My hats off to you guys, great job. That sprocket is really something, I can't imagine the work to cast a piece like that with teeth inside and out.

Bruce P

Neil, yes I looks like the Best 25 just sat in one area and ran a large belt pulley off the rear of the machine. Now that we are into it, it seems to have a little wear. My guess is that it had an easy life before being sold or traded to the mine to run the belt pulley. I asked the Govt. agency about the history of the mine to see if I could dig up any photos and to see when it was in operation etc... But I got NO answers and my digging went no where.
Yes I do have a day job that often goes into the weekend too, I cant take all the credit for getting this little best back into shape this fast. I do the research and chase parts, get parts made and do all of the leg work. I get into the shop when ever I can or when the day ends at a decent time. But the real mechanic that is making this project go is a 72 year old "jack of all trades" hero of a man that has retired from our company twice, and has been through every trial and tribulation and has delt with every thing that life can throw at you including battling cancer. His name is Jim Chapman, he puts in over 40 hrs a week and has just as mush passion for the best as I do. Other wise the tractor would be in little better shape than when I got it home!
Has any body got the Videos yet?

maybe some history can be found here: quarriesandbeyond.org/states/ca/quarry_p...-ventura_photos.html

Got my video yesterday but had a previous commitment last night. Watching it tonight for sure.

Thanks Eric,
Looks like it was called the Tapo Gillibrand Deposit..

"In 1929 Tapo Alto Shell & Fertilizer Company leased the deposit and produced limestone until 1935. They dug limestone with a ¼-cubic-yard gasoline shovel, and screened and crushed it in a plant having a daily capacity of 15 tons. The principal product was poultry grit in two sizes, minus 8-mesh plus 10-mesh, and minus 10-mesh. Some shipments of limestone rejected in the above process were also made for agricultural use. A sample of this material, taken and tested by the State Department of Agriculture, was found to carry 91 percent CaCO3. A screening test showed 98 percent passing 40-mesh and 24 percent passing 100-mesh sieves.” ..

I received a phone call in January from Matt asking if I’d be interested in the restoration of his newly acquired Best 25. Excited and humbled doesn’t begin to explain my emotions. Not much sleep for me after that phone call. We met a few days later to take a look at the beauty and we were off and running. I am incredibly honored that Matt & Doug considered me. They are two of the BEST guys you could ever imagine working for and I am proud to call them both my friend. Each day is a new adventure and challenge. Many thanks to Matt & Doug for making me part of this total restoration. I’m also happy to be a new ACMOC member.

Hi, Jechapman.
Welcome and congratulations. You're in REAL good company there. Great people too.

Just my 0.02.

Welcome aboard Jim!
Looking forward to seeing more of your work!

Welcome Jim, glad you ate on board. Take lots of pictures. We all enjoy them.