tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70554648289740475732024-03-13T19:27:23.022-07:00The OC-3 Restoration Adventure550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-33635642009626976822008-11-16T21:22:00.000-08:002008-11-17T18:21:50.497-08:00Need A Little More Space<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/SSECgXksx_I/AAAAAAAAAVM/6ZbiaeCuNp8/s1600-h/Shed730.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269495794107205618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/SSECgXksx_I/AAAAAAAAAVM/6ZbiaeCuNp8/s320/Shed730.jpg" border="0" /></a> As I've struggled to restore the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OC</span>-3, I've been a mechanic that has had to split time between two work areas. I had a nice heated garage with all of my tools and a nice new air compressor. However, the bulk of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OC</span>-3 has remained in the cozy confines of the backyard shed.<br /><br /><div>When I have brought parts out of the shed and into the garage there have been two barriers. I can't make a ton of noise in the attached garage (especially during nap time) and I really need to clear the mess by the end of day because the cars need to come inside at night.</div><br /><div>Well, I've decided to solve that problem. I bought this really nice 24 x 26 Morton shed. It is heated, insulated, has water, and a floor drain. The catch is my wife wanted the matching house that goes with it. . .This tractor restoration hobby is getting expensive!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/SSIKpNOGL0I/AAAAAAAAAVU/xsFGhX3lV_Y/s1600-h/Front730.jpg"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/SSILgx3JToI/AAAAAAAAAVc/qbJKnCMiS68/s1600-h/Side730.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-48575383327654457592008-08-17T21:50:00.000-07:002008-08-17T22:00:36.936-07:00Outsourcing Some Work<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/SKkBYlL99zI/AAAAAAAAAU8/jiQw4M6bdbQ/s1600-h/radiator.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235717563605710642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/SKkBYlL99zI/AAAAAAAAAU8/jiQw4M6bdbQ/s320/radiator.JPG" border="0" /></a> A few other things have been in the works this summer regarding the restoration of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OC</span>-3. I found a place south of town that is willing to clean, test, and repaint the old radiator. For the most part it is in pretty good shape. I'm excited to see what it looks like when its done.<br /><div></div><br /><div>I've also found a guy that is supposed to be a crackerjack generator, alternator, starter repair guy. I stripped it completely down to the metal before dropping it off. The inside parts were "crispy" and when I opened the inspection cover, black & burnt flakes fell out. . .Good luck repair guy.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/SKkBwIavq1I/AAAAAAAAAVE/kvmSlRXoL1k/s1600-h/generator.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235717968199920466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/SKkBwIavq1I/AAAAAAAAAVE/kvmSlRXoL1k/s320/generator.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-78622090287228940922008-08-02T19:13:00.000-07:002008-08-02T19:41:42.136-07:00New Air Compressor!<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/SJUZl-Byi1I/AAAAAAAAAUs/uCSJFT0LDbU/s1600-h/compressor+kids.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230114682357058386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/SJUZl-Byi1I/AAAAAAAAAUs/uCSJFT0LDbU/s320/compressor+kids.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/SJUU5f25CzI/AAAAAAAAAUk/Ulh4TUklImg/s1600-h/boxed+up.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230109520297528114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/SJUU5f25CzI/AAAAAAAAAUk/Ulh4TUklImg/s320/boxed+up.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We have a new addition to the garage. I got a spanking new Porter Cable 60gal / 7 hp / 135 psi / 12.1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cfm</span> @ 40psi / 9.7 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cfm</span> @ 90psi - air compressor!<br /><br />The new air compressor will be a welcome addition to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">OC</span>-3 Restoration project. It was very apparent that the little craftsman compressor wasn't up for the job of needle scaling and sandblasting an entire <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">OC</span>-3.<br /><br />I have a bit of work to do before I can put the new Porter Cable to work. I need to bolt it to the floor, route a 240V - 20 amp circuit out to the garage, wire it up, install a shut-off valve, and snap on a regulator/filter/<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">oilier</span>.<br /><br />After the prep work, I should have ample pressure, ample <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CFM</span>, and plenty of capacity. And, it will all be happening in the relative quiet that comes from an oil <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">lubricated</span>, twin cylinder. In stark contrast to the earth shaking racket of the oil-free craftsman.<br /><br />Oh, and in an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">attempt</span> to generate more blog readership. . .another picture of the Porter Cable with cute kids welcoming it to the garage.550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-10922752849113014692008-05-04T19:35:00.000-07:002008-05-04T19:48:41.678-07:00Spring has Sprung: Back at It<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/SB5zQfCKwQI/AAAAAAAAAUc/Dy08SfUsXms/s1600-h/IMG_4249.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196717747077824770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/SB5zQfCKwQI/AAAAAAAAAUc/Dy08SfUsXms/s320/IMG_4249.JPG" border="0" /></a> We finally got a nice spring day and I found some time to go out to the shed. I installed a regulator on the spare air tank and did some needle scaling on the frame. This was the first time I've really used the spare air tank. It does add some extra capacity but my little air compressor is still working way too hard to keep up with the volume going out. I got about 1.5 hours of needle scaling in on the frame. While waiting for the air compressor to catch up I would go over the scaled areas with 80 grit flapper paper on a grinder loaned out from my dad. It works fairly well and brings the metal to a nice shine.550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-5481077437014263322008-04-04T07:03:00.000-07:002008-04-04T07:08:29.677-07:00April Fools!<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R_Y2NGkVmKI/AAAAAAAAAUU/li6ka8-Ab-I/s1600-h/april+fool.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185391619692927138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R_Y2NGkVmKI/AAAAAAAAAUU/li6ka8-Ab-I/s320/april+fool.jpg" border="0" /></a> The post on April 1st was directed toward my wife. However, I apparently "fooled" a few other people as well. I am not the proud new owner of two more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OC</span>-3's. . .but I'm working on it!<br /><div></div><br /><div>Rest assured if you see a posting in the future about an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">acquisition</span>. It will be the real thing.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-29678388558799643532008-04-01T09:46:00.000-07:002008-04-01T09:52:12.057-07:00Got the Call!<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R_JoI2kVmJI/AAAAAAAAAUM/Icnm_Xur32c/s1600-h/IMG_1597-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184320622353029266" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R_JoI2kVmJI/AAAAAAAAAUM/Icnm_Xur32c/s320/IMG_1597-2.jpg" border="0" /></a>I got the call this morning. I'm the proud new owner of two more OC-3's!<br /><div></div><br /><div>I'm real excited about the potential of these two machines and can't believe I got two OC-3's for the price of my first one. . .Now I just got to get them hauled out of the North Woods. I will be anxiously waiting for spring to work its magic, melting the snow and drying things up enough to the point where we can pull them out without getting stuck.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-77745230740175004092008-03-09T16:53:00.000-07:002008-03-09T18:02:24.473-07:00Scouting Trip<div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R9R5K5aBDyI/AAAAAAAAAT0/ki8ogZ4Z27w/s1600-h/IMG_1597-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175895099871137570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R9R5K5aBDyI/AAAAAAAAAT0/ki8ogZ4Z27w/s320/IMG_1597-2.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>I went on a little Sunday afternoon Scouting Trip to look at two OC-3's. You know what they say, "There's always room in the shed for one (or two) more OC-3's."<br /></div><div>I had a brief eletronic conversation with a guy on the ytmag.com forum in November. His uncle died and he was trying to deal with his estate. He wanted to know what OC-3's were worth. He had two machines. I of course told him they range from scrap metal to $4000 depending on condition. I asked the location of the machines. They happen to be in Northern Wisconsin. I said if one was a parts candidate to let me know. </div><br /><div>Three months went by and out of no where he emailed me some pictures and a more detailed description of the machines. So, took a drive north to check them out.<br /></div><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R9SHiZaBDzI/AAAAAAAAAT8/No5RF5_KV0w/s1600-h/IMG_1599-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175910896760852274" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R9SHiZaBDzI/AAAAAAAAAT8/No5RF5_KV0w/s320/IMG_1599-2.jpg" border="0" /></a>The green one is a 1952 OC-3 (42 inch width & 8 inch wide track pads). It has a Ware HGH loader with a 41" wide bucket. It also has a pto with belt pulley. It was described as the better of the two machines. Apparently both machines were running about two years ago before "uncle Tom" got sick. The green OC-3 had "transmission problems" around this time and it was removed and taken to the shop. The parts were "lost" during this long period of time so it was missing a "transmission". I discovered the missing transmission is really a missing clutch unit, bellhousing and gas tank. The tin work is a mess but the undercarriage looks fairly good.</div><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R9SIO5aBD0I/AAAAAAAAAUE/TVpRuT7AuxA/s1600-h/IMG_1598-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175911661265030978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R9SIO5aBD0I/AAAAAAAAAUE/TVpRuT7AuxA/s320/IMG_1598-2.jpg" border="0" /></a>The yellow one is a 1955 OC-3 (42 inch width & 10 inch wide track pads). According to the serial number it was originally a 68 inch wide machine and it was converted to 42 inches somewhere along the way. It has a 77 inch dozer blade that appears to be homemade. It also has a rather odd contraption on the back that I have come to learn is a cable jammer. It was used for skidding logs. The yellow OC-3 has a pto as well. The pto operates the winch on the cable jammer. The sprockets look good. The grousers (the paddles that stick up on the track pad for traction) have been rebuilt via weld. This machine was described as seeing a lot more use and in worse shape. Apparently it had a habit of throwing its tracks. I think I know why. It appears one of the track frames is bent - but I can't be sure because it is sitting in 18" of snow. Lastly, the tin work on this machine is a disaster as well.</div><div> </div><div>If you could combine the two units, you might end up with a functioning crawler. It was a nice day for a drive and it is always fun to look at "The Finest in Farm Machinery". I'll send the guy an email telling him they are less than desireable machines. However, for the right price, I'd find a way to drag them home! We'll see what happens. . .</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-36217382888912541032008-02-24T21:30:00.000-08:002008-02-24T22:20:09.151-08:00Another Ebay Parts Purchase<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R8JaoqMPJdI/AAAAAAAAATs/Qr9VC02pq0c/s1600-h/cone+bushings.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170794976741631442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R8JaoqMPJdI/AAAAAAAAATs/Qr9VC02pq0c/s320/cone+bushings.jpg" border="0" /></a>Not much new has happened on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OC</span>-3. Since my last post it has continued to be a tough winter. Cold and snow has really put a damper on my motivation.<br /><br /><div></div><div>However, I did start a search for what I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">originally</span> called in my May 27, 2007 post (<a href="http://oc-3restoration.blogspot.com/2007/05/left-sprocket-surprise.html">http://oc-3restoration.blogspot.com/2007/05/left-sprocket-surprise.html</a>) "some sort of tapered compression retainer" - which is actually a pretty good description. In the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">OC</span>-3 parts manual they are actually called "Part <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nbr</span>. 115 975 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Collet</span> - for rear wheel stud".</div><br /><div></div><div>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">collets</span> 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">collets</span> serve a purpose.</div><br /><div>So, in January I began the search for 10 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">collets</span> (at that time I didn't even know their name). After some thinking, I concluded the best place to visit was my local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Fastenal</span> 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. "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Fastenal</span>: the premiere fastener distributor in North America."</div><br /><div>As I considered my next move, a listing appeared on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Ebay</span> for 10 "Cone Bushings" from an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">OC</span>-3. This <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ebay</span> seller was the same one that sold me the oil filter base. I watched the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Ebay</span> auction and became the successful bidder. I ended up paying just over $2 per <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">collet</span> with shipping and handling. I'm guessing $2 per <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">collet</span> is cheaper than a month or two of searching for a modern day vendor.</div><br /><div></div><div>So, I made a little bit of progress, but each step is needed to realize the full restoration of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">OC</span>-3.</div><br /><div></div><div>As for my motivation - two things have helped in that area. </div><div></div><div>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 <a href="http://www.cletrac.org/">http://www.cletrac.org/</a> by Steve from Washington. Steve posted some pictures detailing the progress of his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">OC</span>-46 restoration. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">OC</span>-4 (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">OC</span>-46 is the track loader version) is the younger and slightly bigger brother to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">OC</span>-3.</div><br /><div>Anyway, Steve's pictures show what <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">perseverance</span> and attention to detail can produce. </div><br /><div><a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=15042131&uid=533924&members=1">http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">gid</span>=15042131&<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">uid</span>=533924&members=1</a></div><br /><div>Nice job Steve and thanks for the inspiration.</div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-58894642315237866962008-01-06T20:08:00.000-08:002008-01-06T22:08:56.905-08:00Mid-Winter MullingNothing new has happened on the OC-3 since November and that is unfortunate. Winter came on hard and fast with lots of snow and rather chilly temperatures. Add the holiday season to that and there just hasn't been time to work on the parts and pieces.<br /><br /><div></div><div>In December, I was able to make a part purchase on Ebay. I picked up an oil filter base assembly for $20. Back in April I discovered the original filter base was missing the feeder tube that sticks up into the filter. I had planned on drilling out the remains of the old tube and braising in a new tube of some sort. However, the Ebay part sure seemed a lot easier and more functional.</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R4GqNFzsGzI/AAAAAAAAATU/116banaQXtM/s1600-h/OC3filterbase.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152586590562556722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R4GqNFzsGzI/AAAAAAAAATU/116banaQXtM/s320/OC3filterbase.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>I've also been thinking long and hard about the step-down transmission. If you remember my May 22, 2007 post, I talked about using the Model A Ford 3-speed as a step-down transmission (<a href="http://oc-3restoration.blogspot.com/2007/05/detour-before-going-to-garage.html">http://oc-3restoration.blogspot.com/2007/05/detour-before-going-to-garage.html</a>).</div><br /><div>I continue to read posts by OC-3 owners (<a href="http://www.cletrac.org/">http://www.cletrac.org/</a>) that absolutely rave about the improvement obtained when a Model A transmission is installed. The Model A gives you 9 forward speeds instead of 3 and brings the 1st gear speed down from 2.02 to 0.64 mph. This allows you to really push dirt and it saves a lot of wear and tear on the clutch, engine, transmission, final drive gears, etc. As I think about all of the abuse my old OC-3 has taken over the years I begin to think the step-down transmission should have been installed years ago.</div><div> </div><div>So, with all of that being said I have concluded this restoration will include a Model A step-down transmission. If the crawler is stripped down to the frame now is the time to make the upgrade.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R4G7n1zsG0I/AAAAAAAAATc/lbUq5dXsEjo/s1600-h/trasco_aux1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152605741821729602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R4G7n1zsG0I/AAAAAAAAATc/lbUq5dXsEjo/s320/trasco_aux1.jpg" border="0" /></a>There are a couple of ways of making this happen. 1) Find a "factory" Trasco transmission conversion from the 1950's. This is not likely going to happen. Original Trasco conversions are gold in the OC-3 community (see picture to the left). 2) I have had some conversations with some Stout engineering students that have foundry classes. If I could borrow the Trasco bellhousing owned by Mike, the Woodbury parts source (see June 5, 2007 post), the students could make a mold of it and thus be able to pour a new bellhousing. They would get a great class project and I would get a new Trasco bellhousing. 3) Make my own bellhousing conversion. At one time I thought this would be a long shot but some very talented folks on <a href="http://www.cletrac.org/">http://www.cletrac.org/</a> have posted some instructions on how they were able to make the conversion happen. It wouldn't be an easy job but it isn't an impossible task either.</div><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R4G-q1zsG1I/AAAAAAAAATk/gBqeYipSM1o/s1600-h/modified+OC3+Housing.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152609091896220498" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/R4G-q1zsG1I/AAAAAAAAATk/gBqeYipSM1o/s320/modified+OC3+Housing.JPG" border="0" /></a>The picture to the right is a factory bellhousing that has be cut down 3 inches and then a plate was welded to it that mates with the Model A transmission. John de Marrais and Dick Wolcott have posted some great information and instructions about the conversion at: <a href="http://www.cletrac.org/pages/auxtrans.html">http://www.cletrac.org/pages/auxtrans.html</a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Dick Wolcott used de Marrais' information and instructions and took it to the next level. He recently posted 22 pages of instructions and illustrations at: <a href="http://cletrac.org/media/aux_trans/HG_Aux_trans.PDF">http://cletrac.org/media/aux_trans/HG_Aux_trans.PDF</a></div><div> </div><div>So, that is all for now. . .As winter drags on I hope I'm able to report on some progress from my heated garage. </div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-67778049039917223762007-11-17T19:47:00.001-08:002007-11-17T20:01:03.204-08:00Goin' to the Carwash. . .<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rz-2BwLtZOI/AAAAAAAAATM/dLZ8191OXFg/s1600-h/carwash1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134022241455793378" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rz-2BwLtZOI/AAAAAAAAATM/dLZ8191OXFg/s320/carwash1.JPG" border="0" /></a>Not much has been happening with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OC</span>-3 since it was stacked in the shed for winter. I've been struggling to get the appropriate regulator installed on the spare air tank. The first regulator I bought was defective right out of the box. I never opened the box on the second regulator. Upon getting it home I noticed it didn't meet the max PSI for my compressor. I'll get it right eventually.<br /><br />In mid-October, on a relatively warm and sunny day I loaded the crawler frame into the back of the mini-van (I really need to get a hitch on that thing) and took it to the car wash. I invested in the "unlimited wash" option. I rinsed, washed, foamed, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">degreased</span>, rinsed, foamed, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">degreased</span>, rinsed, washed, and rinsed. The frame cleaned up rather well. It should make the paint stripping process a little cleaner and a little easier.550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-53372466219888798372007-09-30T15:34:00.000-07:002007-09-30T19:44:00.188-07:00Engine Stands are a Good Thing<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RwAlRsJKUfI/AAAAAAAAATE/G3UelAaQdrw/s1600-h/enginestand2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116130162530472434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RwAlRsJKUfI/AAAAAAAAATE/G3UelAaQdrw/s320/enginestand2.JPG" border="0" /></a>My co-worker George is a very skilled and experienced mechanic on many different levels. It took me awhile to realize, "Hey, I bet George has an engine stand." He sure did and he was kind enough to loan it out to me. It is a slick set-up. It will make it much easier to work on the engine with the ability to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">rotate</span> it 360 degrees. It also makes it much easier to move it out of the way. . .I just wheel it around. Thanks again George. <div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RwAlGMJKUeI/AAAAAAAAAS8/npMBdjdXWAk/s1600-h/enginestand1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116129964961976802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RwAlGMJKUeI/AAAAAAAAAS8/npMBdjdXWAk/s320/enginestand1.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-62034580926947132872007-09-30T15:32:00.000-07:002007-09-30T18:58:39.985-07:00A Two-Car Garage?!?<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RwAkY8JKUdI/AAAAAAAAAS0/u_lj5AE7gps/s1600-h/twocargarage3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116129187572896210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RwAkY8JKUdI/AAAAAAAAAS0/u_lj5AE7gps/s400/twocargarage3.JPG" border="0" /></a> Yep, that is a picture of two cars in the garage. Something that hasn't been seen since last April. The garage is close to original condition. The work bench still needs some organizing, the shelves need to be tidied up, and there is an oil stain on the floor that will probably never go away.<br /><br />However, the main goal has been met. We stayed one step ahead of Jack Frost. No one had to scrape car windows before work.550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-74408193836401898242007-09-30T15:23:00.001-07:002007-09-30T19:01:31.249-07:00Packing the Shed for WinterJust as you can fit a fully <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">assembled</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OC</span>-3 into a 12x16 yard shed. . .you can fit a fully <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">disassembled</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">OC</span>-3 into a 12 x 16 yard shed. It just takes a little cleaning and organizing.<br /><br />The cleaning and organizing actually took the better part of two afternoons last weekend. It had been quite some time since the shed had a good going through. I did have help, my 5 year old daughter was my "helper". She kept track of her breaks in the shade. I lost track after she announced, "I'm going to take break number 8 now."<br /><br />When we were all done I was able to pack away the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">OC</span>-3 without using much more floor space than what was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">occupied</span> by the formerly cluttered version of the shed. In fact, I was able to tell my wife that we had room to park one more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">OC</span>-3 in the shed if we happened to come upon one. She was not amused.<br /><br />ANY PICTURE THROUGHOUT THE BLOG CAN VIEWED UP CLOSE BY SIMPLY CLICKING ON THE PICTURE. . .<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RwAixcJKUZI/AAAAAAAAASU/GiElrjdbAHY/s1600-h/shedpack2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116127409456435602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RwAixcJKUZI/AAAAAAAAASU/GiElrjdbAHY/s320/shedpack2.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RwAi-cJKUaI/AAAAAAAAASc/UUOg7OraHwY/s1600-h/shedpack1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116127632794735010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RwAi-cJKUaI/AAAAAAAAASc/UUOg7OraHwY/s320/shedpack1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RwAjLsJKUbI/AAAAAAAAASk/z-ftwCVtFy0/s1600-h/shedpack4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116127860428001714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RwAjLsJKUbI/AAAAAAAAASk/z-ftwCVtFy0/s320/shedpack4.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RwAjfMJKUcI/AAAAAAAAASs/tHjY7w29DXU/s1600-h/shedpack3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116128195435450818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RwAjfMJKUcI/AAAAAAAAASs/tHjY7w29DXU/s320/shedpack3.JPG" border="0" /></a>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-23067052760560382112007-09-09T22:55:00.000-07:002007-09-28T22:29:44.105-07:003,860 Pounds Later. . .Based on the "operating weight" listed in the manual, I have removed about 3,860 pounds of parts. All that remains is about 100+ pounds of bare frame. If you look back to my first post in April, the OC-3 came into the garage for a change of fluids and some basic maintenance.<br /><p>Well, six months later we are down to the frame. It wasn't the original plan, but in it will save me years of constant fixing and in the end I think I'll be happy with the final product. The garage will be cleaned up and readied for winter. I'll also be able work on one manageable piece of the crawler at a time in the heated comfort of my garage over the winter. Spring time should be a time of reassembly and painting. </p><p><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv3h-8JKUXI/AAAAAAAAASE/RgtOZVCcDTc/s1600-h/MTframe1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115493223175442802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv3h-8JKUXI/AAAAAAAAASE/RgtOZVCcDTc/s320/MTframe1.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RuTeF0tPOXI/AAAAAAAAAQc/YySdtzs-qYU/s1600-h/MTFrameFront2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108452068974082418" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RuTeF0tPOXI/AAAAAAAAAQc/YySdtzs-qYU/s320/MTFrameFront2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RuTdTUtPOUI/AAAAAAAAAQE/kwK4dyYlmI4/s1600-h/MTframe1.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-76180758860192181772007-09-09T22:25:00.001-07:002007-09-28T22:00:33.833-07:00Back to the 50's Night<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv3YvMJKUSI/AAAAAAAAARc/WiPh5_Iy8OU/s1600-h/crawlertag.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115483056987853090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv3YvMJKUSI/AAAAAAAAARc/WiPh5_Iy8OU/s200/crawlertag.JPG" border="0" /></a> In 1955, Bill Haley and the Comets were a radio hit with "Rock Around The Clock". Eisenhower was President. The Brooklyn (Not Los Angeles) Dodgers beat the Yankees in the World Series. James Dean was killed in his Porsche <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Spyder</span></span> and McDonald's opened its 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">restaurant</span>. A little bit of time has passed between 1955 and today. <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv3X2cJKUQI/AAAAAAAAARM/pdVavxVCL2k/s1600-h/engineout1.