iI'm starting my first true restoration

[cubby]

Well,I guess I'm ready to start on my cub cadet.My first question is--what is the first section i should start on? Is it the engine,taking it completely apart down to the last nut.Do I strip everything down on the entire tractor.What is the best way to keep things together,in boxes,doing things in sections and setting them on a shelf when finished so i can put everything back together at one time? i plan on taking lots of pictures and videos.I have downloaded all the manuals i could find.I plan on printing off and binding the manuals by sections as i get to them.I know i have a lot of questions,but i want to be able to find where everything goes and where i have put everything in the shop until i need it.Any ideas or thoughts would be of great help.Thanks Rick

[gitractorman]

Rick,
Here's a link to my latest restoration, just finished over this winter. This was a complete tear-down and rebuild, however, I did have a new motor, so I did not do any restoration of the motor itself.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=81937

As for sorting/storage, I tend to keep nuts/bolts in ziplock bags, either taped to the individual part, laying with the part, or I write on the bag with a Sharpie. In reality, these tractors are pretty simple, and there are very few bolts that interchange, so if you keep the groups of bolts together in a bag, per part (or assembly like fenders) then the bag typically reminds you where they go.

Also, I've learned to take LOTS of photos before disassembly. Close up photos of important items, just before disassembly, can be invaluable when you go to put it back together. On the project above, one of the most important pictures was the wiring to the starter/generator. A quick look back on my phone, and I had the generator wired back up correctly the first time, in about 2-minutes, after being apart for months.

Good luck,
Bill

[Stanton]

Couldn't agree enough with Bill. Pictures, pictures, pictures; especially if this is your first redo of a Cadet or anything like it.

Get yourself the parts manual for your model that has exploded views and part numbers. Use the Ziplock (or cheaper version) storage bags and be faithful to write down the quantity, part number and even the page number from the parts manual on the bag with a Sharpie. This will help in the long run. I've regretted having moved too fast through the tear-down stage, only to realize I can't find a part, a woodruff key, or some such piece I need later when trying to reassemble. Then you can get boxes and keep related baggies together: seat assembly, tower, engine, generator, etc.

If you can discipline yourself: picture(s), remove, bag/record, move on to the next part.