Are 16x6.50-8 rims fairly standard (plus a few other issues)

[gretschwhtfalcon]

Hi,

If I decide to keep my 129, I really should get a new left front rim. It's been eating through wheel bearings now for years. I see there are plenty of rims (and tires) on eBay. As long as the rim is 16x6.50-8, regardless of the brand, will it fit the 129?

Another big concern going forward would be the deck. There is a good amount of play in the center spindle. I can move the edge of the center blade back and forth a good half-inch or so. How much of a concern is this? Every spring I've always taken off the blades, scrape all the dirt, etc. off of all the washers, cup, then grease all the fittings, and don't see anything wrong with the spindle threads. Undoubtedly just play and wear from 47 years of use (for that matter...I've got a bit of play and wear myself from 62 years of use ) Just wondered if it's really time to start shopping around for a deck and what the availability of these are. (pictures of deck below) I've checked around a bit and so far can't seem to find any. There are 2 places where the deck is rusted through. Center pic is where I attached a thin metal plate to cover the hole...obviously didn't last. Far right pic shows where the other hole is - right at (what I refer to at least as the skid). As a result of the hole, the the skid is now only attached by one, rather than two bolts. Then there is the area on the mule drive where it's starting to wear through at the hole where the left pulley spring connects. I've been told this can just be repaired at a welding shop?

Totally unrelated, but was checking back through my invoices - new wiring harness was put in 7 years ago - so least that should be in good shape for awhile. That was the last significant work done on it until more recently. It is now in need of an engine as per my recent threads, so I'm just trying to look at many different aspects of the overall tractor to help make a decision. Interesting side note...checked out one of the new Simplicity tractors yesterday and the guy told me that with the positraction he said he'd be able to pull my Cub around with me on it.... Is that part of the 'sales pitch' to buy one?

Thanks,
Keith

[J-Mech]

16-6.50X8 rims are not all the same. Has to have the correct offset, and center hole. There are at least 2 sizes of center holes, and at least 2 different offsets, maybe more.

I think the deck shell looks like it's done.
Craigslist, ebay, wanted ad on this site.... they are pretty easy to find. Might tale looking at a few to find a good one. Last year I found at least 3 that had never been used (NOS)for around $300. They're out there. I'd look for a complete deck. Sounds like you need new bearings too.

[gretschwhtfalcon]

I actually sanded and painted the whole deck last year - inside and out - so, while I know there are those 2 rust spots (one where the deck frame contacts the ground and other where there used to be a metal track for the blades), alot of what you might be looking at on the pic of the inside is dirt. I agree, though, probably a whole new deck rather than a rebuilt attempt.

On the rim question...I suspected as much...so what would I measure to be sure to get the correct rim relative to the center hole and offset?

[Randy Littrell]

Try posting in the wanted section and see if someone doesn't have one.




Randy

[gretschwhtfalcon]

Randy,

I will most likely do that once I'm absolutely sure of fixing up the Cub. Thanks...

[sawdustdad]

I've seen worse looking decks.

Unless the deck surface itself is rusted through, you could just replace the spindles and keep using that deck. Spindles run about $60 each, IIRC.

You might find a working deck for less, but who knows what condition those spindles are in.

I'm pretty sure Miller Tire (millertire.com) has new rims as does Mid West Super Cubs, mwsc.com.

[J-Mech]

He needs some baffles too......

Not good enough pics to see if it could be patched. Once they get thin enough to break, or wear through, they are usually done.

[gretschwhtfalcon]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

He needs some baffles too......

Not good enough pics to see if it could be patched. Once they get thin enough to break, or wear through, they are usually done.

Baffles? Sorry...but I'm baffled (couldn't resist...)

Unrelated question...any thoughts on the old K series Kohlers such as we're talking about putting in mine compared to something like the new 20 HP Kohlers that are in many of the Kubotas? One step further...how about the old Kohlers compared to the new Briggs & Stratton V-twins? Sorry again...I know I'm digressing from the main focus of the entire CC forum.

[gretschwhtfalcon]

Originally Posted by sawdustdad

I've seen worse looking decks.

Unless the deck surface itself is rusted through, you could just replace the spindles and keep using that deck. Spindles run about $60 each, IIRC.

You might find a working deck for less, but who knows what condition those spindles are in.

I'm pretty sure Miller Tire (millertire.com) has new rims as does Mid West Super Cubs, mwsc.com.

At least I will take the highlighted part as a sort of compliment!
Just kidding, of course...thanks for the Miller tire suggestion.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by gretschwhtfalcon

Baffles? Sorry...but I'm baffled (couldn't resist...)

Unrelated question...any thoughts on the old K series Kohlers such as we're talking about putting in mine compared to something like the new 20 HP Kohlers that are in many of the Kubotas? One step further...how about the old Kohlers compared to the new Briggs & Stratton V-twins? Sorry again...I know I'm digressing from the main focus of the entire CC forum.

You do know what I mean by baffles, right? The half circle things that go behind the blades?

You can't put a twin cylinder in the frame of a 129. Doesn't fit. Largest engine you can put in is a K341. (16hp K series.)