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>It is probably safe to say that the old Hercules Engine has not been out of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">OC</span></span>-3 frame since it was it was first installed in 1955. I say that because it did not want to leave. It was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">literally</span> rusted into the frame. All engine mounts were loose but it would not come out. The engine hoist was picking up the engine and frame all at one time. </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115483434944975154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv3ZFMJKUTI/AAAAAAAAARk/2T-lbkMjDaE/s320/engineout2.JPG" border="0" /> <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv3ZvsJKUUI/AAAAAAAAARs/-QzVs9uv01w/s1600-h/engineout6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115484165089415490" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv3ZvsJKUUI/AAAAAAAAARs/-QzVs9uv01w/s320/engineout6.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div>I couldn't believe it so I crawled all over the frame and engine looking for a bolt that I missed. No bolt was missed. The rear portion of the engine that houses the clutch has two 3"x3" pads of metal that meet up flush with the frame. These tight and flush mounting pads were causing all of the problems - fused by oxidation to the frame. I finally had to bring in my floor jack. I wheeled it under the clutch housing and chained the frame to the floor jack frame - thus creating a modified press. It worked, I was able to press the engine loose.</div><div> </div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv3aVsJKUVI/AAAAAAAAAR0/KOEc8koc2p4/s1600-h/engineonfloor1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115484817924444498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv3aVsJKUVI/AAAAAAAAAR0/KOEc8koc2p4/s320/engineonfloor1.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv3amMJKUWI/AAAAAAAAAR8/zSeA4TBfpFw/s1600-h/engineonfloor3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115485101392286050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv3amMJKUWI/AAAAAAAAAR8/zSeA4TBfpFw/s320/engineonfloor3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br />I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">re-hooked</span></span> the engine hoist and I still had problems. The frame still wanted to come with the engine, so I chained the frame down to the engine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hoist</span></span> frame. Out she came, one 1955 Hercules <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">IXB</span></span> - 4 cylinder engine (about 300 pounds of iron).</div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-57734941793340321932007-09-09T22:11:00.000-07:002007-09-28T22:17:25.758-07:00Transmission / Differential Housing Out<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RuTVCEtPOSI/AAAAAAAAAP0/Y-FpjO3ETgM/s1600-h/transout3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108442108944922914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RuTVCEtPOSI/AAAAAAAAAP0/Y-FpjO3ETgM/s320/transout3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The next step in the tear-down was to remove the transmission/differential housing. It will be much easier to clean and prep the frame with the housing removed. It will also make it much easier to clean the scum and sludge that still remains inside of the trans/diff housing.<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RuTUj0tPORI/AAAAAAAAAPs/tJ3SVW1w4uo/s1600-h/transonfloor.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108441589253880082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RuTUj0tPORI/AAAAAAAAAPs/tJ3SVW1w4uo/s320/transonfloor.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RuTUVUtPOQI/AAAAAAAAAPk/ymmAD1QdC_o/s1600-h/transout1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108441340145776898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RuTUVUtPOQI/AAAAAAAAAPk/ymmAD1QdC_o/s320/transout1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RuTUj0tPORI/AAAAAAAAAPs/tJ3SVW1w4uo/s1600-h/transonfloor.JPG"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RuTSXUtPOPI/AAAAAAAAAPc/59ROAx39bxY/s1600-h/crawlertag.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RuTUj0tPORI/AAAAAAAAAPs/tJ3SVW1w4uo/s1600-h/transonfloor.JPG"></a></div></div></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-32079686378415543972007-09-09T22:06:00.000-07:002007-09-28T19:53:02.165-07:00Dozer Frame Off (thank you engine hoist fairy)Well, my wishes were answered by the Engine Hoist Fairy (my dad). It proved to be the right tool for the job. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dozer</span> mounting structure came off quick and easy. The pictures below are before and after shots (left=before & right=after). I'm sure the engine hoist will be great <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">asset</span> in the future. Thanks again, engine hoist fairy.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv27sMJKUOI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/SuGuA6vG5vA/s1600-h/dozerframeoffrear.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115451119611039970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv27sMJKUOI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/SuGuA6vG5vA/s320/dozerframeoffrear.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv26ksJKULI/AAAAAAAAAQk/lh9uHj7RfQQ/s1600-h/nogastank.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115449891250393266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rv26ksJKULI/AAAAAAAAAQk/lh9uHj7RfQQ/s320/nogastank.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RuTRW0tPOOI/AAAAAAAAAPU/U8P6_fjBrVk/s1600-h/dozerframeoffrear.JPG"></a><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RuTRKUtPONI/AAAAAAAAAPM/2N-GE_SMpdk/s1600-h/dozerframeoff.JPG"></a>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-64755778891770066412007-08-19T14:11:00.001-07:002007-09-28T19:27:16.575-07:00She was a working girl. . .As I spend more time with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OC</span>-3 she reluctantly reveals more of her sorted past to me. My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OC</span>-3 was "a working girl", asked to do things that she didn't want to do by bad men who didn't care about her welfare. As I chip through the layers of abuse and neglect I find more evidence that this old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">OC</span>-3 has lived a hard life.<br /><br />Sunday was again a very rainy day. I decide to go to the garage to scrape and wash some parts that have not had their turn. With a masterful pitching performance by Johan Santana in the background I took a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">puddy</span> knife to the final drive housings. After giving the left housing a bath in the parts washer I found a small but significant crack in the housing along one of the bolt holes (the first set of pictures below).<br /><br />The right housing had an interesting surprise as well. Hidden by <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">massive</span> amounts of dirt and grease, I found a huge braising job from what only could have been a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hellacious</span> crack. The braising bead is about 3/4 inch wide by 4.5 inches long. It is found on the outside and inside of the housing (last set of pictures below).<br /><br />I believe the small crack on the left housing can fixed in a similar way as the right housing. Neither crack should cause any problems with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">functionality</span> of the crawler. However, they will be scars that will be with her forever.