A 123 for fun
 

I got the 123 running week before last with a carb rebuild and a replacement gas tank. Pulled it up to the shop and washed it. Some rust spots and scratches on the fenders, a red engine (looks like it's red over yellow???) Over all not in bad shape. Shouldn't take too much to get this one back in shape-mostly clean up and repaint, adjust/repair steering, check/repair trunnion. New decals on hand.

Anything I should look out for on this one?

My 123 is the best tractor I have. It just keeps going and works like a tank.

Sweet 123! You've been busy!:beerchug:

Good looking 123!

Nice 123 its probably my favorite one. Just wish mine was in that good of shape

Nice 123! :beerchug:

The 123 is the best tractor made by IH, but I may be biased....haha. Just watch out for those large flat head bolts from the factory, they can be a real devil to deal with...

Cub Cadet 123

Nice looking 123:beerchug: only thing I would look out for would be neglecting your other tractors!

nice 123:beerchug:

Nice looking 123.

Got the 123 into the shop for some TLC. Pulled the fenders, seat, wheels, front end and engine. Some pics of cleaning up the engine. The red paint came off pretty easily with some carb cleaner and acetone and a scotchbrite pad. final engine pic is end result, little if any paint left.

Frame ready to be cleaned up for paint. Looks like somebody has done some work on this before. Some paint is just flaking off the frame in spots. I hate that. The trunnion has been repaired at some point.

Plan is to replace head gasket, points, condenser, static time the engine, repaint, change oil, new gaskets on the breather, carb (already rebuilt), cam cover and points cover. The engine is missing the right side cooling shroud sheet metal. Will make a new one using one of the other tractors' for a pattern. Have a new PTO bearing and clutch kit to put on as well.

Plan is to wire brush the frame and then prime and repaint. front wheels need bearings, tie rod ends are shot. I don' like these tires, so I'll swap them out for a pair of 8.50 turfs and chains I have. Not sure what I'm going to do with the front tires yet. Have a new decal set to put on, too.

Not bad for one evening's work.

Thanks for the update on the 123! :beerchug:

More progress on the 123--some pics. Need to torque the head bolts, reinstall the PTO, and begin putting it all back together. most of the painting is done or nearly so. some parts still in primer, but got color last night before I went to bed.

What do you do to get the engine prepared for primer and paint?

Not sure this is the best approach, but it's what I've been doing. Degrease while in the tractor with engine degreaser and garden hose. then, when I pull the engine, put it in a large tub and using mineral spirits and an old paintbrush, scrub the engine down to remove as much oil/dirt as possible. Last step is a scotchbrite pad with acetone to to remove any oily film. Wipe down with a paper towel soaked in acetone. All the tins come off, go in the parts washer, then are sanded or wire brushed to remove loose paint/rust followed by a wipe down with acetone. Then everything gets a coat of red primer, and three coats of cub yellow. I use the red primer (rustoleum rusty metal primer) because I think it deals with rust better than the clean metal primers. Takes three coats of yellow if you use the red primer.

Nice job on the painting! Keep up the good work!

Looking good! Thanks for the pics.

Thanks for the info im going to try this on my 12 hp i got under the bench lol

You have been busy, brother. Great job! :beerchug:

more progress on re-assembly. Got the decals on the hood last night and the hood on, but camera battery died. Trying to decide what to do about the tires and wheels...

Coming back together! Looking like a tractor again!:beer2:

X2! :beerchug:

more progress. taking the wheels to the sandblaster today. They had so much paint on them I couldn't see cleaning them myself. I have one piece of engine shroud to put on the right side of the engine's cylinder. I'll have to order tires, the tires on this puppy were shot.

I did use my new Harbor Freight mini-tire changer last night. Boy, is that a knuckle saver! Removed all four tires from the rims in about 30 minutes.

The 123 is really looking good. Nice work.

I second that!:beerchug:

Your 123 is looking awesome!

Looking good.

sawdustdad, Congrats on the mini tire changer! I knew you'd like it. The more you use it the better it gets. By the way, 123's lookin sweet!

She's almost done. Got new tires on the front and recycled tires on the back that came off my 108 when I went to 10.50s on it. She needs new front wheel bearings, so I need to order them.

That's a sharp 123! :beerchug:

That looks great! You did a great job!:beerchug: