Got the last load back from sandblasting, so now I'm right back where I started bare tractor and a big pile of parts. At least the pile of parts is basically all new.

Was able to get a new fuel line bent to fit in the original place. The fuel line and the hydraulic piping have been pretty challenging

Started to assemble the lower rollers and found a problem with the nos seals. I bought 8 of the seals and some had the glue that had failed. I'll need to clean and reglue those but the ones that were ok were stuck together good.
The servicemens reference book calls for 0.010 to 0.028 side to side clearance. I dry assembled mine and checked the clearance. Looks like 2 shims on each side will put me right in the middle of the suggested clearance.

Good to have a friend with a plasma table. I've been on the waiting list for awhile because the shop is super busy cutting important stuff. I originally put the plate on not so much for strength but just to make a little cleaner looking joint. It just looked like it needed a little something so here it is.

Nice emblem, but not period correct for a D2, that didnt come out until 1969.

"Rome wrote:

Nice emblem, but not period correct for a D2, that didnt come out until 1969.

Yup I knew I catch it from someone, but I imbelished a little bit just cause I like it. I figured most people who see it won't have as keen eye as you do. I'm not really doing a strict restoration so much as a Cat spec rebuild.

Nothing wrong with that, a little updating never hurt, lol like they say "adds a little class", much better than the new octagon kiddie carnival logo,

I was finally able to get some paint and primer on a batch of parts. The bigger panels like the hood and fenders weren't to bad but the pieces took a lot of work to get covered

I built this jig to repair the wear on the cross shaft where the seal rides. Stopped by my welder friend's shop to ask for advice on how to weld the shaft and told him about my jig and that I had a volunteer lined up to spin the shaft. He says just take this and use it, motorized adjustable speed rollers built just for what I'm doing. It worked good and I'm happy with the finish. Took about 5 hrs to weld and grind both sides. I was able to take some of the wear out of the bearing area also.

I got the old grease out of the shaft by heating it up and blew the grease out with the air hose. That was some nasty smelling stuff but it all came out.
Weather was good so I was able to sandblast the rust and old paint off. The question I have is should the area under the caps where it clamps to the finals be painted or left bare. It's a pretty tight fit and it's not really exposed to the elements. Maybe a thin layer of primer would protect it without causing it to bind on the caps. Unsure which direction to go.