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsiyaktPOJI/AAAAAAAAAOs/CQfqcOyg9rw/s1600-h/LFinalCrack2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100522747596847250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsiyaktPOJI/AAAAAAAAAOs/CQfqcOyg9rw/s320/LFinalCrack2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rsiyq0tPOKI/AAAAAAAAAO0/rf4XWEOHp6U/s1600-h/LFinalCrack1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100523026769721506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rsiyq0tPOKI/AAAAAAAAAO0/rf4XWEOHp6U/s320/LFinalCrack1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsizKUtPOMI/AAAAAAAAAPE/zFNInlha71I/s1600-h/RFinalOutsideBraise.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100523567935600834" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsizKUtPOMI/AAAAAAAAAPE/zFNInlha71I/s320/RFinalOutsideBraise.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rsiy40tPOLI/AAAAAAAAAO8/ZnWLi2j3MY4/s1600-h/RFinalInsideBraise.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100523267287890098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rsiy40tPOLI/AAAAAAAAAO8/ZnWLi2j3MY4/s320/RFinalInsideBraise.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-14045995010890951432007-08-19T13:56:00.001-07:002007-09-28T22:29:02.352-07:00More Needle Scaler Work<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rsiv00tPOFI/AAAAAAAAAOM/btiKsPx72z8/s1600-h/trackframeB4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100519900033529938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rsiv00tPOFI/AAAAAAAAAOM/btiKsPx72z8/s200/trackframeB4.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rsivq0tPOEI/AAAAAAAAAOE/yAHI45x66aA/s1600-h/needlescaler.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100519728234838082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rsivq0tPOEI/AAAAAAAAAOE/yAHI45x66aA/s200/needlescaler.JPG" border="0" /></a> It was a rainy Saturday afternoon and that made it perfect for some more needle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">scaler</span> work in the back shed (can't needle scale in the garage during the boy's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nap time</span>).</div><div><br /><div>I tackled two of the biggest parts from the crawler - the track frames. They are about 5 feet long and weigh about 250lbs. a piece. They are made of heavy steel and are perfect candidates for the needle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">scaler</span>. My compressor is still waiting for its parts so the process wasn't exactly fast. I would scale an 8"x8" section at a time and then the compressor would need to catch up. During this time I took my drill with a wire brush attached and went over the section I just scaled. It was a fairly efficient and effective process.</div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsixPEtPOGI/AAAAAAAAAOU/u-zB41j1LiM/s1600-h/TkFrmSplitView.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100521450516723810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsixPEtPOGI/AAAAAAAAAOU/u-zB41j1LiM/s320/TkFrmSplitView.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsixrUtPOHI/AAAAAAAAAOc/3yIbYhjuO2M/s1600-h/trkfrmAfter.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100521935848028274" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsixrUtPOHI/AAAAAAAAAOc/3yIbYhjuO2M/s320/trkfrmAfter.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsivKEtPOCI/AAAAAAAAAN0/O1tz3QhFcLY/s1600-h/needlescaler.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-10559676101209761732007-08-17T19:47:00.000-07:002007-08-18T11:18:42.577-07:00A New (old) Bull Gear!I paid a visit to a fellow OC-3 owner in Burnsville, MN last night. His name is Les and he is a real nice guy that owns three OC-3's. Les was referred to me by Mike *see my "Parts Progress" post on 6/5/07.<br /><br />Anyway, Les happened to have an extra final drive bull gear that he was willing to sell. The price wasn't bad and the bull gear, although a little worn and rusty, at least has all 72 of its teeth. *See my 5/31/07 post called "Oh Tooth Fairy!"<br /><br /><br />So, Les and I got talk crawlers for awhile. He shared some stories, tips, and advice.<br /><br /><br />After my visit, I got to have a great dinner in the big city with my wife. We then stopped by the Mall of America and I stopped by Al's Farm Toys. This was the first time I've been to Al's. It was okay. A small selection of Oliver toys. Way too much John Deere stuff. Overall it was a good night.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsZeVktPN_I/AAAAAAAAANc/zZ_X9hQf4yg/s1600-h/newbullgear2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099867352767346674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsZeVktPN_I/AAAAAAAAANc/zZ_X9hQf4yg/s320/newbullgear2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsZeMEtPN-I/AAAAAAAAANU/t9NSn2y0FhU/s1600-h/newbullgear1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099867189558589410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsZeMEtPN-I/AAAAAAAAANU/t9NSn2y0FhU/s320/newbullgear1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-6657288069146443512007-08-15T21:53:00.000-07:002007-08-18T11:20:20.799-07:00Behold the Needle Scaler (wanted: one large air compressor)<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPY0UtPN5I/AAAAAAAAAMs/A0MzHW9NOo8/s1600-h/needlescaler.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099157596536780690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPY0UtPN5I/AAAAAAAAAMs/A0MzHW9NOo8/s320/needlescaler.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I've read several times on forums like <a href="http://www.ytmag.com/">http://www.ytmag.com/</a> that a tractor restorer's best friend can be this odd air tool called the needle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">scaler</span>. Many swear it beats getting sand in places where the sun doesn't shine - a common hazard of sandblasting.</div><br /><div>So, I finally picked up a needle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">scaler</span> at Northern Tool & Equipment. It was a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cheapy</span> but I figured it would do the job.</div><div></div><br /><div>It is fantastic! It is three times as fast as the little sandblaster I'm using and it is a lot cleaner. It is made up of 19 hardened steel rods that are about 1/8 inch in diameter. The air-gun portion of the tool works like a air chisel. Aparently it very quickly vibrates the needles and off comes the dirt, paint, and rust. . .</div><br /><div>One problem I have is my little 15 gallon air compressor. I am able to needle scale for about 45 seconds before it kicks in again. This wouldn't be too much of a problem but my air compressor is dying a slow death right now. It has a worn vinyl sleeve and o-ring (a hazard of the new oil-free air compressors). I ordered the parts at Sears today and they should be here in a week. Anyway, it takes about 4-5 minutes to reach full pressure again. Hopefully the new parts will bring that down to less than a minute in the future. </div><div></div><div>Anyway, below you will see some of the work of the needle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">scaler</span>. You can compare the difference between the old yellow paint and areas stripped by the needle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">scaler</span>.</div><div></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Overall</span> it was a good three-hours of uninterrupted work in the garage.