My Ford FW-60 Project

[rockNmayhem]

Well after seeing Freddy build his Ford I just had to buckle down and start on mine. I of course started the same way with a bone stock push toy that was new and started butching from there. I've put a couple of evening into it so far and have several more to come to get it going but here are a few pics of my start. :rolleyes:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2259.jpg

Crawler transmission installed. Hopefully this will have enough torque in the gearing along with the 9 tooth pinion to pull this hog.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2260.jpg

Steering knuckle made up and mounted.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2261.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2262.jpg

Bottom view. All the screws will be tapered and flush mount and stainless when they come in from McMaster this week.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2263.jpg

My version to get as much axle and driveshaft clearance resulted in machining a custom joint to clear the servo flush under the arm and still twist under the axle.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2264.jpg

Thats all for the moment but I hope to have more progress pics of this up soon.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Ok got the driveshafts made up and installed. Hopefully this will be running by the end of the week.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2265.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2266.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2267.jpg

[mazdaparts]

Looking good. I need to get me a few of these tractors to convert. Any binding or issues with the rear driveshaft. I thought most 1:1's had the ujoint inline with the articulation joint.

[rockNmayhem]

Looking good. I need to get me a few of these tractors to convert. Any binding or issues with the rear driveshaft. I thought most 1:1's had the ujoint inline with the articulation joint.

It's hard to see in the pics but the center of the u joint pin is right in line with the center pivot. It has no binding issues at all and seems like it will do good at its location. There is hardly any flex in the rear shaft at all forwards and back at any angle of turning.

[Espeefan]

Another tractor conversion! These are great. I'm working on one too, but I've got red in my veins, so my tractor will be too. I have to say, after starting work on mine, it looks like these Ford and Steiger tractors are more easily converted. The chassis/frame is much more old school, and straight forward. The more modern tractors seem a little tougher. Not quite as much room in between the frame, but a little more under the hood.

[FreddyGearDrive]

Lookin real good so far! Are you going to put a gear reduction in her?
She might be a tad on the fast side w/out one.The first one I did was race ready w/out one.:eek: With those tall tires it really decreases the ratio.
Just tryin to save you the work that I had to do after it was done.;)
FGD

[rockNmayhem]

Lookin real good so far! Are you going to put a gear reduction in her?
She might be a tad on the fast side w/out one.The first one I did was race ready w/out one.:eek: With those tall tires it really decreases the ratio.
Just tryin to save you the work that I had to do after it was done.;)
FGD

Hey Freddy I'm not sure how fast this little guy will be bookin it along but I'm not doing much for a gear reduction just yet. I'm putting in my goat crawler system so if it gets too fast I'll just turn down the timing on the motor and maybe tweak it with a little lower torque. The tires are going to be changed and a little smaller diameter so we'll see how that goes. Thanks for the heads up though.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

It's time for an update. :D

She's now a rolling chassis and is operatable in a sense. I got the axles mounted up driveshafts complete and got the new hardware in for the skid so she got to go on her first run tonight on the carpet.

Here are some pics of the beast sitting in wait for some organization of wires and an electronics plate to be installed to hide it all under the cab and engine. :rolleyes:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2268.jpg

Kind of a wiring nightmare sitting on it right now but it will all be hidden soon enough. :cool:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2269.jpg

The New hardware makes the bottom nice and smooth.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2270.jpg

There is still lots of room around the motor and tranny so it can all breath better.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2272.jpg

Any comments or ideas on wheel and tire choices or even what impiments I should build for this thing would be greatly appriciated. I've got a box blade in the works at the moment so I will need some more after it's completed.

[rc_farmer]

Looks like you did a fine job,

waiting on the video now:rolleyes::rolleyes::D

[rockNmayhem]

Looks like you did a fine job,

waiting on the video now:rolleyes::rolleyes::D

There will be a video up soon for everyone to view.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Well it's part one of my weekend update on this little beast. I finally got the cab mounted along with the hood and engine installed back in the tractor. I finally have a ll the electronics installed and almost every piece is hidden from sight while the tractor will be driving. If you look hard enough you may be able to see where some of the electronics got stashed. :D Anyways enough with the talk right now here are some pics for you to enjoy.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2273.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2274.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2275.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2276.jpg

I still have some more finishing touches to do to the frame and mounting before I strip it all back down and sand blast it then repaint it but for now while testing I think it should do fine. Lemme know what ya'll think. :rolleyes:

