[G. L. Grumpy]

Been working on my Suburban tearing it down. Just wondering how hard it must have been to assemble one of these on a line in factory. Every bolt on this thing has a NUT and seems like in impossible places at times. You have to remove things just to get to next part and reach those bolts/nuts. How hard would it have been to just have Nuts welded on to panels and frame parts like most items have. Would have been quicker assembly to and saved time/money in factory I would think. Some that REALLY got to me were big 3/8" bolts that nuts came off, but then the bolt wouldn't push out because something else still needed to come off first! Sheesh! Maybe I'll have to weld on some of those nuts before I paint, just to make it all easier on assembly. isgus:isgus::1106:

 

[oatville]

Those tractors we're designed and built before the age of computers, robotic welding and competition from foreign manufacturers. Their appeal is the instinctive familiarity they resemble something someone had built in their garage. Similar to the classic car owner who finds modern cars with their computers and sensors emasculating because he "can't work on them". Frustrated he turns to the old, the familiar, something with a "carburetor, points and a coil"

 

[Randy_Linex]

The forward most bolt that attaches the seat bracket to the frame is the most fun. Gotta remove transmission to get it out!

 

[oatville]

The forward most bolt that attaches the seat bracket to the frame is the most fun. Gotta remove transmission to get it out!

Somebody wasn't thinking "Warranty work" when they designed it. "Replace seat bracket, parts 12 dollars, labor 150, charged to Sears still under warranty...

That was the old way, now they design those kind of headaches out. Thats why the Craftsmans look so basic. A Vertical shaft engine, some pulleys and a Hydro transaxle that doesn't even require a clutch pedal. Fewer parts and replacing them in and out of the shop in a hurry.

 

[GT_80]

The forward most bolt that attaches the seat bracket to the frame is the most fun. Gotta remove transmission to get it out!

I beg to differ... I took mine off with a really long open end wrench on the bottom and a socket and ratchet on top... The nice thing is, the bolt doesn't fall out because it rests on the transmission, so it is easy to put back in :thThumbsU

These machies were built to last forever (when properly cared for) that's why it's so hard to get them apart! :ROF

 

[TheSaturnV]

It's not so bad if you are planning on taking it completely apart, but yes it can be frustrating at times. Word of advice: Go to ACE Hardware or the like and buy replacement hardware by the box. For around $25 you can replace pretty much every structural nut, bolt and washer on these things.

1 - As mentioned, have the seat spring bolted up before the transaxle goes back in.

2 - Have the rear main clutch spring cotter pin in place before the dash goes back on.

3 - Don't completely tighten any of the frame bolts until every last one is in place and finger tight (there is a spot up front where 3 pieces of steel with through-holes have to line up

4 - Have the the Hi-Lo shift linkage/lever bolted back in place before the transaxle goes back in.

These are just some random reassembly notes off the top of my head. I know these well because I failed to do each and every one, and it was a pain to do them after. One thing I was able to do, was push the tractor (no engine) over on its side. The larger rear wheel(s) helped keep it from flipping on over while I had a much better shot at the bottom side.

 

[Tractor-Holic]

I HATE anything with a "weld-nut"--like power steering pump bolts on my GM trucks...bust a bolt off in that welded nut,and your in for a long hard day's labor trying to drill it out and re-tap it--IF you can get a drill NEAR the darn thing--most times it is impossible,and you must resort to using a torch,if that will fit and not risk setting the vehicle ablaze....they are only "convenient" the first five years of a vehicles life--after that its pure greif,when the bolts rust up and snap in them.....
I'd rather fight with nuts & bolts than fix a busted bolt in a weld nut any day..

 

[TheSaturnV]

Agreed 100%. To me, they are only convenient once: on the assembly line. I had quite a few instances of rusted up bolts snapping in two, and the result was 2 pieces cleanly falling away and me forging on ahead instead of tapping & drilling.

 

[stripmine]

Not a big fan of weld-nuts either.. but IMHO these are the worst, when you have limited access to the back. I'd prefer a weld nut then.

 

[oatville]

Not a big fan of weld-nuts either.. but IMHO these are the worst, when you have limited access to the back. I'd prefer a weld nut then.

I especially like those factory rounded off corners on a lock nut, so your 12 point wrench is pretty much guaranteed to slip. :1336:

 

[GT_80]

I especially like those factory rounded off corners on a lock nut, so your 12 point wrench is pretty much guaranteed to slip. :1336:

thats why they make 6 point wrenches

 

[Randy_Linex]

I beg to differ... I took mine off with a really long open end wrench on the bottom and a socket and ratchet on top... The nice thing is, the bolt doesn't fall out because it rests on the transmission, so it is easy to put back in :thThumbsU

These machies were built to last forever (when properly cared for) that's why it's so hard to get them apart! :ROF

Yeah but when you are restoring one and get everything back together then go to put on the seat bracket, it makes you stop and wonder how in the world are you going to fish that bolt in sideways above the transmission. Thus be why the ss-16 I'm restoring right now is minus the front seat bracket bolt!!:banghead3 I decided it wasnt worth taking the rear end back apart for one bolt thats hidden under the gas tank:thThumbsU

 

[Small Fry]

Saturn like this ? I bolted it all together on the jack. Randy shame on you.... Just kidding.

 

[GT_80]

Saturn like this ? I bolted it all together on the jack. Randy shame on you.... Just kidding.

My SS16 tank only has the two rear bolts in it cause I take it off so much, and the taillight hasn't made it back on yet either! :ROF

 

[TheSaturnV]

Holy moly Small Fry that looks great. You are really doing a first-class job there with the coated hardware and such. Can't wait to see that beauty done. Does this model have the steel bracket that bolts on top of the transaxle, which attaches the whole mess to the chassis? If so, there is an easy way to get it reinstalled. Let me know and I'll backtrack my notes.

That motorcycle stand looks perfect for the job. Wish I'd had that instead of a floor jack.

 

[Small Fry]

Holy moly Small Fry that looks great. You are really doing a first-class job there with the coated hardware and such. Can't wait to see that beauty done. Does this model have the steel bracket that bolts on top of the transaxle, which attaches the whole mess to the chassis? If so, there is an easy way to get it reinstalled. Let me know and I'll backtrack my notes.

That motorcycle stand looks perfect for the job. Wish I'd had that instead of a floor jack.

That is my SS/16 I did 5 years ago. I'll post a picture in Hugh Suburban pictrue thread but you must of seen it by now.

 

[TheSaturnV]

Lol, well I'm newish so I thought this was a current build.

:thanku:

 

[Small Fry]

OH yeah :fing32: