1964 Cub Cadet 100
This tractor was purchased quite early in collecting after longing for a nice, complete 100. After meeting an older gentleman at an auction who mentioned he had it for sale, it didn't take long to make the 4 hour trip to get it. For sitting outside a large portion of its life, it really isn't in bad shape.
After getting it home, it was up and running strong in a few days. Everything worked except the PTO, and the engine didn't smoke at all. The only part that will need a bit of attention is the bottom of the dash, which is rusted more than other parts. Everything else, including the fenders, will not need any attention.
It was used around the house for a little bit, then in the end of 2014 it was time to start restoring it. The engine was removed first, which in the process the hood and grill housing were also removed. The engine would be torn apart during the winter to check it over and reseal it. I will get into that process later. The rest of the tear down was simple, and now the tractor was ready to be repainted.
Going back to the motor, it was taken apart to make sure everything was within specs. After taking everything and closely inspected the parts, it was clear the engine was rebuilt in the past. The piston is marked .020, and other parts like the connecting rod look like aftermarket parts. If the piston and connecting rod were Kohler parts, I would be fine with just putting new rings in and be done with it. I do not, however, trust older aftermarket parts in the engine. Since this will end up being a pure show tractor when it is done, I will go with a new aftermarket piston and rod instead of the super expensive Kohler parts. The inside of the engine is really nice, the engine will just need to be re-honed to get the cross hatching back.
As for the rest of the tractor, so far the frame, hood, trans, and dash have been sandblasted. Work started on filling in the pitting on the frame and dash, however it has been a while since I have worked on it. I also left the hood and trans unpainted since I still have to see if there are dents in the hood and I am not quite ready to attempt to nicely paint the hood. The whole project is currently at a standstill since other newer purchases that can be showed with little work have taken priority. Pictures will be posted of current progress soon, and when I get back to restoring it, you will see it here.
After getting it home, it was up and running strong in a few days. Everything worked except the PTO, and the engine didn't smoke at all. The only part that will need a bit of attention is the bottom of the dash, which is rusted more than other parts. Everything else, including the fenders, will not need any attention.
It was used around the house for a little bit, then in the end of 2014 it was time to start restoring it. The engine was removed first, which in the process the hood and grill housing were also removed. The engine would be torn apart during the winter to check it over and reseal it. I will get into that process later. The rest of the tear down was simple, and now the tractor was ready to be repainted.
Going back to the motor, it was taken apart to make sure everything was within specs. After taking everything and closely inspected the parts, it was clear the engine was rebuilt in the past. The piston is marked .020, and other parts like the connecting rod look like aftermarket parts. If the piston and connecting rod were Kohler parts, I would be fine with just putting new rings in and be done with it. I do not, however, trust older aftermarket parts in the engine. Since this will end up being a pure show tractor when it is done, I will go with a new aftermarket piston and rod instead of the super expensive Kohler parts. The inside of the engine is really nice, the engine will just need to be re-honed to get the cross hatching back.
As for the rest of the tractor, so far the frame, hood, trans, and dash have been sandblasted. Work started on filling in the pitting on the frame and dash, however it has been a while since I have worked on it. I also left the hood and trans unpainted since I still have to see if there are dents in the hood and I am not quite ready to attempt to nicely paint the hood. The whole project is currently at a standstill since other newer purchases that can be showed with little work have taken priority. Pictures will be posted of current progress soon, and when I get back to restoring it, you will see it here.