The Red one I always wanted
 

Well here goes guys... I finally pushed one of the 782's that I picked up last summer in the corner of the shop. I got tired of seeing it withering away in the weather. I picked the back corner of the old part of the shop.. figured I'd have to see it everyday and maybe that would motivate me to work on it a little more. This tractor will probably live here for a while!:beerchug:

Here is the plan: A really nice 782 with some modern upgrades. Upgrades to include.. a full rebuild of all the mechanicals.. addition of power steering, a super steer axle from a cyclops, A low hour CH18 V twin, an 1864 CV driveshaft. Maybe a 3 point and dual spool hydraulics.. verdict is still out on the latter. My plan is to make it really nice but still use it.. Basically I want an 1864 in the skin of a 782.

But.. you guys will have to bear with me.. this won't be quick.. I run my own business and work 60 plus hours a week... along with a wife and family I don't get much cub time!:beerchug:

The tractor I'm starting with: November 1980 IH built 782. Somebody already started a Mag 18 conversion and didn't get very far.. left it all botched up and unfinished. The tractor is pretty straight and clean. You can tell somebody cared for it at one time by the service stickers under the hood and the info written in Sharpie under the hood. One thing I don't quite know about?:bigthink: Written under the hood is "New in 1983". The tractor was built in late 1980? Where did it sit for 2 years?:bigthink:

I hope to document this one... maybe I won't get lazy with the write ups and pictures!:beerchug:

I've always wanted a nice Red one since I walked in the front door at the IH dealer in 1980 as a kid... It was love at first sight!!:biggrin2::biggrin2:

Great starting point Jay. Looks like a clean example of a highly sought after model. Red too! I like the sounds of your plan, keep us posted!

Thanks Doc! I wouldn't exactly call this tractor clean.. but at least it's not all beat up.:beerchug: It's been cobbled enough in the past that I don't feel too bad about modifying it. Dad has the 782 that I sat on in the dealership in 1980.. I wouldn't dare modify it...

But I figure I will stay tasteful on the mods.. everything will look like IH could have built it.. I want to build the tractor that IH should have built!:beerchug:

Since the mag 18 is a bolt in, what is hacked up about it?
All that needs done is a couple of wires changed, I wouldn't call that hacked up.:bigthink:
Nothing sounds better than the sweet purr of a
double breasted opposed twin.:Bowdown2:

Jay. looks like a great tractor for your planned upgrades. I have an early 782 that I have done the same mods to. I installed a command 20 V twin. super steer axle and power steering. My next mod is the rear fuel tank and fenders from an 1864. I also have a dual hyd valve for it. Mine is a very great driving and mowing tractor. You will love it when done. The great looks of the IH built tractor and the updates of the 1864. I would really like to install the tilt steering from a 1864 some day also. Please keep us updated on your progress.

looks like it had an engine transplant already before the Mag.... in about 1993? is there an hour meter on this thing? curious how many hours were gotten out of the KT's.... I have a Ser II in an orange tractor with many more hours on it than these engines were ever supposed to give, and still runs great... and I have a Ser I that I am going to experiment with and see how much "goody" it has left to give, just because I can....

A very worthwhile project! Let the fun begin. :beerchug:

Going to be a great project for you....to keep you out of trouble and the vices!!:biggrin2: You certainly chose a really neat cub to undertake. This is going to work out to be one of your finest tractors yet!! Looking forward to seeing future posts about your work.

:IH Trusted Hand:


Cub Cadet 123

Looks happy to be inside.:ThumbsUp:

:popcorn:

Looks great Jay and i like your dead Cub mover too. Now all you need is one of those red ones with the muffler hanging out the side of it.:biggrin2: