My first 953

[JPWH 6,040]

New front shoes arrived today. Í need to finish cleaning the rims and get them installed.

 

[953 nut 55,298]

On 12/4/2021 at 3:00 PM, JPWH said:

need to make handles for the throttle, choke, and hydraulic lever

Lowell https://wheelhorsepartsandmore.com/ bought out Glen Pettit's molds and inventory and should be able to fix you up.

[JPWH 6,040]

Thanks Dick. I knew he was making them but I am going to try to make something custom.

Jay

[953 nut 55,298]

10 hours ago, JPWH said:

Thanks Dick. I knew he was making them but I am going to try to make something custom.

Jay

       I know, you are just itching to turn some custom parts on the lathe aren't you?           

[JPWH 6,040]

Just a couple small pieces to mount some threaded knobs.

[JPWH 6,040]

One custom throttle knob complete.

[JPWH 6,040]

More parts came in the mail today.

[JPWH 6,040]

I was playing in the shop early this morning. I spent a few minutes with the grinder with a cut off wheel, the drill press, and the lathe. 

[ebinmaine 67,592]

Nice work Sir. 

@Oldskool would get a kick outta this too.  

[Oldskool 6,644]

Thanks for the tag @ebinmaine Eric.

Good looking tractor. Nice work on that side cover and knobs.

I love those high wheel tractors but very few and VERY  far between around here.

[JPWH 6,040]

The more I do with this one the more I like it. I started getting the front wheels prepped for the new tri ribs.I want  to try to keep the original patina but inside the wheels needs new paint  I hope to get them mounted in the near future.

I want to get the electrical as close to original as I can. I'm waiting on some bulb pigtails to arrive to start on rewiring.

[Pullstart 62,905]

What about a rusty metal primer then a brown gloss paint on the inside of the wheels… then any spillage on the outside would be unnoticed?  If not,  gloss black?

[JPWH 6,040]

I had not thought about gloss brown. I was going to use something close to original. I have cardboard and tape to avoid spillage. I will probably chuck them in the lathe on real slow speed to paint.

[Pullstart 62,905]

1 hour ago, JPWH said:

I had not thought about gloss brown. I was going to use something close to original. I have cardboard and tape to avoid spillage. I will probably chuck them in the lathe on real slow speed to paint.

Perfect way to clean them with a wire wheel too!

[Oldskool 6,644]

If your trying to match a rusty red color I found some paint that matched up pretty well. Sprayed lightly and let mother nature do the rest. I think it was a Rustoleum product. It was called Ruddy Red Primer. I've also used it as a rusty looking primer on wheels then misted the final color on until the coverage was where I wanted it. Then wet sanded to smooth out. Faux patina of sorts

[19richie66 17,508]

Smear a thin coat of Dawn dish soap on areas you don’t want the paint to stick to. When your done just wash it off. 

Edited December 12, 2021 by 19richie66

[JPWH 6,040]

This was the worst wheel. Even with the lathe it took a while to get it cleaned up.

 

[Pullstart 62,905]

Looks great!  I know some people have repaired pitted wheels with JB Weld or PC7.  Great opportunity to smooth that thing out too!

[oliver2-44 9,759]

I’ve used both PC7 and JB Weld on rim pitting in the beat area. Both work, although PC7 is a little thicker. I apply with a putty knife best I can. Then lay wax paper or clear cellophane wrap on it and smooth with my fingers through the wrap. Leave the wrap in place until dry. I then use a coarse file to work it down close and finish with sandpaper. Using the file and the wheel in the lathe should work great. 

[JPWH 6,040]

I have used JB weld on wheel repair to get it smooth after welding up holes and large pits. I will not be doing that to these wheels at this time. If I decide to restore them I will. I'm doing a rust treatment then a good coat of paint.

I will be using tubes for the new tri rib tires.

I received the light pigtails today. Now I can refurbish the headlights.

Edited December 14, 2021 by JPWH

[8ntruck 7,016]

On 12/12/2021 at 2:38 PM, Pullstart said:

Looks great!  I know some people have repaired pitted wheels with JB Weld or PC7.  Great opportunity to smooth that thing out too!

The wheels on my 72 Chevy pickup had pitted bead seats.  After sandblasting, I used plain old Bondo to fill them.  Used Rust Oleum primer and gloss white to finish.  That was 8 maybe 10 years ago.  Still holding air.

 

I re-ground a broken 1/2" bolt hole punch from work to use as a tool to work the Bondo into place and shave it to final shape.

[JPWH 6,040]

The inside of the rims are painted. I'm letting them sit a few days before I mount the tires.

I also got all the new light socket pigtails installed and tested the headlights, tail light, and the gen warning light.

[19richie66 17,508]

Awesome progress. I knew it went to a good home. 

[rjg854 11,378]

With what he did with that 854, no doubt about it.

[JPWH 6,040]

I also have the new seat but will wait till it is installed to show it.

Maybe this weekend.

Also need to get a rear lift cable or some sort of linkage to the lift.

 

Edited December 17, 2021 by JPWH