1957 Lo-Boy followed me home

[radioguy41]

Finally, a before & after pair of photos. By the way, that is a silver seat cover I found on Amazon, not a replacement seat.

Click on image for a larger view.
Before, May 2023:

After, Sep 2023:

[Peter Person]

Looks good for another 66 years!

[Gary Dotson]

Looks good!

[radioguy41]

Thanks guys.

[Barnyard]

Looks great, you have been very busy. I wish I could concentrate on a project like that.

[Cubfriend]

That’s a fine looking Loboy Larry!

[NJ Farmer]

Beautiful job Larry……preserved for the next Generation hopefully another 70+ years!

NJ Farmer

[radioguy41]

As they say, no good deed goes unpunished,,, the radiator started leaking so out it came today. It was interesting getting the old rusted bolts out. It took a combination of 1/2" and 12mm sockets to get it done. Next step is to clean it all up and install the new one.

Click on image for a larger view

[Dale Finch]

Make sure you chase all those thread holes so you can get the new bolts in easily. Might consider some antisieze.

You also might consider replacing the governor spring while you have that radiator off and have easy access to the spring!

Check the condition of your belts and their tension while you have that radiator off as well, because it won't be any easier in the future!!

[Glen]

Hi,
You might replace the alternator belt with a shorter belt, while the hood is off, it is almost out to the end of the adjustment slot in the bracket.
You can't tighten it in the future if it is at the outer end of the slot. Belts usually need tightening over time.

If you replace the fan belt, the new fan belts I buy at Case IH make the fan shaft, and hub, a little less than half way up the slot in the front engine cover, when the belt is tightened the right amount.
The lower part of the slot isn't used, except to lower the fan assembly down when replacing the belt.
I have seen on here that too short a fan belt can make problems with the position of the generator, or alt drive pulley being too low.

[radioguy41]

Thanks Dale. I planned on replacing the fan belt but changing the governor spring too is a good idea. I hadn't thought of that.

[radioguy41]

As luck would have it after cleaning all the gunk out of the bottom of the bolster I found a crack. Thanks to Brad and Mike I was able to get a used bolster (the whole front end actually) so next up is to build a stand to hold the Lo-Boy up while I remove the old bolster. At least it's Winter so not losing any seat time.

Click on image for a larger view.

[radioguy41]

The replacement bolster arrived today and I was also able to remove the front axle. Headway at last.

Click on image for a larger view.

[Dale Finch]

Recommend you chase all the threads in the new bolster and use anti-seize on the threads of the new bolts.

Also, while you have it disassembled, flush that engine block well...easiest if you remove the water inlet to the block. That gasket is an easy one to make yourself, and you'll get a better flush of the block if you remove it.

Good job!

[radioguy41]

Success! I was finally able to mount the new bolster this morning (don't laugh, it ain't easy doing it by yourself. Rube Goldberg's got nothing on me. ).

Click on image for a larger view.