Ol’ Crusty the 1956 rj-35

[chompinthebit 272]

Hi all,

 

this is a early 1956 rj-35 I picked up and named Ol’ Crusty. I thought I’d share a picture timeline of things I’ve done on it since I’ve gotten it. The reason I say early 1956 is because it has a C channel frame like the 55’s with 55 style hub backing plates and some 1955 features but has a 1956 hood with small kill switch hole.

 

the tractor has been cleaned and clear coated. Also wheels were stripped and painted original black.

 

i believe this tractor was a local government owned tractor for mowing around a township building or something since it had many payers of the typical yellow paint you see on Govt owned equipment.

 

reproduction aluminum steering wheel

reproduction belt guard

restored k90

added electric starter

Edited August 13, 2020 by chompinthebit
Added information

[WHX?? 49,100]

Wow another nice one!  

Couldn't do anything to save the Clinton?

What is you method of lettering tires? 

[chompinthebit 272]

3 minutes ago, WHX24 said:

Wow another nice one!  

Couldn't do anything to save the Clinton?

What is you method of lettering tires? 

 

Thanks for the compliment!

 

the Clinton on it was a later model that was not proper for the tractor anyway so I had worked a deal with the seller not to include it when I got the tractor.

 

when I did these tires I cleaned them good then sprayed them with Dupli-Color tire paint. Which is really more like a dye. It’s watery and soaks into the rubber. After that I used a white tire paint marker and did the lettering. I had to go over the letters twice to get an even coat.

[71_Bronco 1,072]

Very nice. I actually like the look of the fresh tires / wheels / engine on the contrasting patina body panels.

[chompinthebit 272]

I also got this 1:25 scale rj-35 and painted it to match. I call it LiL Crusty

[Mike'sHorseBarn 3,013]

You sir are obviously a very talented person. Everything looks great!

[chompinthebit 272]

15 minutes ago, Mike'sHorseBarn said:

You sir are obviously a very talented person. Everything looks great!

 

Thank you very much for the compliment. I try to be detail oriented

[WHX?? 49,100]

30 minutes ago, Mike'sHorseBarn said:

You sir are obviously a very talented person. Everything looks great!

We sure do enjoy and appreciate your 

Edited August 13, 2020 by WHX24

[bottjernat1 2,190]

Lots of talent going on !! I am super interested in the history of that electric start option tho. Does anyone have any more information on it? Very Cool!

[chompinthebit 272]

1 minute ago, bottjernat1 said:

Lots of talent going on !! I am super interested in the history of that electric start option tho. Does anyone have any more information on it? Very Cool!

 

They were made by a company called Motor Wheel Company and branded as Duo-Therm. I know there were several variations for a bunch of different engines. They use a small 115-120v electric motor and would have came with a chord with a online switch. The motor drives a chain, internally there is a sprocket on the recoil side that engages the recoil and it has a cup similar to one for a regular recoil starter. The unit can be mounted in different orientations also. I have around 3 or 4 manuals for different models that I got with REO mower binders

 

i attached some more pictures of info I have and such.

[bottjernat1 2,190]

Wow Super cool! Thanks for all the information!

[bottjernat1 2,190]

Try to google this starter you cant find anything! makes it even more super cool! I see the mail says lagrange indiana. I live by there

Edited August 13, 2020 by bottjernat1

[chompinthebit 272]

3 minutes ago, bottjernat1 said:

Try to google this starter you cant find anything! makes it even more super cool!

 

Thanks! Yea they are very cool, I know of a handful of them but there are not to many out there. I’m just getting started here on RS but I’ve been on the Facebook Wheel horse groups for several years. I’m still learning how this site works 🤪 I like research so I try to learn as much as I can about this stuff. theres  Always something new

[bottjernat1 2,190]

29 minutes ago, chompinthebit said:

 

Thanks! Yea they are very cool, I know of a handful of them but there are not to many out there. I’m just getting started here on RS but I’ve been on the Facebook Wheel horse groups for several years. I’m still learning how this site works 🤪 I like research so I try to learn as much as I can about this stuff. theres  Always something new

I am on facebook and i have a youTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRboR0C2UE6bqALxax3_h8A/videos

[Pullstart 63,054]

What a tractor!  I honestly believe I like this one more than the restored one!  

[Fireman mike 1]

Very good job on the RJ WERE DID YOU  GET THE 1/25 SCALE RJ'S ?

[AMC RULES 37,134]

 PM'd you the FB link.

[chompinthebit 272]

Put new front tires on yesterday, I think it really made a difference. They look much closer to the original BFG silvertowns 

 

 

[AMC RULES 37,134]

Share the link for those here please?

[oliver2-44 9,831]

Please share where you found the reproduction aluminum steering wheel.

Thanks in advance.

Edited September 3, 2020 by oliver2-44

[chompinthebit 272]

On 9/1/2020 at 3:55 PM, AMC RULES said:

Share the link for those here please?

 

https://www.millertire.com/products/lawn-garden-tires/4-00-8/4-80-8-firestone-turf-guide-4-ply/

[chompinthebit 272]

On 9/2/2020 at 10:29 PM, oliver2-44 said:

Please share where you found the reproduction aluminum steering wheel.

Thanks in advance.

 

The aluminum steering wheel came from a gentleman named Mike Wall. I’m not sure if he is on here or not but I know he had ran out of the ones he made. 

[AMC RULES 37,134]

9 minutes ago, chompinthebit said:

 

https://www.millertire.com/products/lawn-garden-tires/4-00-8/4-80-8-firestone-turf-guide-4-ply/

 

Thank you buddy.

[chompinthebit 272]

39 minutes ago, AMC RULES said:

 

Thank you buddy.

 

No problem! Anytime! They are nice and have that proper skinny appearance. I’m happy I bought them.