Project X: Target Identification
 

Howdy folks,
I announced in the Welcome to OCC forum that I intend to heist my buddy's IH Cub Cadet 682 tractor and restore it to operating condition. This effort is codenamed Project X and will accomplish 2 things: 1. It will get my buddy's wife off his back and 2. It will honor a great friend and retired USMC veteran.
Note: This will NOT be a museum quality restoration. This tractor will be restored to excellent running condition and appearance with the intention of being a working vehicle. It will have new paint, decals, and perhaps some upgrades. It will NOT be a hack job collection of mixed brand parts - I will try to use parts intended for a IH Cub Cadet 682.


Here are the proposed phases of the project:
Phase 1: Planning

1. Target Identification - Observe and triage the tractor. Take pictures. Line up an insider (my friend's wife in this case) to keep him off the scent once the tractor goes missing.
2. Get Smart - Locate resources (like OCC forum), line up a suitable workspace, download service and operators manuals.
3. Finance the Adventure - Start a go-fund-me to canvas our circle of friends who may want to contribute to the effort.
4. Record, record, record - A slideshow or short movie will be presented when the tractor is returned. Digital records will be kept at every step of the project.

Phase 2: Execution

1. The Heist - Steal the 682 from my buddy's backyard. Leave stupid clues that lead nowhere.
2. Diagnosis - Survey and test all systems - mechanical, electrical, fuel, mowing, etc.
3. Parts and Repair - Obtain necessary parts, perform all necessary repairs.
4. Appearance - Paint, decals, wheels, lights, etc. Once the tractor is mechanically stable, it's time to give it a makeover.

Phase 3: Return of the Jedi

1. Reveal - TBD and lots of time to think about this. His annual BBQ generally has about 100 people present so that is a great target date in early July to surprise him with a revamped 682.
2. Praise and Adoration
3. Job Well Done

So that's the plan in a nutshell. Right now we are still in Phase 1 Planning. I have pictures to share with all of you. As I do this, feel free to call out items you note. I appreciate your help.
Thanks, - Mike

Pictures!
 

Here's a link to pictures of the target 682 taken today:
https://goo.gl/photos/jyfF573RSwQhERzG6

Feel free to comment on them as you see fit.

-Mike

As can be seen it's an IH built 682 with a series II Kohler, that's good.
Looks much better than ones I've started with so I guess it's up to you
what will take place. I mean how far to get into it.
The deck needs the most work from what I see.
Many things can't be accessed until it's apart.

To be honest the paint looks decent, I would just polish it and leave it original.

Actually the project tractor looks pretty good. I did see it is a series II engine which has far fewer problems than the series I. You most likely will find wiring repairs good and bad. Before painting you may try a wash and buff and wax. I've seen some of the red ones come out looking really good. Much cheaper and labor intensive than a repaint.

It's IH built with a cast iron rear end AND the series 2 engine. Looks like a winner!

The only way to tell if, a series 2 motor,is the get the spec number off the engine, is it. Yes, hmmm.Herh herh herh.
On your way to cub cadet fever, you are. Yeesssssss indeed.

Oh my belly ache yes indeed.

Good seat and wheel weights. Unless its wore out or catastrophically destroyed beyond what pictures show, it looks like a pretty easy project to put back into service. Doesn't look abused.
A couple questions--he will have a shed to put it under after you go to the trouble of painting, right?? Didn't you initially say a July completion date--whats he going to use until then?

I would use a clay bar on that paint, see if it shines up, then keep original paint.

Sounds like good advice about the condition of the paint. You have a nice tractor to work with. If you do decide on paint, you won't need to take the red down much at all. 220 grit or lighter perhaps.

Good luck, have fun with this, and we like pictures!

:beerchug: