My First Attempt At A Rebuild 73 Lgt I65

I see that others have started a separate thread, on their rebuilds, so I guess it is the expected thing to do. If not, please let me know and I will stop posting the updates.

Last week, I found an add on Craig's List in which all the guy wanted to trade the LGT 165 for a working lawn tractor so he could cut his grass. I had obtained a 2002 Bolens tractor, with 38in deck, last year, that someone had given to me because he thought the transmission was bad. Turns out it had sat a long time and the brake was locked up. Nice clean tractor with no rust. I sent an email to the lister telling him what I had, and we swapped even up. On Tuesday we met at a rest stop on US95 close to Delaware, and made the swap. The result is two very happy campers.

I get home and start it up and it runs pretty good for for a 37 year machine. the deck has a bit of rust and some holes and I am not sure that it should be fixed. Time will tell. Anyway, I ran it all over the neighborhood just to have a little fun and it is a great machine.

Yesterday I ordered a Carb rebuild kit, and new air filter and bought a palm sander. I also removed the hood and have taken the outside down to bare metal except where the decals are mounted. Don't know how I lived 73 years without one. Have to get a heat gun for that I suppose. Will do that tomorrow. That sander was a good idea.

I also put new fuel line and cutoff valve on it. Took a small mirror and looked inside the stock gas tank and saw no appreciable rust except for a few small spots that will need no attention. Gas cap has been repaired with some kind of foam (don't understand that) but for now is serviceable. Outside of tank is completely covered with original paint and solid.

Although there is a 3 point hitch on it, there is no rear power takeoff. I mentioned this on my original thread in which I introduced myself to this forum and a very nice guy (donimbimbo) told me about Craigslist add in Minneapolis had one for sale. I emailed him and he has agreed to ship it to me. cost $130.00 including shipping. Which I was more than willing to pay. Am mailing him a check today. Thanks Don.

Now I need a complete set of decals, a dirt plow for the back and a tiller. Saw a tiller today, but the guy is asking $800.00. I think that is a bit steep, although if that is the going price I might consider it. Notice I said MIGHT!!!

I just tried to upload a few photos, but they were a bit large. I will downsize them and load them up later. In the mean time you can check it out here.

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=120880

Next I must decide about paint. What do most of you do for paint when restoring these things. I am tempted to buy a good spray gun and use it, although the ease of using a can is tempting. You don't have to worry about thinning and matching color. Buy enough cans from the same lot and you are pretty much assured of an even match. My question is will it hold up as well as a spray can job. I could prep everything and then take it to a shop to be painted. But I am a do-it-yourself type and get more satisfaction that way.

I do get a bit long winded, so if I bore anyone and I am not breaking the rules, simply don't read my updates. If I am breaking rules of this forum, please let me know immediately. At my age, you try to live by rules. It just makes life easier.

Nick