Not much new has happened on the OC-3. Since my last post it has continued to be a tough winter. Cold and snow has really put a damper on my motivation.However, I did start a search for what I originally called in my May 27, 2007 post (http://oc-3restoration.blogspot.com/2007/05/left-sprocket-surprise.html) "some sort of tapered compression retainer" - which is actually a pretty good description. In the OC-3 parts manual they are actually called "Part Nbr. 115 975 Collet - for rear wheel stud".
The collets were the items that caused me so much grief when I was trying to remove the left-side drive sprocket. The right side didn't have them and therefore the sprocket came off easy on that side. That's a problem - the sprocket shouldn't come off easy. The collets serve a purpose.
So, in January I began the search for 10 collets (at that time I didn't even know their name). After some thinking, I concluded the best place to visit was my local Fastenal store. The guy behind the counter looked at the part with a blank stare. He asked what it came off of and I told him. He looked at again, and suggested I contact the original manufacturer. Gee thanks - I'll give the empty slab that used be the Oliver plant in Charles City, IA a call. "Fastenal: the premiere fastener distributor in North America."
As I considered my next move, a listing appeared on Ebay for 10 "Cone Bushings" from an OC-3. This Ebay seller was the same one that sold me the oil filter base. I watched the Ebay auction and became the successful bidder. I ended up paying just over $2 per collet with shipping and handling. I'm guessing $2 per collet is cheaper than a month or two of searching for a modern day vendor.
So, I made a little bit of progress, but each step is needed to realize the full restoration of the OC-3.
As for my motivation - two things have helped in that area.
First, We've had a couple of days above freezing which leads me to believe spring will indeed arrive in the next month or two. The second piece of motivation were some pictures posted on http://www.cletrac.org/ by Steve from Washington. Steve posted some pictures detailing the progress of his OC-46 restoration. The OC-4 (OC-46 is the track loader version) is the younger and slightly bigger brother to the OC-3.
Anyway, Steve's pictures show what perseverance and attention to detail can produce.
Nice job Steve and thanks for the inspiration.
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