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DrBailey · 01-26-2012, 12:53 PM

I started this project some time back. gonna try to finish it this time around.
Started with a FREE Craftsman and some extra 8-N parts. also rear wheels and rear fenders from a Bolens.
I cut a N hood in pieces and shrunk it down to fit the 1000. also cut down a original grill to fit.
I cut out centers from sears rear wheels and welded them into the Bolens rear wheels, I have butterfly fenders from the Bolens, they will be welded in place on the tractor. I have a pan steel seat from a Bolens also.
below are pics as of yesterday,one wheel done. I have a 3 point hitch(look alike) built for the rear, off right now.
I hope to find a tow behind mower small enough for the unit. I only use this one for trimming the outer edge any way. FUN!
BTW, the front bumper is made of strap metal and welded to the original sear front bumper

DrBailey · 01-26-2012, 12:59 PM

side pic. theres no room for the mower deck, and I hate that because it worked great in the tight area's around my buildings.
I think I will put a push blade on it also.

**tractor beam** · 01-26-2012, 01:47 PM

That's awesome Bailey! When are you gonna drop in a Chevy small block?

As usual, you do terrific work.

dangeroustoys56 · 01-26-2012, 05:29 PM

Way cool- looks really sharp! I ran into that same issue ( with the underbelly deck) on my 70 toro - i put larger tires on it, made the deck a 'floater' type ( wheels on all 4 corners) and the larger wheels interfered with the deck - i managed to get some smaller near original type wheels for it , since i plan on restoring it someday ( its on the 'list').

jc56 · 01-26-2012, 06:47 PM

Man...that is COOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLL!!!!Great idea and great work.Super job man!!!I want one..lol.

DrBailey · 01-26-2012, 09:38 PM

Thanks Guys,here are a couple pics, the second wheel is done, the little fenders are bolted in place. I will weld them on solid. They dont look like the real N, but there a hint to the real thing. I have to work with the fender pan because the gas tank is under there. Any thoughts or ideas? feel free to say what you think.

**Country Boy** · 01-26-2012, 09:47 PM

Is there room under the hood for a gas tank? Perhaps have it fill through the old radiator fill hole? Then you could reform the rear how you see fit. You could move the battery if you needed to and relocate it to the rear where the tank was.

DrBailey · 01-26-2012, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Country Boy

Is there room under the hood for a gas tank? Perhaps have it fill through the old radiator fill hole? Then you could reform the rear how you see fit. You could move the battery if you needed to and relocate it to the rear where the tank was.

I will look into that idea tomorrow, I have a pair of tractor fenders that I can cut down to fit, I can relocate the battery and mount a gas tank under the original N hood lid at the rear of the hood. I have a N seat with spring mount. this might make it look more like a N !

Ken N Tx · 01-27-2012, 06:23 AM

Great project Dr.......

Mickey · 01-27-2012, 11:49 AM

Looks REAL GOOD

Any particular reason why you chose a Craftsman? Was thinking something more substantial like an old Bolen tube frame or a Cub, both with cast iron differential.

Again, looks good.

DrBailey · 01-27-2012, 03:21 PM

Mickey , this all started with Bolens a few years ago. it made a pretty good looking N, but, I decided to use the craftsman because it was free,and I wanted something easier for my wife and grandkids to drive. Its not a work tractor, it will be good to ride around at the tractor shows. It should pull a finish mower ok.
I will post some pics of the bolens.
Also ,Im thinking about the rear fender ideas, I see several obstacles and challenges, Like the shifter on the right fender.I havnt decided yet where to go with this.

**farmertim** · 01-27-2012, 04:54 PM

That is exceptional, I wish that........now where has all my time gone?????
Cheers

DrBailey · 01-27-2012, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farmertim

That is exceptional, I wish that........now where has all my time gone?????
Cheers

Thanks farmertim and Ken N TX , Mickey here are some ideas on the fenders and metal seat. I can adjust the fenders to where ever looks best, I have a cub seat with mounting spring, it sets to high, I can use the black pan seat, its mounted onto the 1000 safty switch base. I actuall think the black seat will work best. Tha gas tank is not as large as I thought it would be, and I believe I can mount it under the hood.
My chalenge that remains is relocating the hydro shifter.
What do you all think, any more ideas?

**Country Boy** · 01-27-2012, 08:22 PM

You should see if you can mount the hydro shifter between your feet like on the real tractor. Don't know how the linkages are, but it might be do-able. Otherwise can you do a foot control? You could steal the pedals off a different tractor and make some linkage rods.

DrBailey · 02-08-2012, 09:10 AM

I havnt gained alot, but some! I adjusted the fenders to where I like them best, they are bolted down in place. I used parts of the ctaftsman fender panel (cut out and replaced to its original location) that ,by altering and lowering the safty seat mounts by 4 inches,allowed me to reuse existing parts.
The rear frame panel covered a lot of crude looks from the rear.
Now, the shifter, I believe that I can remount the shifter CLOSE to where it belongs with very little adjusting the handle. Iam useing the original shift indicator bezel to line out and cut the pattern in the old fender panel,on the inside of the right fender. My pics are a little onery to figure out but the finished product (maybe today) will show the shifter program.
Gas tank, I had no luck using the craftsman gas tank, but by building a mount I am able to use a CC gas tank, also the original battery still fits in its proper location. how ever to change the battery, I will have to R&R the gas tank, two straps.
Well, just a update to this point,coming along good now, wish I hadn't put this off so long. You know the scare is always worse then the bite.
several pics off variouse little chores done.

jc56 · 02-08-2012, 01:01 PM

Man you really have it coming together!!!Great work.Can't wait to see the finished product!jc

DrBailey · 02-09-2012, 10:00 AM

Yesterday I reinstalled the batt.,gas tand and altered the shift lever/handle to fit the new configeration of fenders. It all finnally work good, took it for a little ride, all is well.
Today I will do some welding, the seat mounts,the original fender pan that I am using along with the fenders will become one piece. that can be removed and installed as one piece, bolt on.
then the body work and paint will begine. "hot-dog!" I can see the end of this project.
Here are a couple pics of the shift lever, it works!

HickoryNut · 02-09-2012, 05:52 PM

That is off the hook! Mighty Fine!

BelarusBulldog · 02-09-2012, 06:45 PM

Very crafty work, your expertize shines through. Enjoy watching the tractor's transformation, from present to past!

DrBailey · 02-09-2012, 08:01 PM

Thanks guys, I finished welding today, and tweeking the shifte lever, Its up on jack stands now, I dismantled some of the parts along with wheels and tires. I sprayed it down with degreaser,let it soak and scotch brited with the degreaser. Then presure washed it.
After I do the body work on the fenders it will be paint time.
BTW, does anyone have a decent 8-N steering wheel?

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