Ford 841D - first tractor project (modifications)

[bennevis]

This is my first attempt at any real 'modifications' & I have made plenty of mistakes, but I've learned a lot (from this site especially) along the way. I started off with a Ford 841D, it ran really well, but hydraulics had some issues, along with 500 other things. There's still lots more to do, but I've come quite a ways. I don't have pictures 'up to date,' but I thought I would show a few of the progress. (If I can figure out how to upload)... Any suggestions/advice is welcome!

I wanted to add a loader & I got a really, REALLY good deal on a backhoe/loader combination. (I don't know what to do with the loader, it's way too big for this tractor, but it was worth it)!

I will go down the list of everything that has been replaced/added, but I just want to tell everyone upfront - I had to replace most of the sheet metal & so I decided to cover the front pump by stretching the hood. I don't have any pictures of the finished hood, but it really turned out pretty nice (I had never seen the front hydralic pump covered).

 

[Soundguy]

nice pics thanks.

some people add OS buckets for light material scooping.. like mulch and snow.. others cut OS buckets back for dirt.. etc.

 

[bennevis]

I was hoping to hear from you soundguy. I have to be honest...I don't know what an OS bucket is.... I do have a few more older pics on the computer I'll post them & get some newer (cleaned up & painted) pics soon!

 

[bennevis]

Again, I don't knw exactly how to load these photos correctly, but I will work on it. First, please excuse the messy hydraulic hoses under the tractor, those have been straightened out (I couldn't believe how difficult it would be to learn all the different fittings/etc....)!

I am proud of my rear remotes, I wanted to have some like Soundguy & some others I've seen on here, but I only found a few & they were $$$. This remote is the old loader controls with the levers cut & switched.

I know the ROPS/Cover isn't standard, but it is tied together pretty well. I would like to find some weights for the back tires...

 

[bennevis]

Oh, the cardboard cutout was an early design for the sides. (I had the remnants of an old grill & wanted to utilize them in the design, if possible. Is an OS like a scoop on the back? I did find one of those for $20! I bought it, but it had issues releasing the dirt. I took tips from another forum & design a little trip mechanism & it works pretty well.

 

[bennevis]

nice pics thanks.

some people add OS buckets for light material scooping.. like mulch and snow.. others cut OS buckets back for dirt.. etc.

OS...oversized......:duh:

 

[Soundguy]

OS...oversized......:duh:

yep.. you got it.

I try to compress typing as much as possible since I type on mobile devices and people ***** and whine and moan and make a general stink about it if I make a typo.....

 

[skylarkguy]

Looks pretty neat..I sense you have done some sheet metal work in the past.

 

[bennevis]

Thanks, I appreciate it (I'll get some better pics posted...). No I've never done any kind of body work, I just never like to see the pumps showing upfront & I figured the sheet metal that was on it was in such bad shape, I could piece together a longer hood - it really wasn't too bad. I wanted to keep the original look as much as possible, so I've tried to keep most things the same style. (The 'cab' is not exactly what I wanted, but that can change)! I really wanted to mimic the curved edges of the original, so there's still work to do there...

 

[Soundguy]

I love that extended front.

looks neat man!

 

[bennevis]

Cool! That is what I was concerned about! Gimme a few days & I will post some more recent photos. (I am out of town until Monday). I was sweating the whole idea of stretching the hood, but I'm glad I did.

 

[Soundguy]

looks great to me.. ya done itgood!

 

[bennevis]

Here's a few pics from the next step - the additional side panels for the hood.

 

[Soundguy]

nice!

 

[bennevis]

Thanks! Here's a few more pics, I thought that using some of the old grille & pieces of old dog legs help it to still appear "Ford."

 

[seanpaintsflames]

I think this is really cool. I like how the hood nose is also in the roof. Good job! How long until it'll be in paint do you think?

 

[bennevis]

Hey, thanks! (I have an idea for using different design elements from the original to tie the cab in a little more)! I've still gotta do a lot of work on the cab, all the lights, Some tinkering with the engine, etc..., but I'm hoping May/June. I keep wanting to add things...

Here's a few shots of the hood panel - driver's side. They aren't completed in these pics.

 

[bennevis]

I tacked the first side together this evening.

 

[Soundguy]

i love that tinwork!

 

[bennevis]

Soundguy, I really do appreciate an expert in these old Fords ( like yourself) being 'ok' with some mods. A lot of purists would probably frown, but I think it's cool to make them your own!
Oh and yeah, but I also have a 'returning' engine issue. I have the 172 diesel & it has started leaking diesel into the oil! (Again)
It has rebuilt injectors & pump. I had a talk with my friend, the mechanic who worked on it previously & he is stumped. I am wondering if it could be the return line leaking? Is that a hard fix? Any other possibilities?
She fires right up every time and sounds great. But, this is a problem....