1973 Model 149 Resto/Mod

[gillis51]

Earlier this year bought my first IH Cub Cadet a 1973 Model 149. Not knowing much about these tractors other than they were made by IH and being disappointed with newr tractors I knew I wanted one. I quickly narrowed it down to a model 149. After a few weeks searching Craigslist I found one about 3 ½ hours north of where I live. It came with a QA42A snow thrower, 38” mower deck, landscape rake, roto tiller and plow blade. Not knowing how frequently they become available in my area I quickly negotiated a deal and drove up to see it. Overall everything appeared to be in good shape for an almost 40 year old tractor so I bought it. Changed out all the fluids and ran it all summer knowing there were some wear and tear items I wanted to get to over the winter. Since we haven’t had any snow yet I figured I would dive in and get started but quickly found myself digging deeper than I planned to go. Not sure how far I will take it but figured I would post my progress and questions as I go.

My goal is to make a like new working lawn/garden tractor. It will not be a show piece and will not be perfect. I don’t plan to rebuild the engine or other major mechanical items that appear to be ok.

So far I have the engine out and front of the tractor off. All small parts, screws, bolts and washers are in zip lock bags and labeled.

I plan to have the frame and rear fenders powder coated and I will powder coat all smaller pieces that can fit in an oven. Probably will not powder coat the rear end this year if at all. Trying to keep the colors as close to original as possible and think I have a close match on both the yellow and white. Waiting on paint chips to see how good the matches are.

Plan to order parts in the next week or two once everything has been removed and I figure what I need as a minimum.

As I attempt to give this old tractor a lease on another 40 years of life I am open to suggestions or advice.

Thanks for looking and the anticipated help and patience

[darkminion_17]

Gee that looks pretty good as it is,looks like a good power wash should clean it up.

[Sugarmaker]

gillis51,
Your right into it! Similar to how I started on a 147 in early July. But mine was in much worse shape.
Looks to be a real nice 149 that you have there. Please post some shots of the implements too.
Regards,
Chris

[ACecil]

Nice pics! Looking forward to your updates.

[Fozzy]

I also just finished a simular adventure with my 1972 129 now 128. The powdercoat color I found was "Tractor2" I do not remember the brand name though. (It was one of the big companies,DuPont maybe) Your powdercoater probably has a few catalogs like mine did, and should be able to match by that name. It was about a perfect match. I did not try to match the white because I like the pure bright white color better on the Cub. (I know not origional but I am not one to make something just like it was, I like to build it how I like it) That tractor when you are done will probably go another 35 to 40 years and be rebuilt again!!

[Cubcrazy]

Your 149 looks in really nice shape as it is!

[Methos]

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

Gee that looks pretty good as it is,looks like a good power wash should clean it up.

I agree but if you plan on going further with it I can't wait for more pics!

[gillis51]

Since my last post I have finally picked powder colors I am happy with. Although they are not exact matches to existing they are close enough for me. Also since my last post I bought and plumbed an older 2 stage 80 gallon 5 hp IR compressor to get my media blasting done more efficiently. I hope to find some time to blast and coat some of the smaller parts this weekend.

[ACecil]

That's awesome! Looking forward to your progress.

[gillis51]

My powder showed up today so I coated my gas tank. Very happy with the color but while cooking the tank all the lead joints started to melt and it made a mess of the tank. I thought lead melted at 600 degrees. My oven and part never went over 400 what happened?