jodyand

Michael it looks different when its all in pieces If your like me i bet you cant wait to get all back together and running.

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Jody:usaflag:


Dodge
you drive the Rest I drive the Best.:driving: :tractorsm
1525 Cub Cadet
Snapper Comet

bow66tie

Jody,

The one thing that stands out as my most anticipated moment is when I get to start it for the first time. I have no idea what it sounds like. Actually, I think I've dreamt about it, and in my dream, it was the coolest tractor sound ever!!!

Talk with you next week.

Michael

bear

i can remember when mine looked like that one day you'll get to it run. and your right doesn't matter how many tractors you do that first startup of a project has you grinning like a kid at christmas

bear

heres what the z looked like when we got it. it was only 3 miles away and this was before we even had a trailer

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bow66tie

Bear,

We were fortunate. Nothing was stripped off our Z. The only item missing, was the exhaust pipe. My guess is that it rusted off a long time ago.

I received the replacement block, which is at the machinist being honed, checked for cracks, magnafluxed, and I received the .20 over/under main and rod bearings last week. Now were looking for valves and springs. I can't wait to get her put back together. I have to make myself be patient. And let me tell you, that's not an easy task.

My goal is to be completely restored by the fourth of July, so I can drive my own antique tractor in the local parade. I just can't wait!!!!!!!

I'll let you know how things are progressing.

Michael

SolidJunk

If you are still in need of valves, and you are not a restoration "rivet counter" I highly recommend small block Chevy valves. The exhaust valves from smC's work great for intake and ex. I think the diameter of the head has to be turned to make them work, but the stem is the right length and diameter. Also the Chevy valves are easier to get and if you install hardened seat you can run regular pump gas.

Hope this helps

Joe

bow66tie

Joe,

Thanks for the suggestion. My parts guy has a set of valves in his possession, so it's not a problem getting those, nor are they spendy. Right now we're looking for piston rings .05 oversize if they exist. Measuring the bore, they came to 3.66 after cleaning up. The standard size was 3 5/8, so that's the only questionable item for now. (I repeat, for now)

I'm always up for suggestions, tips and ideas. This is my first antique tractor, so you can imagine the learning curve.

Michael

Argee

Welcome aboard Michael(bow66tie), Joe(SolidJunk) and Ken(Bulletthead)...Glad to see a few other tractor enthusiasts joining the ranks

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Randy G

bulletthead

Here is a picture of my UTU with a little snow from last night. Ken

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Bullett

bow66tie

Thanks for the welcome Randy.

Hey Bullethead, there's no photo attached to your message.

For those following my restoration, we had a tragedy a couple of weeks ago. My parts guy, Chuck Postma of Lynden WA, passed away. He had been battling cancer and lost his fight. I never actually met him in person, but I recognized the fact that he was a true gentleman. He was from the old school days where a promise made was a promise kept. He trusted me based on my word. You don't find that often these days as there always seems to be someone out to take advantage of you. Trust is a hard thing to do. Chuck Postma was all about antique tractors!

I'm fortunate enough that while in the hospital he arranged for his brother to pick up the slack. I just received the remainder of items needed to complete the engine overhaul. New valves, springs, rings, gaskets and the main roller bearing. Shoot, my ZTU is going to be brand new when I get her done. (Well, you know what I mean.)

I'll update again as soon as something significant happens with the resto. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Michael

bow66tie

Here's just a quick update on our Minneapolis Moline ZTU:

I've got the engine put back together with the exception of the oil seal out back. I've pulled the clutch to have the plate redone and pulled the oil seal to be replaced. The clutch bay was pretty gooped up with tranny fluid that has been leaking in for a number of years.

Once I get the two seals and the clutch lining replaced, I get to put the three peices back together. My buddy has access to a converter shop where we've been able to hot tank everything that needed it and they also have a ball bearing blaster that we used to do some serious paint and rust removal off of everything from the tool box, radiator, fenders, axel clamps, seat, cowling...... That peice of machinery is a God send. I was concerned from information I had read about heating up the tin in the stripping process and warping it. We were careful enough that we had absolutely no problems with heat or warpage.

Anyway, once I get the nose, engine bay and rear put back together, I'll post a picture.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I got a MM wall clock with a "prarie gold" neon light in it. Very cool.

Michael

DrBailey

This is what I like about you Guy`s , Good questions , good pic. show , Better than reading a book.

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Dont Junk It , Restore It!

bear

the red is all done by the end of this year i might have the yellow done
micheal hows your z coming

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bear

i need to go check out that last coat of paint it looks terrible in the picture. it looked ok out in the shop but it looks blotchy there

bear

it must have been in the download it looks ok in the pic stored on the computer ....saved myself a trip to the shop

bow66tie

Bear,

Just got back from camping on the coast. We left on Thursday morning and boy what a beautiful weekend. It was up to 60 degrees here and no rain all weekend. We couldn't have asked for a better camping trip.

To answer your question about the progress of my Z, well I haven't got much done lately. I've been doing some body work on the fender, but I haven't received the seals or clutch pad yet. I just need to get on busy. I'll get some work done in the next couple of weeks and let you know!!!

Michael

P.S. Did you use a specific paint code on your rims? I've read about a couple of different reds to use and I'm curious what you used.

bear

on the rims i used tremclad fire red a buddy of mine told me it was very close and he used it all the time. so we compared his to some that were done with the mm paint code and we couldn't tell the difference.

bow66tie

I'm not sure I'd have any luck finding that here. When the time comes, I'll just have to follow the code given on the MM website. Thanks anyway.

Michael