We
cut the old sprocket rings off with the oxy-acetylene torch and my brother is welding the new ones on.
Sandblasting
has begun. The air compressor we are using is built from two 100 lb
propane tanks and a compressor our Dad acquired years ago. We bought
a new 13 hp Honda engine for it and built the frame. We got the
filters and regulator from Grainger
Industrial.
We
have sandblasted the driveline and are preparing it for the primer coat.
The
main chassis is primered. We used all Cat paints for the project.
First
coat of paint is on.
The
pony motor and some of the external engine parts have been sandblasted,
painted and installed.
The
fenders, fuel tank, dash and manifolds have been sandblasted, painted and
installed.
The
undercarriages as they were all torn apart and painted.
Here
are the new undercarriage parts. We priced around and ordered them
from HeavyQuip. There are 37
link rails and new sprocket rings and new bolts on the pallet. The
old rails have 1/2" bolts that hold the pads to the rails, but the
new rails use 9/16" bolts, so we purchased a tapered bridge reamer
from MSC Industrial and have
to ream every hole in every pad out 1/16". 296 of them.
We
have assembled the undercarriages and have installed them onto the
chassis. We are currently installing the new rails.
In
the left picture we have the pony engine running. It started right up and
after some carburetor adjustment runs GREAT!! In the right picture
we are getting close to ignition!
After
many months of hard work, the main diesel engine is running! It’s smiles
all around!