cotter keys were drilled on the outer edges of the wheels. The excess 3/4" axles were cut off.
Once the axle and pivot were welded together it was on to the bearings and attachment fabrication. I used 3/16" X 4" flat bar and driller and tapped them to secure it to the frame. Having a 963 frame hanging around made the job easier.
A four lug one inch trailer hub is used as the pivot point.
With the bearings in place I could determine the location for the snap ring groove to hold everything in place and cut off the rest of the axle.
Next a steering arm was fabricated and welded in place. It was a tight fit between the frame and tire.
Now it was time to fabricate a drag link between the steering box and the steering arm. I bought the ball joints from Lowell https://www.wheelhorsepartsandmore.com/steering.html#!/3-8-x-7-16-Ball-Joint-2-Tie-Rod-MTD-Cub-Cadet-Toro/p/84788581/category=23548038 and fabricated the drag link from 5/8" round stock. I drilled and tapped the ends and used 7/16-20 threaded rod to join the ball joints to the link.
This was a fun project and I am pleased with the way it came out. Looks a lot like the image on my tractor crossing sign.
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