R.O.C.K Restoration Project

[AL Farmall Boy]

I'd probably leave it just as it is.

I will run the 6 wires to their respective locations and attach the hood, temporarily, for a requested photo op, to generate flyers for the auction. Then I will remove the hood and attach a pony tank for the initial startup.

Just a suggestion....... since you're so close, why not wait until the end and get a nice picture with a pretty background for the advertisement? I'm sure you have a good reason to not wait though.

[Glen]

Hi,
The older switch in your pic with the 2 switches, is the style a 1949 Cub would have come with, the 4 position switch, for use with the Cutout, or Relay.

It looks more original without putting on the newer voltage regulator bracket, that is in your pic, since a 1949 Cub did not have the bracket, or the regulator mounted below the generator.

[rockfarmer]

That's good to know about the regulator placement. I want it to appear original even though it is not. Meaning the block, head, head bolts, front bolster, and so on, are all replacements. So would it be safe to say that Rocky is ahead of his time?

I have been milking the restoration for the past few days, so I have no excuses. Get the hood on and get it outside. Which reminds me, before I apply the decal, Rocky came off the assembly line in August or September it looks like based on serial data. The decal I plan to use says "McCormick Deering" Farmall Cub. Is that correct?

Looks like the radiator has a small leak after filling earlier today. I filled it with 2 gallons of 50:50 Prestone concentrate and distilled water. Still need to add another quart or so. Left home for an hour or so. Came home and maybe a 1/4 pint had dripped into the bucket some smart person placed under the radiator before leaving. I snugged the bolts up a little more, and dried the area with paper towels. Will check it out later tonight and if there is any more coolant leaking. If so, I will pull the radiator and determine where it is leaking and repair.

[tst]

september 12th 49 is the change from McCormick Deering to McCormick Farmall cub

[Glen]

The first Cub with a voltage regulator was Cub serial number 115403, in mid 1950.
They had no bracket below the gen to hold the voltage regulator before that.
Battery Ignition came out at that serial number too.
They changed to the 3 position light switch then too, which was only a light switch, and no longer controlled the charging rate.

My 1949 Cub was about 2000 Cubs newer than yours, and had the McCormick Deering Farmall Cub stickers when we bought it. They were faded away, and hardly visible, I am pretty sure they were original. The hood had about no paint also. Whether the hood was the original one on the Cub, I don't know.

A listing in Raymond Durban's database says that Cub serial number 82289 had original McCormick Deering Farmall Cub stickers. Look at the database sometime if you want to, it has lots of info.

[rockfarmer]

Thank you for clarifying. Rocky's serial # is 79645 so the decal I have should be correct.

As far as the regulator goes, I think we can sell it as an upgrade. If the new owner wants to go all original, it gives that person or persons, an opportunity to get to know you all, and Rocky, a little better.

[AL Farmall Boy]

september 12th 49 is the change from McCormick Deering to McCormick Farmall cub

I would go with McCormick Deering decal, the original 3 position style light switch and the voltage regulator saddle mounted! Just be clear and tell the owner (or document it in a manual given to them) that it has a regulator.

[rockfarmer]

Sounds like the plan!

Round 2 on the radiator due to a slow leak so I drained the coolant,

The leak was on the backside between the 3rd and 4th bolt from the bottom in pic. I believe the leak is due to a rookie mechanics inability to tighten the radiator down before the gasket sealer set up as you can see in the pic.

I like the Right Stuff gasket sealer but I think it dries too fast, for me, on this application.
Cleaned and sanded the bolster,

and applied the tried and true, slow drying Aviation gasket sealer,

installed on the tracktor, waited about 6 hours and added coolant.

So far so good!

[AL Farmall Boy]

It is amazing how you keep this tractor so clean while working on it. No smudges, chips, scratches, and no dust or dirt from sitting so long in your shop! I could work on it in my living room and it would acquire dust!! Yours is spotless!

Question: Do the radiator bolts require a certain torque spec? I have no experience installing new radiators on Cubs.

[rockfarmer]

... and no dust or dirt from sitting so long in your shop! Yours is spotless!

That's funny!!! I didn't think anyone noticed how long it was taking, other than my wife.

Regarding the radiator bolts, I just tightened until it felt right and/or the cork gasket just started to expand.

P.S. still laughing!

[rockfarmer]

Voltage regulator has been re-wired with the original style wires. L terminal taped off.

If someone sees something out of line, please chime in. I know you will, that's why there is so many pic's.

On to the serial plate removal and transplant.

Edit: That's a custom wiring job.

[rockfarmer]

The serial plate removal technique I used was similar to the one used in removing the rivets.

Used a dremel tool to flatten the rivets,

Punched and drilled with a 7/64" bit,

drilled walked on me on the lower right one.

drilled with a 9/64" bit and pried the broken rivet off

What is the best way to prepare the plate for a decal application?

[Bob McCarty]

I'd ask Tim (tst) since he's the one making them.

[AL Farmall Boy]

I've bought them from Tim and they are top notch! I just cleaned the tag lightly with a brass brush on a drill with some acetone. I was on the Maple Hunter site the other day and noticed that they sell them too, now.

[rockfarmer]

I am running out of things to do

Original serial # plate freshly removed from old, broken bolster.

cleaned with white vinegar and 0000 steel wool, since it was on hand,

applied a donated decal from tst,

and as some of us use to say, whoomp there it is,

Better than new!