[jpatkison]

I picked this 317 up over the summer. Although it doesn't look terrible, i started tearing it down to add some hydro lines, once that far into it, i decided to go ahead and paint.

This is my first, so it most certainly is not the quality of many i have seen on here.

 

[deerenut]

Looks like a fun project. :thThumbsU

Keep those pictures coming... you know how much we like pictures!!!!

 

[jpatkison]

here is a few more pics. this is where i am to date. been working for a couple months to get this far. hopefully starting reassembly in the next week or so.

 

[k91]

Looks good so far :fing32: And it has a magnum on it too, nice.

 

[jpatkison]

Magnum=good and saves me money. I believe it has around 700 hours on it, but not sure. It runs great, just needs the carb adjusted a little.
The previous owner put the Kohler on there which i am very thankful after all the research i have done. I actually got 2 tractors. Both of which are complete minus one engine.

 

[ShelbyGT550]

Gotta ask, Why does the magnum save money?

 

[jpatkison]

Because I don't have to replace the kt17(??) :fing32: That has all the problems. So it's not the magnum that is saving me money but the lack of the original engine.
After posting that, I thought I should clarify.

 

[nick4030]

Looks like a nice machine! remember pictures. I swear, sometimes you cant get a response to a question unless you have a picture with it. Can get frustrating

 

[KATT]

Quality is fine !!

 

[jpatkison]

I have some big plans for this machine down the road. For instance, a 3pt hitch, a front blade, and possibly FEL (but the FEL is waaaay down the road). I have some fabrication skills, and will be fabbing them myself.
So my question is, if you have any advice/pics, (everyone loves pics :thThumbsU) please feel free to post them. preferably pics of 3pt hitch setups, front blade mounts, and maybe even hydraulic splits. I am fairly new to the modification area of garden tractors, and especially the ones of this era. So no advice will go unnoticed. I just want to get this back together and not have to tear it back down because i forgot something. Thank you in advance. That is one of the best things about this site, everyone is so friendly and willing to help.
I am having a blast with this project and i am very happy with the way everything is looking. (for a beginner project anyway) Certainly not a professional paint job. but with my lack of experience, I am happy.
I plan to start reassembly this weekend and will definitely post some updated pics when I can. Nothing has changed so far. I got 3 young kids, so needless to say, this project is a late night adventure.

 

[k91]

Maybe this will give you some ideas for the FEL http://www.p.f.engineering.50megs.com/ :fing32:

 

[bvp2000]

Sorry, I have looked and looked....I haven't been able to find any lack of skill on it yet.

Looks really good so far to me.

 

[jpatkison]

Sorry, I have looked and looked....I haven't been able to find any lack of skill on it yet.

Looks really good so far to me.

Thank you!! I have watched several videos from a guy called 500passwords on youtube. He is really good at fabrication and pays close attention to detail. All of the painting and i have learned by watchin him. He restores an older wheel horse, cub cadet, sears, and builds from scratch a towable backhoe. fun to watch!!

I have done some research and started doubting that the 317 will handle FEL, but after watching this ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdwOgJKX7gs&feature=related ) I changed my mind.

@k91, thanks for the link to the FEL plans. I ran across that site before, but couldn't remember what it was. Thank you

 

[SonnyT]

I am planning, this spring/summer building a Buford Bucket style. Here is a pic of mshuellers Buford bucket for reference as to what I want to/will build.

 

[jpatkison]

Did a little work last night. The steering wheel was seized to steering column/shaft. So i took a pic right after it came off. I clamped 2x4's to the workbench, then placed the column between them, then applied some squeezing pressure. took a socket and a small sledge and smacked it a few times, came right out. just thought this might help some others who aren't equipped with a torch setup.

@nick4030, I was following you 300 thread after looking more closely to my steering. I am thinking that i will go ahead and redo my steering since it is off and appears the gasket is shot. would you care to either post some part numbers, or pm me with them. They look very similar. Mine seems very smooth, other than some play. I would really like to get rid of the play. thanks.

I have a buddy coming over this weekend and gonna help me set the trans. should be moving faster once that is in. thanks for all the replies and compliments. It is very encouraging.

 

[biker3777]

I just ordered a KIT for my 216 and looked at the 317 and they are the same PN AM31924 31.46 USDI hope thet is all it needs to re build it

 

[SonnyT]

I have a Steering Section PDF out of the 317 Tech Manual. PM me your email and I will send it to you. :fing32:

 

[jpatkison]

I just ordered a KIT for my 216 and looked at the 317 and they are the same PN AM31924 31.46 USDI hope thet is all it needs to re build it

Did you order this from John Deere dealer, or from a general website? I need to order some parts, but want to save a little cash if i can. As long as they are quality parts.

 

[biker3777]

It is from JD,there might be some after market,look at the post I did today "steering upgrade) I made a mistake and put "steering up grade" so it be mileading to some.maybe a moderator can fix it for me.Yours might be worn like mine but you will have to dis-assemble it to find put.

 

[jpatkison]

Well my buddy came over last night and we made some progress!! Most of my painted pieces are installed. I have to get some parts before i can go to much further. And a little more painting.
Scratched a few things up a little, I expected that though. Overall, still happy with the way it's coming along.