Fear the Deere

skiroule

skiroule

Well-known member
At first glance, things probably don’t look all that much different but the sled is now what I call “on its feet”.

Driveshaft is in, jackshaft is in, and track/rear suspension installed. Did an initial cut at tensioning rear springs and track tension/alignment. Will fine tune those later.

IMG_3505_1.jpg

It now has that classic John Deere cross- country stance I’m so fond of.

IMG_3502_1.jpg
 
skiroule

skiroule

Well-known member
mspease said:
Looking nice! Those decals really look good!
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Can’t believe rp7x didn’t comment on that can of Hamm’s in the background on the first shot. Not many nights there isn’t one on the bench when the day’s work is completed.

I preferred the look of the Cyclone tunnel decals over the ones that come with the stock Liquidator decal set so I had the people over at The Sled Printer in WI make me an extra set of Cyclone tunnel decals but in Liquidator yellow/green. They did an awesome job, think they will go nicely with the Liquidator yellow hood decals.

Now the focus will shift to this little mill.
IMG_3517_1.jpg

It doesn’t need a ton of work: some cleanup, a little paint, new motor plate bushings, and I’ll probably replace the crank seals as long as it’s out of the sled.
 
skiroule

skiroule

Well-known member
From the land of sky blue waters, although I guess now it's from Milwaukee. Still a great brew town. Wonder how many Hamm's commercials I heard while listening to the Twins broadcasts on WCCO.
 
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skiroule

skiroule

Well-known member
heckler56 said:
I have to say I keep coming back to look at these pictures. Your work just mesmerizes me.
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If I had a real-time “shop cam,” I think you’d be amazed (and amused) at how many screw-ups occur. Luckily, I've usually been able to regain my composure. I do have to admit though, I sometimes I find myself having to fight the urge to obsess over some things and just say to myself "it's good enough, move on."

What really impresses me is the fact that you guys check in regularly to see what, if anything, has been accomplished. These projects always seem to take a long, long time and the continued interest is much appreciated.

I particularly like this project because I think the leaping deer sleds may be a little more special for some of you than other brands of the day. I’m hoping that when completed, this sled will be a fitting representative of the glory days of the John Deere line.
 
gary_in_neenah

gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Kelly, I think all of us are amazed at your skill set that the rest of us only dream of. You've been turning out museum pieces from barn-finds since when? The attention to detail and expertise is off the charts for us commoners. You're fortunate to have the skills and the wife that allows you to create these beauties. Fear the Deere indeed. These old relics fear the man with a wrench in one hand and a can of Hamm's in the other. We're looking forward to your next installment!
 
skiroule

skiroule

Well-known member
I don’t know Gary, high praise indeed but you bring to mind something I think about on a regular basis. It seems like no matter how hard I try I can never seem to buy something vintage and just ride it. Even if it’s running and ridable, sooner or later I start tearing it down. So while it's always a good feeling when the sled is finished, maybe the rebuilding process itself is equally rewarding.

You are so right about having a wife that is supportive of the hobby. While she doesn’t have a lot of interest in what goes on out in the shop, she does enjoy seeing a project that is finished. She is also very tolerant of me tying up every square foot of extra storage space with old sleds, carcasses, and parts.

Pretty cold day up here today but the shop was nice and toasty so I tore the motor down to bare bones and started cleaning it up. It needs nothing internally so this is as far as I will go with the tear-down. Next steps will be to finish cleaning it up and replace the crank seals. Then I can start reassembly. Don’t know if I’ll have it in the chassis next week but I’d at least like it to be ready.

IMG_3523_1.jpg
 
heckler56

heckler56

Active member
skiroule said:
If I had a real-time “shop cam,” I think you’d be amazed (and amused) at how many screw-ups occur. Luckily, I've usually been able to regain my composure. I do have to admit though, I sometimes I find myself having to fight the urge to obsess over some things and just say to myself "it's good enough, move on."

What really impresses me is the fact that you guys check in regularly to see what, if anything, has been accomplished. These projects always seem to take a long, long time and the continued interest is much appreciated.

I particularly like this project because I think the leaping deer sleds may be a little more special for some of you than other brands of the day. I’m hoping that when completed, this sled will be a fitting representative of the glory days of the John Deere line.
Click to expand...
It is a skill I completely lack and my father had, it just fascinates me. I was too wired as a child to learn from him in his shop. He created tools from scratch and usable items from scrap.

I am the guy that will get you a beer or hold the shop light.
 
R

Rupp Collector

Active member
My Dad could find great ways to destroy tools we all would love to have as he had no idea what to do with them. We had a "shade tree" mechanic next door that would help me on our mowers, sleds and eventually vehicle repairs. Then in high school we had auto shop and builder's trades that taught me a lot. I've never had to take a sled or atv back to the dealer for anything, do all my home repairs but todays autos are over my head unless it's basic maintenance.
 
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