The tear down of the tractor was relatively simple. Since it was running when I bought it I knew I would not have a lot of problems. I expected the normal problems that come with a old tractor and it did have them.
It would overheat. If you did not disconnect the battery the battery would be dead. The seat was changed out by the previous owner and the bolt was broken allowing the seat to swivel. One minute your facing the front of the tractor, next your facing the side or back.
Our neighbors got a big laugh out of it when I first brought it home. They aren't laughing now. They bring people over just to see it.
The tank was drained of all remaining fuel and tank/hood was taken off. The gas cap was sealed with a piece of rubber between the cap and tank spout. A one eight (1/8) pipe plug was install in the fuel line so that no dirt would get inside the tank while being sandblasted.
The radiator was taken off and discarded, a new one was ordered through Ebay. (A good source for finding used, rebuilt or new cub parts.)
The front axle was removed and inspected for wear cracks and possible damage. The rest was disassembled completely with no trouble all.
Great thing about the cub, no fancy tools needed most can be removed with a few wrenches and impact wrench if you have one. (See picture of teardown.)
All the parts were sandblasted primed and painted with IH # 3001 Glidden Industrial paint. The paint can be found or ordered through your local hardware store that handles Glidden or check with your local IH or automotive paint dealer.
The seat was damage by rust. It was covered with fiberglass and painted. Battery box was purchase through Ebay and I purchased a new new six-volt battery.
Rear seal in the final drive was replace because of leaking at the transmission. Seals on both sides were replacing. Final drive look to be in good shape and was re-installed. PTO seal was also replace. All parts were painted and then installed.
The six-volt system was the one that give me the most trouble. New regulator, generator was check for faults; a new amp meter was installed. My wife located a wiring diagram on the internet. (See Wiring diagram and web site that has a lot of information on cubs.)
New tires were purchase and mounted. The rear tires are 9.5x24 also found on Ebay and they are new. Tires that size are normally for a Farmall A. The reason for a wider tire is I did not want fluid in the tires. This way I get the same traction without the extra weight and chance of a puncture causing the fluid to oxidize the metal and rust.
The wheel hub was inverted to give a wider wheel base. The front axle was then extended to match the center line of the rear tire. And last rear weight was install inverted on the hub.
Points and condenser was replace and timing set and I was ready to go.
The tear down, sandblasting, painting, rebuilding took me about two months. I spent maybe 20 hrs a week on it over that time.
It runs smooth. I love it. But...the project continues. I still have the belly mower to go.
Gill Poulin
