B7100 Restore Project Has Begun

[KubotainNH]

If you want to keep the stock appearance then you only have one option.

If you want functional, then you could cut off the front of the hood where the headlights mount and have a shop fab and mig on a flat front. Then you could mount in some rectangular headlights and still put the bull emblem in the middle. I think that could look pretty neat. I almost wish mine was more dinged in the front (ha! too late to trade) to do something like that. The OEM headlights I read are kinda weak. I am trying to figure out what to do with mine. I would like to put more powerful lights in, using a relay with direct link to battery of course. Finding some replacement that will fit the 4 inch opening is a challenge.

Meanwhile I built a front grill pictured below. That radiator was too exposed for me - my boys seem to run into everything when they 'tractor'. I did not put any expanded metal on the front of this one (unlike all others) since wanted to be able to reach in and clean the radiator front. It looks a little awkward, but then so does anyone over 6 ft sitting on this little machine - but that gives it some of its appeal to me.

That's pretty cool. How do you open the hood? As for the headlights, I've wondered if I could fit some 12volt LED spotlights in there. My son's LED Maglight is really bright but the wrong voltage.

 

[j t huskins]

Here's a picture - think I can knock that out? Doesn't have to be perfect:
View attachment 252096

Yea, it can be straightened and filled like mine or as has been suggested new sheet metal formed and welded over it. I have been giving some thought to using aluminum to form a new front and cutting a sheet to cover the top center which is wavy. Original may have to change to custom before its finished.

 

[j t huskins]

If you want to keep the stock appearance then you only have one option.

If you want functional, then you could cut off the front of the hood where the headlights mount and have a shop fab and mig on a flat front. Then you could mount in some rectangular headlights and still put the bull emblem in the middle. I think that could look pretty neat. I almost wish mine was more dinged in the front (ha! too late to trade) to do something like that. The OEM headlights I read are kinda weak. I am trying to figure out what to do with mine. I would like to put more powerful lights in, using a relay with direct link to battery of course. Finding some replacement that will fit the 4 inch opening is a challenge.

Meanwhile I built a front grill pictured below. That radiator was too exposed for me - my boys seem to run into everything when they 'tractor'. I did not put any expanded metal on the front of this one (unlike all others) since wanted to be able to reach in and clean the radiator front. It looks a little awkward, but then so does anyone over 6 ft sitting on this little machine - but that gives it some of its appeal to me.

Thats a really good job. It looks tough enough to handle any youngster and blends in to look like a factory front bumper. As for head lights I have been looking for replacements also. Have found out that some old Murray riding mowers had a headlight that would fit our hoods. Have also tried a round equipment sealed beam bulb and it fits behind the opening and could be mounted with a fabricated bracket.

 

[GPintheMitten]

You might find some fog lights fit.

 

[j t huskins]

You might find some fog lights fit.[/QUOTE Good idea. The 3" 55 watt units that I put in one of my Dodge trucks to replace the poor OEM plastic units would probably be fairly easy to fabricate a mount for inside the hood. That is if the dynamo can take the pressure. These lights are very bright and put out a wide beam.

 

[6mmbr]

Hood opens just fine, clears grill.
I am "fabbing" up a mount to hold suitcase weights on the front. I get a kick out of seeing adds for old Kubotas and other tractors with all sorts of pieces of concrete and boat anchors hanging off the front. A "field expedient" solution I realize but not the definition of "high speed low drag".

Headlights still a mystery to me. Can get replacements from Messicks, but at $60 each, I'd rather improvise something - anybody can buy 'em. How can we be creative and solve this....

 

[6mmbr]

Teaser......

Honda Pilot fog lights. They are sold on ebay for about $50. Come with wiring harness and other parts to be thrown away. 55watt bulb. I already tested the electronics and they do work. They work off a relay and a fused direct battery connection. Spent some time fashioning the bracket to hold them in place. Pretty solid now. If anybody goes with these I can give you more detailed instructions of how I modified the wiring harness, etc. I will do a test night image next few days once I have it back together for good. Thanks.

 

[j t huskins]

Looks like they will work. That is similar to what I was thinking with my Dodge driving lights. They are 3.75" OD and fit the opening good. I still haven't started on my hood yet. Due to a major brake job on my sons badly rusted truck my shop and time has been tied up all week. I was able to get the tractor halves back together tonight after I ran out of parts for the truck. Still have to clean and paint the body, wheels, and hood.

 

[6mmbr]

How many gears did you have to replace in the transmission?
Was everything available new or did you have to repair anything?

 

[6mmbr]