1950 Cub in Cool, CA

[Barnyard]

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THANK YOU:
For head bolt threads:
Permatex® Ultra Copper RTV 3.5oz OR
Permatex® Copper Spray-A-Gasket® High-Temp Sealant
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Hank Mazmer PM sent.

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

It's been a while and I finally got around to repairing the Cub. Quick recap, the front axle pivot piece under the radiator was cracked and getting worse, the lower radiator tank/steering gear housing was badly rusted and leaking through, and the radiator itself was starting to leak. Also, the governer was installed a tooth off, probably many decades ago, so the timing was not advanced enough.

I obtained a used pivot and lower radiator from a wrecking yard in TX, if my memory serves, and the cheap radiator I got from Amazon.

Well, you guys were right about the radiator. The fit is crap. I had to massage the bolt holes in the lower flange, and finally got it bolted down, but then when I went to put the hood on, the top tank of the radiator hits the hood, causing it to lift up about 3/8 of an inch, thus making it impossible to insert the 10-24 screws on the lower part of the front side trim pieces. I almost started smashing the tank with a mallet to get it to fit, but then I gave in.

It works for now, and if I ever get around to replacing the radiator again, I'll do it with a good one. Hmmm, I wonder if my local radiator shop would be interested in recoring my original...

I took the time to re-clock the governer and the timing is now set at 7 degrees advanced. Is that in the ballpark? It runs a lot better now.

The only unexpected item that popped up was the seal on the steering shaft, where it goes into the steering box. The seal was trashed, so I got the NAPA NOS 8660 seal that someone on this forum suggested, and it fit perfectly. Before installation, I polished the shaft seal surface on the lathe. I think it will hold.

Thanks again guys for all of your advice.

[Gary Dotson]

Magneto timing should 13deg. With the engine running.

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Oh, great. Thanks for the info.

Also, I had a thought last night. The shape of the radiator upper tank is the problem with fitment. If it ever bets to the point that I just can't stand it, I could take both radiators to the shop and have the old top tank sweated onto the new core.

Test drive last night. It was cold, but the Cub ran and drove better than I have ever seen. I wonder how far off that is from new...

[Jim Becker]

. . . I could take both radiators to the shop and have the old top tank sweated onto the new core. . . .

Maybe. The new core may have a different size/number/placement of the tubes than the original.

[Potato Wilson]

Howdy, I’m just around the corner from you, in Kelsey. I used to take my radiators to Gilly, but sadly he passed. I’ve had a couple repaired now by Eagle Radiators at the “Y” in El Dorado, and have been very happy with their work too. Good luck and post some pictures!

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Nice. What's your name?

I have used GIlly's and yes, was sad when he passed. Eagle radiator, I've had mixed results. Servicenter in Auburn is my go-to shop, though their work is about 80%.

Yes, I'll snap some pics today. Thing runs great, btw.

[Potato Wilson]

Can’t wait to see it! And hear it run! I’d tell you my name but I’m a member of the Super Secret Tractor Club, and I don’t want to violate my oath. We did enter the 4th of July parade in Garden Valley this past summer though, maybe you’d be game for that next year?

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

There's a secret cub club? Did you have to exchange blood? How about a secret handshake?

I wanted my Cub to be ready for the parade last summer, but the coolant leak and the broken steering pivot prevented that. I think it is reliable enough now to try for next year. Worst case, I get pushed off to the side and grab it later.

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Ok, guys. I promised pics. Here you go. Apologies for the photo-dump.

These pics are recent, during the front steering and radiator repairs. You can see how I tried to match the patina on the lower tank by painting different shades of red, then blasting in spots, followed by an acid wash. It looks close, but it's very clean and will get closer to the original patina as it sits outside in the elements.

[Clemsonfor]

Nice work. I noticed it has custom hood work!

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Thanks. I imagine the bite taken out of the hood side has something to do with the missing generator. It doesn't bother me too much, as it falls into the "character" category.

[Potato Wilson]

Wow, that puppy’s been around the block! How satisfying it must be to have it running good, and steering good too! They’re so much fun to putt around on!

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

It still has only one brake, which makes it a bit scary to drive, but yes, it is nice to have it to putt around on. I owned it for nearly 20 years before I even figured I'd try to get it running (it was actually my little boy's idea).

[Potato Wilson]

(it was actually my little boy's idea).

He’ll never forget. That’s awesome!

My wife wants new brakes on her Cub. I’m used to driving a Ford, so I was taught to use the box scraper to stop.