5030tinkerer;
Like you, I rated 'fun time' high on my agenda.
Purchased my shanks and teeth from FABCO and 1/2" X 3" flat locally. My bucket is 48".
6 shanks pn 16st-8-23 @ $6.90 ea=$41.40
6 teeth pn 8023 @2.09 ea= $12.54
1/2 x 3" flat $10.00
1/2 x 2" x 5" 'ears' scrap bin $1.50
add UPS for Fabco order
2 ea 1/2" X 1 1/2" 'ear bolts' $1.00
Total project incl misc in the $75-$100 range.
(I ordered spares at the same time)
Did not bother to paint as I knew the life would be about 30 mins.
Have pried stumps and rocks resistant enough to actually lift my rear end off the ground without any signs of twisting or letting go.
Used a stick welder with good penetration and 3 passes to assure strong welds.
Project time was one lazy AM.
Only regrets are that I should have beveled bucket side of the flat bar as it tends to retain a small amount of loaded material, but really not a major problem all told.
One challenge faced was installation as my cutting edge was somewhat worn and bucket had a few 'minor work curves'.
A sledge and clamps soon persuaded the bar to fit.
To this day I am unsure which gave way, the tooth bar or the bucket cutting edge.
Were I to do it over I'd probably use 3/8" flat bar for easier installation fit with the appropriate shanks.
Fabco has a web site :
www.fabco-inc.com
or 800-628-2715