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