</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPZTEtPN8I/AAAAAAAAANE/Lr4QrwP1n_k/s1600-h/craftsman+aircompressor.jpg"></a></div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPZB0tPN6I/AAAAAAAAAM0/5SYaaHcirCU/s1600-h/sidescaled.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099157828465014690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPZB0tPN6I/AAAAAAAAAM0/5SYaaHcirCU/s320/sidescaled.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPZTEtPN8I/AAAAAAAAANE/Lr4QrwP1n_k/s1600-h/craftsman+aircompressor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099158124817758146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPZTEtPN8I/AAAAAAAAANE/Lr4QrwP1n_k/s320/craftsman+aircompressor.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPb4EtPN9I/AAAAAAAAANM/fVI9VKLWeDg/s1600-h/large1aircompressor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099160959496173522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPb4EtPN9I/AAAAAAAAANM/fVI9VKLWeDg/s320/large1aircompressor.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPZMEtPN7I/AAAAAAAAAM8/4j6-cOh4bS0/s1600-h/sidescaled2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099158004558673842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPZMEtPN7I/AAAAAAAAAM8/4j6-cOh4bS0/s320/sidescaled2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPZTEtPN8I/AAAAAAAAANE/Lr4QrwP1n_k/s1600-h/craftsman+aircompressor.jpg"></a></div></div></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-4240374620101007342007-08-15T21:33:00.001-07:002007-08-15T21:53:22.547-07:00Darwin Award Nomination (wanted: one engine hoist)The Darwin Award is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">reoccurring</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Internet</span> folklore award given <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">posthumously</span> to fools that kill themselves in creatively stupid ways. It was a night with big OC-3 plans. The kids were at grandma's and the wife was out shopping. First step, remove the remaining dozer mounting structure and attached hydraulic system.<br /><br />Well, I eyeballed it and thought, "It can't weigh that much?" Well, without the proper tools you improvise. I hooked up some tie-down straps to a few eyebolts I had in the ceiling for the kids' wintertime swings. I've sat in the swings, they seemed sturdy enough.<br /><br />I got the mounting structure about 4 inches off of the crawler and I knew this wasn't a great idea. The straps were creaking and the structure was moving around with a mind of its own. I could keep lifting it hoping the straps wouldn't snap AND if I got it up in the air. . .what was I going to do with it? It was too heavy to muscle to the ground while running the come-a-long with one hand. . .So I gave up my potential Darwin Award and put it back on the crawler.<br /><br />Wanted: One Engine Hoist. . .I may have to look into renting one of these things - apparently they are designed to <strong>safely</strong> lift heavy objects up and then roll them out of the way - fascinating.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPTxEtPN3I/AAAAAAAAAMc/i8a0fda4HT4/s1600-h/darwin1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099152043144066930" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPTxEtPN3I/AAAAAAAAAMc/i8a0fda4HT4/s400/darwin1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPUuktPN4I/AAAAAAAAAMk/4YMoliyKhTk/s1600-h/engine+hoist+wanted.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099153099706021762" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RsPUuktPN4I/AAAAAAAAAMk/4YMoliyKhTk/s320/engine+hoist+wanted.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-22123010059011703012007-08-05T22:36:00.000-07:002007-08-05T22:41:03.094-07:00The Goal<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rra0YvB1m2I/AAAAAAAAAMU/nFIVk8SlXso/s1600-h/theGoal.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095458365450328930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/Rra0YvB1m2I/AAAAAAAAAMU/nFIVk8SlXso/s400/theGoal.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>There is certainly a lot of work ahead in the OC-3 Restoration Adventure. And I'm sure there will be a lot of frustration ahead as well. I'm posting this picture as reminder of where I want to go. I certainly will not achieve this level of restoration but I hope to have my OC-3 roll out of the garage looking good enough to make a rather dramatic "before and after" picture.</div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-29038446991286623652007-08-05T21:36:00.000-07:002007-08-05T22:29:47.482-07:00Going For It. . .<div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095451368948603618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RrauBfB1muI/AAAAAAAAALU/3PpVHGZBEGA/s320/withradiator.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>I was sitting on my little shop stool one night peering into the empty transmission/differential case when it occurred to me. . .I don't think I want to tear this thing apart again. Yet, I do want to see the OC-3 restored to a respectable level. So, this is my one shot to tear the old girl down all the way and do it right.<br /><br />With that mental conclusion made I have been stripping the OC-3 down a bit more. I have been tearing it down with mechanical restoration in mind and now I've been turning a wrench with cosmetic restoration in mind. How can I get this part cleaned and ready for paint? That is the question in mind these days.<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RrauOvB1mvI/AAAAAAAAALc/SLy0sezNPZM/s1600-h/rearview.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095451596581870322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RrauOvB1mvI/AAAAAAAAALc/SLy0sezNPZM/s320/rearview.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><div><div><div>This weekend I disconnected and pulled the gas tank. The tank is sizable - 13 gallons. Of course I wasn't able to disconnect the gas line and drain the tank without getting a little bit of a gas bath.</div><br /><div>I also pulled what was left of the grill and side tin. This area was butchered by previous owners as they made room for the front mounted hydraulic pump. I might look around for another grill. But as one person posted on <a href="http://www.cletrac.org/">http://www.cletrac.org/</a> "yeah, you and 1000 other guys are looking for that same grill." </div><br /><div>I did find out recently that there are alternative parts sources available. It seems that Cletrac (the company that Oliver merged with in 1945) built a wheel tractor that was basically the HG or OC-3 crawler on wheels. </div><br /><div>The tractor is called The General <a href="http://www.tractorshed.com/gallery/tphotos/a34367.jpg">http://www.tractorshed.com/gallery/tphotos/a34367.jpg</a> and it has the same transmission, an earlier version of the Hercules engine (lots of matching engine parts - like the much needed air cleaner), and the same gas tank, hood, and grill. And to add to the parts possibilities, Cletrac sold the General tractor design to Avery in 1945. The BF Avery Model A is another parts source <a href="http://www.tractorshed.com/gallery/tphotos/a104086.jpg">http://www.tractorshed.com/gallery/tphotos/a104086.jpg</a>. The Avery Model A was also sold as the Wards Twin Row <a href="http://www.tractorshed.com/gallery/tphotos/a17143.jpg">http://www.tractorshed.com/gallery/tphotos/a17143.jpg</a>. So, when looking for parts I have a few more avenues to seek for results.<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RrawpvB1m0I/AAAAAAAAAME/imFDGnbasUQ/s1600-h/gasgrillradiator.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095454259461593922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RrawpvB1m0I/AAAAAAAAAME/imFDGnbasUQ/s320/gasgrillradiator.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RrawgPB1mzI/AAAAAAAAAL8/BjmxvQzX5VQ/s1600-h/frontnoradiatorgastank.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095454096252836658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RrawgPB1mzI/AAAAAAAAAL8/BjmxvQzX5VQ/s320/frontnoradiatorgastank.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br />After pulling the grill I drained the radiator (and engine block) of its coolant. I then removed the radiator. The radiator seems to be in good/working condition. I'll probably take it in to a local radiator shop to have it flushed, pressure tested, cleaned up, and painted.<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RraxdvB1m1I/AAAAAAAAAMM/jmHTV0NyB_8/s1600-h/driveshaft.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095455152814791506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RraxdvB1m1I/AAAAAAAAAMM/jmHTV0NyB_8/s320/driveshaft.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>I also removed the generator. I knew a long time ago that the generator was not functioning. However, when I opened an inspection cover a bunch of burnt and crispy flakes fell out of the generator. The generator is certainly on its way to a local generator/alternator shop for overhaul.</div></div><br /><div></div><div><div>One last picture of the drive shaft/clutch area. It is now visible because I removed the battery pan. The next item on the list is to remove the remaining dozer blade structure and all attached hydraulic systems (hoses, valve, reservoir tank). After that I go after the clutch.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7055464828974047573.post-14180559363310812192007-07-21T20:53:00.000-07:002007-07-21T22:30:14.164-07:00Peek-A-Boo<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLiCvB1mkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/ThWaEGJsA2U/s1600-h/peekaboo.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089879065493871170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLiCvB1mkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/ThWaEGJsA2U/s320/peekaboo.JPG" border="0" /></a> It has been awhile since I have posted on the blog and I can't say I've done much on the OC-3. There are a number of things that have slowed things down a bit. First, this is the first time in 5 weekends I've been home. A wide variety of activities have kept me busy the past 5 weekends. However, one weekend was Oliver related. I spent about 8 hours in the seat of my other Oliver, the 550, raking the second crop of hay. I may post a few pictures of Oliver haying in the future.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>It is also a bit of a crossroads in the OC-3 restoration adventure. I don't have too much more to tear down and I need to make some decisions about how far I want to go with the restoration. I also need to figure how I'm going to resolve some key issues. How am I going to deal with the broken tooth ? Should I replace the trans/diff case with the extra one I bought or should I repair the old one and "let her buck"? And how am I going to rebuild those rollers?</div><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLjEfB1mmI/AAAAAAAAAKU/TQKy5QzY0UE/s1600-h/cleanup+1.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLjEfB1mmI/AAAAAAAAAKU/TQKy5QzY0UE/s1600-h/cleanup+1.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLjEfB1mmI/AAAAAAAAAKU/TQKy5QzY0UE/s1600-h/cleanup+1.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLjEfB1mmI/AAAAAAAAAKU/TQKy5QzY0UE/s1600-h/cleanup+1.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLjEfB1mmI/AAAAAAAAAKU/TQKy5QzY0UE/s1600-h/cleanup+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089880195070270050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLjEfB1mmI/AAAAAAAAAKU/TQKy5QzY0UE/s320/cleanup+1.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>And then I need to figure out the most cost effective way to order all the parts I need. I'm guessing I'll end up ordering parts from a variety of sources. All of this requires some time and effort to do a bunch of comparison shopping.<br /><br />I have made some progress recently. First, I was reading in my manual about putting the final drives back together and figured out I need to take the final drive housing/axles off before I can put them back together. So I pulled the axles (washed them up in the parts washer) and turned a wrench to take off the housing. The OC-3 is getting lighter with each step. Notice the before and after.</div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLjpPB1mnI/AAAAAAAAAKc/OsPYHJT6Nv0/s1600-h/fdrivesoff3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089880826430462578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLjpPB1mnI/AAAAAAAAAKc/OsPYHJT6Nv0/s320/fdrivesoff3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>When talking to fellow OC-3 restorer (and parts source) Mike he said that taking the differential out is relatively easy. I had nightmares of taking it out and having it fall apart into a million gears. Mike assured me that the differential stays together just fine.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>So, I decided to go for it. It came out with ease. Now I'm able to give the differential a good scrubbing in the parts washer. It sure beats squirting diesel at it while it sat in the housing. I'm also able to give the trans/diff housing a good scrubbing too.</div><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLmO_B1mtI/AAAAAAAAALM/SKVyRdORtQQ/s1600-h/fdriveonbench.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089883673993779922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLmO_B1mtI/AAAAAAAAALM/SKVyRdORtQQ/s320/fdriveonbench.JPG" border="0" /></a>Next up? I've been thinking about pulling the clutch and installing some new clutch plates. I'm not sure how good the clutch is right now and I cringe at the thought of tearing it down in in the future to re-do the clutch. Right now I'm not too far away from accessing the clutch. It might be worth the time, effort, and dollars.</div><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLliPB1msI/AAAAAAAAALE/ATKG7A1I8Pc/s1600-h/diffInABox.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089882905194633922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLliPB1msI/AAAAAAAAALE/ATKG7A1I8Pc/s320/diffInABox.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLlIvB1mrI/AAAAAAAAAK8/Zve1ZgctaY8/s1600-h/emptycase2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089882467107969714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLlIvB1mrI/AAAAAAAAAK8/Zve1ZgctaY8/s320/emptycase2.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLkO_B1moI/AAAAAAAAAKk/KiI2HlOLFNI/s1600-h/emptycase.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089881474970524290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLkO_B1moI/AAAAAAAAAKk/KiI2HlOLFNI/s320/emptycase.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLky_B1mqI/AAAAAAAAAK0/jSWX5gTzLfU/s1600-h/deepinCase.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089882093445814946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_CUuGjxYeCuE/RqLky_B1mqI/AAAAAAAAAK0/jSWX5gTzLfU/s320/deepinCase.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>550DarrinOC3http://www.blogger.com/profile/13141842454459301026noreply@blogger.com0