[vhgmcbuddy]

Have now started fitting the gem back up. The first job was the wheels. Had a bit of trouble with the near side one as usual- such a pity you can no longer get the original Dunlop tyres, the used to fit a treat. In the end I’ve resorted to using another wheel disc to act as a spacer to get the necessary clearance(just) on the bellhousing but this in turn will mean that the springs need shortening. I have also refitted the radiator. After having a proper look at the bonnet now it has dried I’m hopping to get away with flattening it back with some 2500 wet and dry.

Attachments:

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 

[vhgmcbuddy]

Thanks Charlie, it’s getting there. You almost forget how time consuming a gem is to do. Still got another one to finish after this before Newbury.

[vhgmcbuddy]

The axel/gearbox is the same make and numbers as the original the
change over was a straight swop. I checked the belt for wear
and all was ok. the brake was out off adjustment as it was on
when finished the wheels where fast, but when i adjusted the brake and they turned.
I will have another look at the belt route many thanks Davey

[vhgmcbuddy]

At long last I’ve finally started making some proper progress. The main chasis was wire brushed down and then after what seemed like an enterinity the pipes and cables were masked up. The engine was etched primed then the whole thing was primed and sprayed in my favourite top coat colour. Overall I’m happy with the way everything has come out bar the bonnet which will need flat ting back and another top coat applied.

Attachments:

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
15. 
16. 

[vhgmcbuddy]

Is the transaxle of exactly the same spec or just the same shape? Could be a different ratio setup for a different machine?
Another possibility is that you’ve incorrectly positioned the belt or belt guides – belt the wrong side of one of the keepers?

[vhgmcbuddy]

Yes its a Mayfield Merlin in very poor shape. For parts only by the look of it

I have seen a pic of it

Its worth no more than £50 in that condition

I am currently restoring 2 of these. Only taken 4 years so far!!

[vhgmcbuddy]

I’ve not got the serial number yet but I’ll look into it! Do they have much value as it is?
Thanks Richard

[vhgmcbuddy]

This tractor

Attachments:

1. 

[vhgmcbuddy]

Whoops only saw 3 2Ds, must need new glasses, mind you only went for a quick look round, having too much fun with Honda.

[vhgmcbuddy]

A big thank you to all involved in putting this event on. Great opener to the season. Gets bigger and better every year. There would be photos but some idiot forgot his phone. Never mind I’m sure someone more sensible than me will post some. Highlight for me was the Petter V4 crawler, what a noise on straight pipes! And 3 David Brown 2Ds. And the fact that the Honda ran faultlessly!

[vhgmcbuddy]

Sorry chaps, I didn’t realise the SIMAR was so popular! It wasn’t because I think it will rain tomorrow that I left it at one machine Andy, I’d had it with rain running down the back of my neck while prancing about on the Commer bed.
Its dark now, and neighbours might object to being woken up by the sound of a healthy 2-stroke first thing on a Sunday.
However, for those who like being deafened, I’ll be at Little Ellingham with the SIMARs later in the year! And a plug for Tracks and Steel Wheels in the Autumn, great event this in North Elmham, lots of heavy crawlers and the odd few tracked and steel wheeled horticulturals. Good day out, again we’ll be there.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Well, supposed to be cloudy but dry this afternoon. Continuous rain, thanks BBC Weather… Fed up with loading in the rain now just bringing Honda, assuming the forecasters can get it right some of the time.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Yes Andy, looks to be likely to be dry. Decision time, what shall I bring? Thinking about F80 Honda plough and Howard Gem Hatz diesel, depends what starts easiest!

[vhgmcbuddy]

Echoing Neil’s comment I have lost count of the number of bearings I have replaced on crawlers that had been packed with grease and not 140 oil . The grease goes solid over time and is extremely difficult to remove.The load rollers have a long drilling through the castings to the centre cavity between the bearings, grease blocks this so that no lubricant gets to the bearings. I use SAE140 in an air powered grease gun and pump until it escapes the seals.

I totally agree – it was never my intention to imply that grease should be used where oil is specified, just that the precise grade of grease or oil was not as important as the presence of some of the prescribed lubricant. Two other examples of where the use of grease instead of oil will give rise trouble are Ransomes lawnmower rear rollers and Triumph Herald king pins, the latter sometimes disastrously!

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi all,

Crawler had quite a bit of use last year, and now its time for some maintenence.

A few questions.

I currently have the Amal 356 Carb fitted, and am considering going back to the original setup. But first I need to aquire the original manifold. Anyone idea where I might get one? Anyone got a good one for sale?

Secondly. my fuel copper fuel pipe has cracked at the join by the fuel pump with all the vibrations. It’s old, so I’m looking at replacing the whole thing. Can anyone clarify the threads at the fuel tank and pump end? I might order braided hose.

Also, need to replace the rubber/metalstaic coupling soon. Any advice on this job? I understand Neil has these for sale?

James

[Author]

Posts