'53 40c restoration

[Bigtusky]

Here's the latest pics

http://imgur.com/a/zeNri

Looks like we will be needing: right front idler bracket, two idler bushings, two inner roller sleeves, two outer roller sleeves and one set of side frames. One pair of side frames were repaired in the past by scabbing on plates and re-drilling them. The final drives and steering clutches come off tomorrow. We're hoping to have a final shopping list by weeks end.

[Bigtusky]

Just thought I'd post an update. I found some good rollers locally for $200 with good sleeves, as well as the idler bracket. The same source is working on finding the track side frames as well. One of the roller holes/mounts is worn into an egg shape on mine so we would like to make it right. The clutches came apart well, the fiber disks are like new and the metal plates will be sandblasted to remove any surface rust prior to reinstalling them. The crawler must have had a fresh clutch job prior to sitting (and setting up). The track shop is going to tighten a couple loose pads and turn the pins and bushings next week. Hopefully we will have it up and running within a the month. I will take more pics when we pick up the track rolls.

[Bigtusky]

Picked up the tracks tonight, they're going to the track shop tomorrow. I grabbed a couple more pics tonight of the worn out track frame, the inside of the steering clutch housing and just a neat pic of the final drives sitting on a pallet, pics link below. We're hoping the track shop can get the side frames. We will know for sure tomorrow.

http://imgur.com/a/P1JVL

[Bigtusky]

We got some bad news from our mechanic, the clutch discs didn't clean up the way we had hoped and have worn beyond tolerances so I'm going to order a couple clutch packs from Lavoy (along with a clutch adjustment tool, and hopefully a couple pilot bearings). The local Deere dealer wants 56 bucks a piece for pilot bearings, seems a little steep. Anyway, were picking up the tracks from the track shop tomorrow with freshly turned pins and bushings and all new pad bolts. We're also picking up a track side frame, complete with rollers and a front idler assembly. The throw out bearings, oil seals and gaskets are on order from Deere, so hopefully we should have it back in good working order by the time the ground thaws. New pics below.

http://imgur.com/a/zZuUP

[Bigtusky]

We're going to look into getting the lift cylinders rebuilt. Anyone know of a good hydraulic shop in Western NY? More pics:

http://imgur.com/a/V4v9B

[Bigtusky]

Well we got some good news, the 40c is ready to come home. Our mechanic was able to rebuild the hydraulic cylinders, although one came apart pretty hard. The pics this time are all from him, we haven't been up to see it since we dropped off the tracks, track frame, idler assembly, clutch packs and bearings. Can't wait to use it. Photos of the hydraulic parts and finished product (we have a seat on order) below.

https://imgur.com/a/Y8gBR

[Paul Buhler]

Yay! Enjoy. Looks like a talented person helped with your project.

[Bigtusky]

Absolutely, we have been very happy with his work, and the timing couldn't have been better. The dozers been tying up his lift for quite some time but luckily there have been enough other projects for him to work around it. It's been a little of a learn as you go process for all involved but he has been great with the mechanicals. He is going to be using many of the photos when he sets up his formal business later this year. Now I just need to find or weld up a brush guard for the front!

[Lavoy]

I don't see them in the pic, but there are supposed to be some fat leather buttons on the ends of the wrist pin in the piston. Without them, the wrist pin will score the cylinder wall and ruin the cylinder.
Lavoy

[Bigtusky]

All 4 leathers were replaced when the cylinders were rebuilt. We have a replacement seat cushion set installed. Now I need to track down a proper grease gun.