[clint]

I was tinkering around with my 1450 today, and came to a conclusion... I can chase the small problems forever, I could sell it, or I could go through it, fix the things that need it, the "short comings" and be done with it. I have decided to fix the problems, and it will be a chore. Now I'm thinking, when I do take it apart I should paint it, keep it as original as possible so any upgrades or changes will be minor, or bring the entire thing more up to date. I will keep the motor original, I need the sheet metal for the motor, well some of it, the drive shaft is pitted, and the rubber "clutches" need replaced, here I have decided I will replace the entire shaft with a stainless bearing shaft of high quality I have a long piece of it on hand, and just the right diameter as well, I will also go back with universal joints instead of the rubber clutch setup ( not sure of proper term here). I will also need to replace, work on, fix the speed adjustment plate on the side of the hydro pump. I need a new check valve, but I'm going to do it right, and replace both and be done with it.

I will order a wiring harness as I have said many times, and get the rubber/plastic tube to give a nice factory look while long life.

I'm thinking of pulling the motor off, painting it with the high temp ceramic paint, and while I'm at it paint the entire tractor. All this is a huge undertaking, and it will also be out of service for a long time as well. For those that have done this, after your finished do you then have any thing you look back on wishing your would have changed something ? Will doing the drive shaft u-joint mod hurt the value of it ? I also have a aluminum fan that will work perfect for replacing the plastic hydro fan that seems to always get broken from reading.

I hope when I'm finished I will not think it's to good to be used, also I really like factory stuff, I have seen a few things that can be upgraded and changed from OEM, and be better, but very few and far between. Any pointers I would love to hear, and anyone who has pictures of "restored" cub cadets i would also like to see. I will hit a huge learning curve when it comes to paint, I'm ignorant to the subject, and very little hands on... however my hood needs it bad, and also several places of rust freckles.