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Well I got the tractor programed and ready to go so here is a quick video of it making a few turns around on the pavement out behind the house. I still have a little adjusting to do on the steering and make some better pivots for the center but the major part of this build is complete. :D Here's a video for you all to enjoy.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/th_100_2277.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/?action=view&current=100_2277.mp4)

Hope you all enjoy the video. :D

Tyler

[Manfred]

Tyler,

great video and great works. :cool:

Manfred

[rockNmayhem]

Tyler,

great video and great works. :cool:

Manfred

Thanks Manfred, It's currently in it's painting stage so when I get it all back together I will take some more pics of it and another video for you all. I hope to have it back together tommorow and I will be starting on the box blade for it tonight.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Ok time for another test run out front this time but at night. I decided to strap on a few lights to see what I'm up against lighting this tractor up like a christmas tree and here is what I have so far just to see a little more action of it.:D

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/th_100_2278.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/?action=view&current=100_2278.mp4)

Hope ya'll like the videos so far and lemme know what ya wanna see next.:rolleyes:

Tyler

[Espeefan]

Have you tested it's pulling power yet? Kind of curious what it's capable of.

[Panther F]

Such a great looking little vehicle there that I hope it's staying blue when you paint it.


~ Jeff

[rockNmayhem]

Have you tested it's pulling power yet? Kind of curious what it's capable of.

I did hook it up to our air bubble lastnight but wasn't able to get a video of it as I was kinda thinking of how cool it was that it pulled it before the driveshaft slipped and I had to shut it down. I will get it back and going tonight and give it another go this time with video hopefully.

Such a great looking little vehicle there that I hope it's staying blue when you paint it.


~ Jeff

Thanks for the compliment Jeff. The tractor is still blue after painting it but I'm not satisfied at all at how it came out and how rough it looks along with the color being too dark so I'm going to dissassemble it again blast it completely smooth it all up and powdercoat it instead so I get a true match to the color I want. I also want the coating to be a little more durable than the paint also so it may be a few days before I have it back and going but it will for sure be worth it.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Well I decided to spend some time this afternoon working on the Ford and got it going again and also had some time to work on the pull scraper for it. Here are a few pics of the start of my powered pull scraper for the FW-60.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2279.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2280.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2281.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2282.jpg

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Well I've been debating on what wheels and tires I'm going to be running on this tractor so I can put the fenders back on and I finally pulled the trigger tonight. I will be running a set of RC4WD wheels and tires on this tractor just so I can get a feel for how this thing will run. The tires and wheels on here now do great on carpet and concrete out front but the new tires should do great in all the conditions and the wheels look really similar to a tractor styled wheel that I just couldn't pass them up. I hope to have them here mid week and have the tractor all back together very soon.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Time for a quick update for the evening. I'm still waiting on the wheels and tires to get here so I decided it was time to start making some more detailed parts for the Ford. I got a little bored tonight looking at the plastic exhaust stack so I decided to do something about it. Took me a few hours but I think it's worth it and looks much better than before. Tell me what you guys think.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2286.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2287.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2288.jpg

Thanks for lookin,
Tyler

[mazdaparts]

looks good.

[Espeefan]

What rims did you end up going with? The RC4WD Militants?

The rain cap is a cool little touch.

[rockNmayhem]

What rims did you end up going with? The RC4WD Militants?

The rain cap is a cool little touch.

Hey Nathan I did end up going with the military wheels and tires. They just look great on a couple of rigs I've seen them on and think they look really close to a tractor wheel that I can make them work. I hope to have them soon and I'm really hoping the offset will work too.

Tyler

[tootall]

The tractor looks great. Makes me want to build my own.

[rockNmayhem]

Well it's time for a little update. I started to re-arrange the electronics and components in the tractor so I could hide it all better and I think it worked. All I have that will be visable will be the wire connections at the back once it is all done so I think I accomplished what I set out to do so far. I also got the new wheels and tires in and put a couple together in hopes they would look better and I have to say I think they look pretty good right now. I'm kinda debating now wether or not I should go duals, lemme know what you guys think.

Anyways enough with the talk here is the tractor as it sits right now. :rolleyes:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2289.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2290.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2291.jpg

Hope you guys enjoy and lemme know what you think I should do about the blankness on the front of the frame on the passenger side. It just looks too bare for me.

Tyler

[Claus]

You could hang a tool box on the frame or make some kind of suitcase weights, you could also add a tow cable like most all Scraper Specials have. Those tires look a little short, if your going to keep them I would dual them up.

Here is some photos of steps, tool boxes, tow cables and front weights.
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm186/C-Claus/peterbilt/challenger-ch85e.jpg
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm186/C-Claus/peterbilt/94608668.jpg
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm186/C-Claus/peterbilt/1687673_1.jpg
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm186/C-Claus/peterbilt/93696334.jpg
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm186/C-Claus/peterbilt/44978-stx-500-case.jpg
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm186/C-Claus/peterbilt/cust-stx500I.jpg

[rockNmayhem]

Well just a small update for this tractor. I'm still drilling out the new wheels for duals and they should hopefully be able to be turned out next week sometime and ready to put back on. I have been working on getting everything solid mounted and it seems it is all gonna fit. All I really have left to do is strip it back down to the bare frame and powdercoat it all to match. I got some new axles in for it that I will post pics of this week along with the new lights that I hope to be installing this week as well.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Well Its almost been a month now on this project and got some time off today to work on the wheels. Still have one left to finish up but it shouldn't take but maybe an hour. Anyways thought I'd post some progress before it gets too late.

As always here are the newest pics for everyone to see.

Here's the blanks that I started with.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2306.jpg

Being turned and all the holes drilled.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2336.jpg

And now a few to show the difference between the single narrow tires and the duals installed.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2338.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2339.jpg

Much better with duals all around.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2341.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2342.jpg

And a few close ups of the wheels and tires.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2345.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2343.jpg

Good spacing I believe.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2346.jpg

Thanks for looking guys and hope you all like the progress. I'm hoping to have this tractor running before the snow flies.

I have to get the chassis blasted tomorrow hopefully at work and then powder coat it this week as well then it will all go back together then the blade will be finished and ready to plow.

Leave me some comments if you'd like.:p

Tyler

[mazdaparts]

That looks great. I wonder if RC4WD would mold some of those tires without the sipes for a solid v tread.

[Lil Giants]

That looks much better with duals Tyler... although your tires are too close together. Would it be possible to make a spacer to add 1/4 to 3/8 inch between the tires? It's not for looks, but rather to improve traction performance by allowing the tread of each tire to penetrate the surface so the earth will roll up each side of the tire.

I have 24.5x32 tires on my 1:1 4wd with about 16" spacing.

[Espeefan]

You did a pretty nice job turning the rims. Did you make brand new one piece rims, turned to look like duals, or separate rims that bolt onto the RC4WD rims, like true duals? I wouldn't worry about the tire spacing. It looks a little tight, but not all that unscale. I've seen clamp on duals that fit that tight on 1:1 tractors, and some clamp on duals that had a much wider spacing too. Some so wide they almost match the width of hub mounted duals, spread wide to clear the crops.

In anycase, I think it looks much better with duals.

[Tamiya Cowboy]

The wheel look great very nice set up.. Nate is right I have seen clam on duals pretty much rubbing on the old Case 4wd..

[ihbuilder]

looks good Tyler , you did a good job on those : thumbs up :

[rockNmayhem]

Thanks for all the compliments guys. I wasn't sure if I wanted wide mount duals or narrow, but I decided narrower so it was easier to turn this beast around. I have pushed it in a circle a couple times and the turning radius grew tremendously. Adding that other 1/4" that I was thinking on each wheel would have really killed me I think.

On another note, I got the fenders all mounted and everything is now done no the frame for now so I will get it blasted tomorrow instead of like I was hoping for today and hopefully get it powder coated by this weekend so I can get it all back together and running for some more test vids.

Now it's time to start on wiring up all the lights.

Anybody know where I can get some 8mm clear lenses? I can't seem to find anything that will work for me. I tried cutting a piece of plexi dowel rod but it didn't look to clear when it was turned out on the lathe. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Tyler

[Espeefan]

8mm LEDs? There are quite a few options out there. You could also buy some 8mm lenses and build an LED holder - more less a tube with the lense on the end of it. I know Axial has some larger clear lenses, used on their light kits for the rock crawlers they have. Garden Trucking sells some larger round lenses too, also clear, or orange, or red. They are larger then 5mm, I know that much, but how bit, I can't remember. Check under the company store, and then click 'lighting'.

Axial's light bucket set -

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXYWV9&P=7
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXYWW1&P=7

Here are some 8mm LEDs, available online.

http://www.ledssuperbright.com/8mm-led-c-8
http://ledz.com/?p=leds.8mm

Maybe this will help. I do believe you can also polish fiber optic cable and acrylic rod. Try sanding it in various grades, working your way up as fine as you can. Something like 2500 grit or even better! I've heard some guys use a business card to finish up the ends of fiber optic cables. I don't know how well it works.

[Stuff]

looking good! love the duals!

[russisloud]

nice work on the wide rims :D test drive video?

[rockNmayhem]

looking good! love the duals!

Thanks for the compliment. There was a lot of time and work into making that one set of wheels.

nice work on the wide rims :D test drive video?

Very soon Russ, very soon hopefully. I've got the chassis blasted and at the powder coaters so hopefully he can slip it in with some other parts this week and that way it would be kinda like a christmas present to myself. :D

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Well ladies and gentlemen the time has come. As of six months ago I started what I thought would be a quick project. Boy howdy was I wrong. Through the last six months I have spent a lot of time with trial and error building my Ford tractor, but luckily for me time prevailed and I now have a final result to all my hard work. I now present to you "Big Blue" in it's final stages. It is now running and all buttoned up besides a few front lights and details now. So enough with the talk and here are some new pictures to hold you guys over till I get time to take some video tomorrow. :D

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2557.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2558.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2559.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2561.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2565.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2555.jpg

[rockNmayhem]

Here are a few detailed pic up close too to show what is where.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2556.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2560.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2562.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2567.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2568.jpg

And to show the full interior still in tact.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2566.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2563.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2564.jpg

Hope you guys enjoy the pics to hold you over for a bit. I sure know it's a big relief to finally say it's mechanically complete. I can't wait to get it out and dirty soon and hopefully have a few attachments for the rear.

Tyler

[Espeefan]

Wow. It sure cleaned up nicely! The chassis is all powder coated now? Looks like a perfect match. I see you upgraded the axles too. Nice. Do you put the battery behind the grille? That looks like the only place it could go. Great to see a complete engine and cab interior yet!

[rockNmayhem]

Hey Nathan the chassis is actually a new model chassis as I couldn't get the origional one powdercoated to match very well so I went back Ertl. Axles are now aluminum and mount up great with only two new holes drilled in the tubes to fit. The battery does sit in front of the radiator and I'm trying to find a better place to hide it so there will be nothing to see whenver it is on display. Space is a major concern now as to fit the rest of the lighting system in there and to stash the battery. If anyone knows where I could find a smaller lipo that would be great.

Tyler

[sdjb]

Tyler, What Batt pack are ya using now?

sdjb

[rockNmayhem]

Video Time!!! Got a few mins while it was nice out this evening to take the tractor out on its maiden voyage. It has a small radio glitch which I'm not sure whats causing it but here is a short clip of what it runs like.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/th_100_2569.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/?action=view&current=100_2569.mp4)

Thanks for looking and watching and hope you enjoy.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Spent a little time this evening working on the tractor. I've started to add some small details that the standard model fell short of. So far I have added step grip strips and soldered up some grab rails and handles. I'll let the pics do the talking of what I have completed thus far.

Before pics:
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2571.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2572.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2573.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2580.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2579.jpg

And here are some of the after shots.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2600.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2601.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2582.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2605.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2603.jpg

I have some more finishing touches to do on the bars to clean them up but I'm getting closer to a finished product.

Next on the to do list besides adding the rest of the lights and redoing the rears are as follows.

Add hydraulic connections to the rear

Add extra details to the engine and compartment

Have moving steering wheel

Movable wipers?

Make new intakes out of aluminum for realistic look

Build new exhaust stack and muffler out of metal

Add auxiliary air tanks to the right front frame rail

And eventually hook up electronics and mounts for a front blade.

Hope you guys like the progress and lemme know what you think.

Tyler

[Espeefan]

Nice work on the detail touches. The hand rails looks great, as do the anti-skid steps.

[rockNmayhem]

Well it's time for another update for the weekend. I finally got my new led's in the mail and started to wire this big guy up. It took several hours last night and a few today but it is currently all wired and running. Here are some pics of the process and what it looks like now with all the new lights.

Here is my starting point.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2606.jpg

Now for the start of the wiring harnesses for the separate lights.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2607.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2608.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2609.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2610.jpg

Here's the process I started for making the headlights in the grill.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2612.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2614.jpg

Thats all I took of the process of making them for the night.

[rockNmayhem]

Here are some shots from today with the lights switched on. I have the run directly from the battery and can simply switch them on and off from inside the cab under the seat if I wan't to run them at night or leave them off during the day.

A few shots from inside the garage.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2624.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2622.jpg

And now for the lights!!!

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2620.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2621.jpg

And lastly here are a few shots from its first outside debut with some of the details added to it.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2625.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2627.jpg

Hope you guys enjoy the new pics and I also hope to have some more progress done on it soon.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

P.S. I almost forgot to add a few teasers of what I took a little time on last night.

Hope you enjoy. :)

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2618.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2619.jpg

Thanks for looking and hope to hear feedback on it.

Tyler

[Grainfarmer]

Great conversion! Nice details...

[doodlebug]

Gotta luv those led light's!
Cheer's, Neil.

[Diesel Demond]

that is spectacular awesome job on build and the detail work is perfect. The rims and tires are sick as well as the lighting. i only wish i could be this good at building so for now i gotta just buy when and if there available. that goes in one of the best tractor builds book for me!! the ford is a great pick. the wireing job looks perfect just a great job!!!

[rockNmayhem]

Great conversion! Nice details...

Thanks for the compliment. There are still more to come.

Gotta luv those led light's!
Cheer's, Neil.

Thanks Neil, it took me a bit to find the right color to match what a halogen light looks like but I think these lights do the job.

that is spectacular awesome job on build and the detail work is perfect. The rims and tires are sick as well as the lighting. i only wish i could be this good at building so for now i gotta just buy when and if there available. that goes in one of the best tractor builds book for me!! the ford is a great pick. the wireing job looks perfect just a great job!!!

Thank you for the praise on the build. There's a lot of time in this little guy and a ton of work to get it where it is currently. I'll hopefully have some attachments for it this week that I can get posted up eventually to see how it works.

Hope to have some more updates or you guys soon.

Tyler

[Espeefan]

That's awesome. I'm a huge fan of the working lights. I like that you used warm white LEDs instead of the cool whites. Yeah, cool whites are brighter, but warm white is more accurate for a tractor of this era. Nice work with the wiring. I'm the same way. I try to make things as clean as possible! Pretty fancy air cleaner!

[Izzy]

the grab rails, lights and air cleaner add a great amount of detail - great work!

[Claus]

Your tractor looks great, I had my doubts early on, just not much room for all the stuff that needs to go in there. You did a very nice job for sure!

[Hofabooz]

Hi Tyler

Looks good was thinking of doing a similar thing for my first non kit build so to speak. What make is the model as in the UK i can only find plastic toys form Bruder and would perfere the meatl chasis that you have.


many thanks

Mark

[rockNmayhem]

Hi Tyler

Looks good was thinking of doing a similar thing for my first non kit build so to speak. What make is the model as in the UK i can only find plastic toys form Bruder and would perfere the meatl chasis that you have.


many thanks

Mark

Mark, the base of this model started out life as an Ertl diecast prestiege edition. You can find them from time to time on ebay anywhere from $70-$100.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Time for a little bit of new progress from this evening. I finally got time again to fiddle with the tractor and so far I've got the rear hydraulic hook ups on the tractor almost buttoned up and got the valve box on the scraper built and the lines to attach to the tractor.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2695.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2692.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2693.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2694.jpg

All that is left on the scraper is cleaning up the styrene work on the front and shooting it with some matching blue paint.

I hope to be able to get the rest of the back hydraulic hook up finished tomorrow and possibly get a video showing the tractor and scraper doing a little work before paint.

A few small things left like mounting the hood for easy battery access and finishing up the air cleaner and making new intake hoses to the turbo on the engine and this little guy will be a roller once again hopefully.

Thanks for looking and plan to have some more shots and details for you guys tomorrow afternoon.

Tyler

[dabears]

That is an awesome looking tractor you did a really good job with it and the scrapper is looking sweet!!

[egronvold]

Those tires look very good on that tractor. It's a nice setup you've gotten yourself. I guess you have a lot of pulling power. Are the diffs locked?

[rockNmayhem]

That is an awesome looking tractor you did a really good job with it and the scrapper is looking sweet!!

Thank you. It still has a ways to go before it's 100% complete but its slowly getting closer.

Those tires look very good on that tractor. It's a nice setup you've gotten yourself. I guess you have a lot of pulling power. Are the diffs locked?

Thank you fro the compliments. The tractor has no problem dragging the blade around and filling it with dirt. My biggest enemy is traction. Once I get the hood attached and the battery mounted for final location I will start plating the frame and filling it with lead to add a little more weight to the main chassis so I can get the power to the ground.

Both axles are fully locked and my turning radius isn't sacrificed much but it helps having 300+ OZ. IN. of torque to steer this pig when bound up in the dirt.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Well I'm thinking it may be time for another small update. I'll start off by showing the new attachment hookup and see if you guys can figure out where my next plan of attack is going to be.

Here is the finished up attachment point for the rear assembled and installed.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2708.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2709.jpg

Have a few lines hooked up for operating the rear blade.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2710.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2711.jpg

Here is what the connectors look like underneath the shielding.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2712.jpg

And here is my new hitch pin hiding in the background.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2713.jpg

Hope you guys like the new rear end. Lemme know if you guys have any ideas or questions on how it's done. :D

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Round number two for the nightly updates.

I took some time this evening to make a new tool to start on my next project for the tractor. When you get ideas in your head and don't have the right tool, half the fun is figuring out a way to make a new tool to produce one little part. So here is what I spent a few hours making tonight.

Starting with a small piece of aluminum and making a shouldered bolt.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2703.jpg

The bolt then screws into the piece of aluminum.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2704.jpg

Once the bolt and aluminum are finished it is time to mount up the new work piece.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2705.jpg

Now it the part where you may be asking yourself "what is he up to now"?

Well here is a pretty good hint of what is to come from this next picture.

It takes a bunch of small round discs and a few minutes a piece to start turning parts. Now once you have everything mounted up in the lathe and the wheels are turning it's time to start turning the parts. One by one the start to take shape. Here is a shot of a new part in front of a standard washer.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2707.jpg

And now you have it, your mind is racing, "Is it a new hybrid, belt buckle, miniature frisbee:confused:........NO, I GOT IT, IT'S A FLUX CAPACITOR"!!!!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:






Well I hate to be the one to rain on the parade, but I unfortunately can't currently share my rendition of how to build a flux capacitor due to legalities. :D

But I will however tell you that you would be on the right track if you kept your mind towards ground breaking parts. :rolleyes:

Tyler

[dabears]

Hmmmm i'm guessing plow discs??? :)

[rockNmayhem]

Hmmmm i'm guessing plow discs??? :)

Well you are correct. I didn't figure it'd be that hard to figure out. Now all I have left is to make a die for them and put a concave in them and start framing out the plow frame.

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Well gentlemen it's time for a quick update. I'm currently waiting on parts for my semi builds so I pulled the old Ford down off the shelf to tinker on it a bit. I have been planning in my head for a while a few ideas about what all the tractor will be pulling and I've started mocking up for a disc behind it. I am still in the early stages but it's getting there slowly. I have the main rollers done all the disc's mounted on their shafts. I need to make the carriers and start on the body of the frame later but for now here are a few updates to hold you over. Hope you guys enjoy. :rolleyes:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2726.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2728.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2734.jpg


http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2732.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2733.jpg

Lemme know what you guys think, I hope the size is ok for this model and I have no fear that the tractor has enough grunt to pull this little guy through the ground and hopefully make some rows. :D

Thanks for looking,
Tyler

[dabears]

I like it! Looks nice and sturdy! are you going to be able to get enough of a downforce on it though?or will it have plenty of weight to it?

[rockNmayhem]

I like it! Looks nice and sturdy! are you going to be able to get enough of a downforce on it though?or will it have plenty of weight to it?

Aaron that will be the biggest problem I believe I'm gonna have. I am currently debating a steel frame to bring the weight up to between 7-10lbs or leave it aluminum and mainly go for light weight and looks. The tractor is currently 8 lbs without adding any additional weight but I already have about 3 lbs of accessories to add to is with additional lead in some spots to really put the weight and power down on the ground. I am pushing for 15-20lbs on the tractor that way I will have no traction issues when the time comes to pull something heavy or something stuck. :p

Tyler

[dabears]

What if you make it on the lighter side but have a spot (like open channel frame) you can throw extra weight in if needed? IDK just an idea

[Grainfarmer]

Nice Disc! I´m not sure, but somewhre I´ve see such a kind of disc already... ;)
Looking forward for more pics...

[dmess62]

cool project. looks good. most of the videos i ve seen look like they are running in some looser dirt or sand, i would say the light weight shouldn t be a problem.

[Espeefan]

Great work! Your faux hydraulic/electrical hook ups for implements turned out really nice. The tractor sure has come a long ways. It's always nice to see more updates in your thread.

[Bigrigger]

That plow setup is going to have to be sturdy with a beast like that pulling it! lol :D
Nice discs, what will you be planting? :D

[rockNmayhem]

Well it's time for a small (heavy) update this evening. I took a little break from the MAN this evening and decided to finish working on the tractor since I started on it again monday. Since the last updates from the disc I've taken a little time to run the tractor and play around with the blade and rippers finally in the hard ground and after some short operating time I came to the conclusion that my biggest problem with this tractor wasn't power, it was traction.

The tractor as seen in all the previous updates weighed in at only a touch over 6 lbs fully built and operational. I got to thinking how I could start rebuilding the tractor already and adding more weight in places then it hit me........ I don't need to rebuild anything, I just need to overbuild everything that I have. I started with very small stuff and to also add details as in the metal air cleaner and I'm making some aluminum accessories that have yet to be installed. I realized that those little aluminum bits weren't going to cut it so I got a wild hair up my....... well you know, and decided to go big (heavy) or just suffer.

Leading into how the tractor currently sits tonight I started adding lead weight in some of the extra spaces that I had in the tractor including behind the step boxes, under the hood, inside the frame rails, under the back half of the frame as well as adding a pound of lead to each set of duals upping my overall weight of the tractor to a boasting 16lbs.

Needless to say I no longer have traction issues and the tractor still has plenty of power to pull itself and about any attachment I can throw behind it. I had been running the tractor around the work room and outside a bit and noticed that all of a sudden my steering was getting really sloppy and weak. So I brought it inside this evening and spent some time tearing the back end apart to find that the HS645MG Hitec servo wasn't in to healthy of a condition. Now granted that I haven't run it too much since adding the weight I decided to not wanna tear it apart again if I didn't have to so I opted to put in the biggest servo I had laying around.

That servo would be a Savox coreless digital servo with over twice the power of the hitec, I went from just at 8 lbs of force to steer this pig to over 16 lbs of force to easily and consistently turn this heavy rig around.

I will try and get some videos up sunday as I'm busy as can be tomorrow and saturday but I'll finally get some up for you guys to enjoy. So now that I've explained everything lately, here are some new updated pics of the tractor after an hour or so of working time on it and how it currently sits weighted down.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2744.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2745.jpg

And here is how the new Hitec servo looks after about an hour in the tractor.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2746.jpg

Thanks for looking guys and lemme know what you think or any questions you have.

Tyler

[Grainfarmer]

I guess my Deutz Allis weighs about 6,5 - 7 lbs....and has no problem with the disc.
More weight will help you to get more traction.
Looking forward for more pictures...

regards
Frank

[dabears]

Can't wait for the video Tyler! 16lbs! Wow that should pull a lot!

[rockNmayhem]

Well I got back home early today so I decided to take the tractor out and play in the dirt with the camera. I took a couple of crappy videos as the scraper was acting up with interference and then the tractor shut down but here are a few teasers to hold you guys over for a little while. Also have a couple of poser shots to show her out and getting dirty. :p

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/th_100_2747.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/?action=view&current=100_2747.mp4)

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/th_100_2748.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/?action=view&current=100_2748.mp4)

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2750.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2751.jpg

And now for my new computer background. :rolleyes:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/100_2752.jpg

Thanks for looking guys and lemme know what you think. I hope to get the small bugs out of it soon and get another videographer to help me out as I operate the tractor, it's a little hard as it is now. :eek:

Enjoy,
Tyler

[dabears]

Looks like a good start!

[Snochaser]

Looks great Tyler. Should be great wallpaper.

[Grainfarmer]

Wonderful pictures of a great model!

[rockNmayhem]

Looks great Tyler. Should be great wallpaper.

Wonderful pictures of a great model!

Thank you guys for the compliments. I took some time tonight and rewired the whole lighting system to push more power to the lights and make them brighter and boy howdy is it a nice change. Still the white look without going to the blue side using the same led's minus resistors and they sure do light up the area around the tractor well. I will try to get some new pics of it in the dark sometime but the camera is currently charging.

All I have left to do now on the tractor is finish adding some details to it and get the rear driveshaft fixed as I decided to jerk on a root with it tonight and popped the shaft apart. :D

Thanks for looking guys and hope to have some more updates soon. ;)

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Well got the tractor all buttoned up and running for this weekend so it got put to good use moving dirt and pulling the scraper around. Had a few issues with the hitch first thing in the morning but nothing a few zipties couldn't make for a quick fix to keep it going.

The tractor did great in the dirt we had and the scraper even impressed me how well it pulled as light as it was. Once I dropped the rippers it held its own and had no issue tearing up some of the dirt clods that were left over.

Anyways here are a few pics from this weekend and how the tractors looking currently.

This was thursday night on the shelf before I headed out.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/IMG_1378.jpg

And let the dirt fly!!!

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/DSC00090.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/DSC00010.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/DSC00065.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/DSC00006.jpg

And here it is tonight sitting quietly back in the shop on it's new trailer straight from the "00" himself. Can't wait to get this trailer hooked up and pull this big guy around for a while and get used to how it'll tow.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/RockNmayhem_2006/Ford%20FW-60/IMG_1384.jpg

Hope you guys enjoy the pics and lemme know what you think of the tractor as of current.

Tyler

[Claus]

What are those metal diffs your using? Looks great.

[rockNmayhem]

What are those metal diffs your using? Looks great.

Those diffs are modified semi housings from rc4wd. The shafts are just a little longer and I had to re-machine the casings to make them fit but they work pretty good and are great all locked up.

Tyler

[Claus]

I really like your tractor, if my Wedico were done you would probably have me trying to build one myself.

I wonder how well these diffs from Rigid would work?
http://www.rigidrc.com/shop/782-thickbox/alum-cnc-6x6-axle-set-for-tamiya-1-14-truck.jpg

[Racer5x]

Looks really good! That is one of my favorite tractors of all time! :D

[rockNmayhem]

I really like your tractor, if my Wedico were done you would probably have me trying to build one myself.

I wonder how well these diffs from Rigid would work?
http://www.rigidrc.com/shop/782-thickbox/alum-cnc-6x6-axle-set-for-tamiya-1-14-truck.jpg

Those could possibly work as small outer size housing as they look. I have never seen them before, do you have a link to them and is that a pass through axle or just a single output for the rear?

Tyler

[rockNmayhem]

Looks really good! That is one of my favorite tractors of all time! :D

Thank you very much. There is a lot of time and work put into this tractor. I am thinking after the beginning of the year I may be making another tractor to add to my equipment but for now I will just keep working on improving this ones performance and building implements for it to pull around.

I'm really leaning towards making a blade for the front before the snow flies so I can get a little outdoor time with it this winter. :rolleyes:

Tyler

[Claus]

Those could possibly work as small outer size housing as they look. I have never seen them before, do you have a link to them and is that a pass through axle or just a single output for the rear?

Tyler


http://www.rigidrc.com/shop/27-axle-housing

[Themonty73]

Hi,

Love the build, i've been wondering what they call the transfer gearbox as i cant find them anywhere?

Many thanks

[Espeefan]

I've got to hand it to you, Tyler, this is one of the nicest, best documented die-cast tractor conversions I've ever seen. I might have had my doubts, in the beginning, that you'd end up with a truly functional machine, that would still be scale, and pull like a tractor should, but you pulled it off so well. Sad to see you listed it for sale. Someone will be happy with it, if it sells!

[rockNmayhem]

I've got to hand it to you, Tyler, this is one of the nicest, best documented die-cast tractor conversions I've ever seen. I might have had my doubts, in the beginning, that you'd end up with a truly functional machine, that would still be scale, and pull like a tractor should, but you pulled it off so well. Sad to see you listed it for sale. Someone will be happy with it, if it sells!

Nathan I'm in no need to sell it or see it go. I just thought I'd throw it up to see if anybody really wanted it. I'll keep working on it and adding to it as time goes and get my use out of it. The tractor is fun to drive and very functional as you said. It will be hard to let it go if it does sell but I can always build another one if the need arises. I have been contemplating building another tractor and I may just do it after the beginning of the year. The next one will be a conventional tractor though rather than a universal.

Thanks for all the compliments and glad you enjoyed the build. I will keep you guys posted as well on updates as they come along. I have a few other projects I'd really like to get finished first before I start modifying the tractor again.

Tyler

[Christo]

Is this the 1/16th scale version your basing this build on. I really want to try this myself !

Cracking build, I think I know where to come for advice If I manage to get one ;)

[rockNmayhem]

Is this the 1/16th scale version your basing this build on. I really want to try this myself !

Cracking build, I think I know where to come for advice If I manage to get one ;)

Sorry for the very late reply but I was skimming through my thread and going to post an update on it's progress and came across your questions.

This tractor is based off of the Ertl precision diecast model. All the running gear and everything else was retrofitted into the model with custom brackets and lots of patience. If you have any questions once you get one just shoot me a message and I'll see what I can do to help out.

Thankyou for the compliment by the way also and good luck on your build.

As for my update, I fried the speed controller after the St. Louis show from a power overload to the system so I decided it was time to dust this project off and get some parts I needed ordered for it. I will be running a Castle micro esc in it that I have in my semi along with my loader project and I love them since they are small and easily programable from the computer. I should hopefully have them here by the end of the week or monday next week it looks like so I can then start stripping this tractor apart again and get it back up and running. I also plan to see if I can tweak the steering any to get a tighter turning radius but that may be next to impossible with the fully locked differentials.

I hope to have some more pics and possibly a video up before long but seeing as this is in no rush right now I may take plenty of time to tear it down and give it a good cleaning before the April show here.:rolleyes:

Tyler

[Claus]

4 1/2 years later I still go back and drool over this build. The build is so clean and well executed. Good job Tyler.