Cub 100 Restoration

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So to start out, I have very limited knowledge of these tractors so I am learning everything as I go. I do however have decent knowledge of how things work and have what I would consider myself "Mechanically inclined" I decided that I wanted something to tinker with in my free time and I didn't mind the idea of not having to push mow the grass, so I decided I wanted to get a classic tractor to fix up. I also didn't want to get a new machine as like I said before I don't know much about tractors in general and generally the older the more basic and seem to be more well built! After doing lots of research between Deere 110s and wheel horses I decided the Cub 100 was the perfect machine for my first restoration. Parts are plentiful and easy to find online (for the most part). Also just as a note, Im not planning on this to be showroom restoration. I have pretty limited space in my garage and I don't have a way to sandblast every part but I'm willing to put the time in to make sure parts are prepped correctly. This tractor is going to be used and its not something I'm planning on completing and posting for sale. I am going to do the best I can with the knowledge and time restraints I have. That being said, the machine I picked up seems to be pretty solid. When I showed up the battery was dead but when jumped, it fired right up and didn't smoke at all. I checked underneath for wet spots where there could be possible leaks and it was very dry. (Engine does have oil in it) Only immediate issue I saw was the carb was leaking from the bowl but that seems like a common issue and something I was planning on replacing anyway. It will need new tires, but again I was planning on getting some trim ribs anyway. It did come with some extras like wheel weights, a mower deck that's in questionable condition, and a blade that unfortunately after some research looks like its for a wide frame machine. So that mostly sums up my plan and what Im working with. I will attach some photos.

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Here are a few more photos. The mower deck as mentioned above is is pretty bad shape and Im still trying to determine if its worth messing with or not. It seems to have some pretty bad pitting but no holes. Its missing some covers and a few parts that were pinned from the factory were replaced with bolts and nuts at some point. I have started taking it apart to see exactly what I have to work with.

[IHscout79]

Nice purchase. Looks solid and all original. The mower deck is worth keeping. Those are one of the better ones built. Have fun on your rebuild!

[CubDieselFan]

Try to save your Carb. The Chinese ones are hit and miss, mostly miss. Some are ok, some not. Just my experience.

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Originally Posted by CubDieselFan

Try to save your Carb. The Chinese ones are hit and miss, mostly miss. Some are ok, some not. Just my experience.

Ohh yea I’m not throwing anything. I’ll probably buy a new one then once I’m done I’ll rebuild the stock one to have as a spare.

[IHinIN]

First of all, welcome to OCC. You made a good choice picking a 100 to restore. I’m a little partial to the 100 since it’s the model I learned to mow on about 35 years ago and I still have that same exact tractor. Your deck looks to be in better condition than the deck was on mine when I rebuilt it. Mine had 2 trashed spindles and pulleys and several rust holes and cracks in the shell. My 100 has been down for the last 5 years while I rebuild and paint it. I hope to finally get it finished this year, fingers crossed.

[Bob95065]

You made the right choice going with a Cub Cadet. The engine painted black could mean it is a replacement. Go in the Resouce sub-board and look up the Kohler repair manual. There is a page that will give you the year of production of the engine based on its serial number.

The front tires look like they came from a Quietline (1000, 1200, 1250, 1450, 1650) and the seat looks like a John Deere. You'll have fun getting your 100 in tip-top shape.

Bob

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I have made some progress the last few days. I have decided to get the engine cleaned up and ready to go before I go any further on the tractor. I did find out the motor is from 1995 so its defiantly not original. The only problem I'm having is the fins are so rusty, I'm having a hard time deciding how I should go about cleaning and prepping them for paint. I also have found the vinegar is a great cheap way to clean parts but it isn't much help for removing paint. If anyone has a recommendation for a good paint remover let me know! Thanks for all the replies.

[IHCubCadet147]

Welcome to OCC! Great choice, you can’t go wrong with a vintage Cub Cadet.

[finsruskw]

I assume you mean the fins on the head??
Don't paint the fins.
No one will see them anyway and paint will impede cooling as well.