New to the Club (1948 and 1950 Cubs)

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Hi Folks. The work on my 48 Cub has been a labor of love but certainly more than I thought i was getting myself into. That reality came rushing in
as i was cleaning the pistons in my garage and had to explain where the pistons came from to a friend of mine who just happened to drop in. Well, so far, I've changed
wires, rotor, distributor, plugs, filters, fluids, etc. The compression test explained a lot....so, valves are lapped in and new rings are on the piston and cylinders are
honed.
I also had the starter rebuild after i found that the fields had somehow dislodged themselves from the post. I still don't understand how i was getting any starter based on the condition i found it in.
My current status is getting ready to chase the threads and get the head back on. I'm also considering putting a bung in the coolant return line and installing a simple temperature gauge.
I'm also doing a little painting on the parts that i removed.

Unfortunately, the refinery that I work is in the middle of a shut down so getting time to work on the tractor lately has been challenging.

I've never heard the tractor run...I don't know the condition of the clutch...I don't know if the hydraulics work.

Wish me luck.

Thanks for all the great posts!! I learn so much just by searching the topics and reading through the posts and replies.

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I have been working on my Cub project since before the summer. What i thought was going to be a "get a new battery and rebuild the carburetor" ended up with an inframe rebuild. However, i found no joy when i spun the motor over. I put new rings in, new distributor, coil, wires, plugs, fluids...you name it, but no combustion.

I woke up Saturday morning and said, "today is the day." What i learned that day was that the timing mark on the engine pulley is 90 degrees out of phase with the pistons. I've been setting the timing to the wrong point. i finally kept bumping the engine 'til i felt pressure and could could see the piston at TDC...i remarked the pulley and gave it turn. I was greeted with a puff of white smoke....where there's smoke...there's fire. The engine came to life with the next crank and ran beautifully. Oh happy day! It only ran for a short time as it doesn't have a charging system just yet. I'm in the middle of welding up an alternator bracket for it. Yes, i punted on the 6V system. I couldn't figure out why the starter was dragging so badly.

I took a look at a couple of the postings with pictures of DIY brackets. I compared to the generator bracket and started the process. I just need to add the ears where the alternator attaches and clean up the welds. I guess a coat of paint would be in order, as well.

I also noticed that the belly mower raised up off the ground. I didn't know if the hydraulics were functional...now I know. They work!

I have a version of a 10Si alternator and I sometimes see a diode added to the line that goes to the ignition switch. Is that necessary? It's not a big deal to install but I don't know if i need it. A few pennies at radio shack can get me a diode....i just don't see it's purpose.

To all, I sincerely appreciate all the posts and advice that have been documented on this site. I took on this tractor with no knowledge about Cubs, other than remembering the one from my childhood, and was able to take a piece of equipment that was going to die in someone's backyard and get it functional again. I've also spent some great quality time with my son getting this Cub back on its feet. I told my son this will be his tractor, but we have to take care of it.

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This is my work in progress alternator bracket. I'm using a Harbor freight flux core welder with lincoln wire. The flat bar is carbon steel from Lowes 1/4". I would've preferred 3/8" but none was available. I think the 1/4" will work. It's pretty stiff.
I still have to drill the holes on the base and cut and drill the ears that support the alternator, but it's coming along. I'll post a picture of the finished product when i'm done.

[staninlowerAL]

I have a version of a 10Si alternator and I sometimes see a diode added to the line that goes to the ignition switch. Is that necessary? It's not a big deal to install but I don't know if i need it. A few pennies at radio shack can get me a diode....i just don't see it's purpose.

Depending on how you wired the alternator if you don't have a break in the exciter wire when the engine is not running it will drain the battery. Several ways to do that including a diode. Stan

[bythepond88]

Welcome to the club! And congratulations on the time spent with your son. Good bonding time, and you are introducing the next generation to our wonderful little tractors!

[Smokeycub]

Really glad to see the positive progress you've made on your Cub. Kudos!

and was able to take a piece of equipment that was going to die in someone's backyard and get it functional again. I've also spent some great quality time with my son getting this Cub back on its feet. I told my son this will be his tractor, but we have to take care of it.

I believe spending quality time with your son is far more gratifying than getting the Cub up and running, but getting the Cub going is a huge plus that reinforces that father/son relationship.