More newbie questions

[SundaySailor]

Ok. Unit in question is the 42" IH snow/dirt scrape blade.

I've had the entire unit apart running it through the electrolysis bath except for the blade. Had to do that part by hand darn it all.

Everything is now painted, and I'm trying to reassemble. The blade is not mounted on the tractor, and I think this may be part of my problem. I'm trying to get the springs back on, and the pivot pin at the bottom of the blade in place. But, no matter what I try to do, it flops all over the place, and I just do not have the strength to get the springs in place and then maneuver the pivot pin in place for the final hookup.

The instructions do show doing this with the blade mounted on the tractor, but I currently have the JB Jr on the Cadet. Do any of you have any tips to finish this off, or do I just bite the bullet and take the JB Jr off temporarily and mount the scrape blade just to get the pivot pin in place?

I'm nearing the finish line on the worst of the restoration now. I even have a good number of decals to put back on too. Just too busy with the mechanical stuff to mess with the pretty looks right now.

Thanks!

BTW - BigBill, please PM me with your e-addy. I have the write up for the external gas shutoff for the quietline Cub Cadets. Photos too.

[Paul B]

It is probably easier with it on the tractor, but you can try laying the blade "face" down and then moving or tilting the mainfram/"A"frame to connect the springs and pivot rod. I have also hooked the top of the springs and then used a heavy screwdriver or other prying tool to pry the bottom of the spring over the pins on the pivot frame, but be careful, it's not the safest or reccommended way to do it and it will probably take a few try's. It may also cause you to add to your vocabulary or call things by a first name that is not given in the instructions........

[SundaySailor]

It is probably easier with it on the tractor, but you can try laying the blade "face" down and then moving or tilting the mainfram/"A"frame to connect the springs and pivot rod. I have also hooked the top of the springs and then used a heavy screwdriver or other prying tool to pry the bottom of the spring over the pins on the pivot frame, but be careful, it's not the safest or reccommended way to do it and it will probably take a few try's. It may also cause you to add to your vocabulary or call things by a first name that is not given in the instructions........

Thanks Paul. I'm beginning to think mounting it on the tractor might be the proper answer. I tried my best to get the springs on there with the pivot rod already in place. But, those springs are really tough. They didn't even try to move one stitchin.
As far as calling things improper names and "improving" my vocabulary.......I didn't realize you lived close enough to hear me messing with this thing this past Saturday.

I'll try to give it the old college try this coming Saturday depending on the circumstances. Heck, it'll even give me a chance to take photos of the brandy new electric actuator lift mechanism.

SS