| Author |
Message |
   
Bob Wilson
Member Username: Bobwilson84 OH
Registered: 6-2010 Post Number: 12
| | Posted on Sunday, July 11, 2010 - 1:04 pm: |
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Here's a few quick pictures of my 332 restoration. The tractor has 3200 hours on it. I found it for sale locally and the price was right, so I jumped on it. I have restored Wheel Horses, a Case, and a couple Cubs, but this is my first Deere! The engine had considerable blow-by, and once I had it out of the frame, I decided to go for broke and do a complete restoration.
Here's how it looked after a few gallons of de-greaser and a hot pressure washer.
I hope to have all the black parts painted this week and start assembling the rolling chassis by next weekend. As I mentioned in my other posts, I'm working on the rear end right now, those brake drums are absolutely frozen on the axles, I hope to get that sorted out this week to. If all goes well, I can get going on the engine by the end of next week! |
   
Quinten Tritle
Member Username: Quintenblood_of_green IN
Registered: 5-2006 Post Number: 436
| | Posted on Sunday, July 11, 2010 - 2:43 pm: |
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Looks like you had a great foundation. Looks great so far! Good luck and keep the pictures coming! Quinten |
   
stewart mann
Member Username: Mann56 Al
Registered: 6-2009 Post Number: 58
| | Posted on Sunday, July 11, 2010 - 5:03 pm: |
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It does not look like a 3200 hr machine and the frame looks great.I love my 332 they have good power and fun to drive. My best friend has one also. |
   
Scott
Member Username: Scooter MN
Registered: 8-2006 Post Number: 27
| | Posted on Sunday, July 11, 2010 - 9:44 pm: |
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Look at the frame where the steering cylinder bracket is welded on. Most times the frame is cracked there.Very easy to fix now when it is apart if yours is cracked. |
   
Bob Wilson
Member Username: Bobwilson84 OH
Registered: 6-2010 Post Number: 13
| | Posted on Monday, July 12, 2010 - 9:05 pm: |
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I painted the frame and black parts today. I sprayed Valspar Poly-Acrylic @40psi in my HVLP gun. The pictures didn't come out well, but I'm very happy with the paint. These pictures were taken right after the last wet coat went on, and most of the orange peel flattened out (much to my relief!!!)
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Darrin Behm
Member Username: Dirtweed NY
Registered: 7-2006 Post Number: 961
| | Posted on Monday, July 12, 2010 - 9:12 pm: |
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oooooo pretty. I love it when you get it down to the frame and it gets freshly painted. It only reminds you how much work you have ahead of yourself. Is that more of a glossy paint or is that just the sheen from the wet paint? |
   
Bob Wilson
Member Username: Bobwilson84 OH
Registered: 6-2010 Post Number: 16
| | Posted on Sunday, July 18, 2010 - 8:08 pm: |
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I finally pulled the brake drums off and took the rear-end apart. I had to use a 1/2" thick piece of steel and some grade 8 bolts to pull them off. Everything was in spec inside. I replaced one axle bearing even though it was probably pass-able. Over 3000 hours and no wear to speak of. I would like to finish the chassis this week so I can start on the body next weekend. Has anyone tried a tire larger than a 23x10.50x12 ? I am getting ready to pick out tires, and I would like to go larger in the back, but I don't want to interfere with the deck.
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Michael Nelson
Member Username: Highwayman Maryland
Registered: 4-2009 Post Number: 289
| | Posted on Sunday, July 18, 2010 - 9:37 pm: |
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Bob, Looks great I took my 300 down to the frame last year it's like getting a new Tractor when your finished. Keep taking pics and posting we all love detailed restores on here. Michael |
   
Jake Knudslien
Member Username: Northernjake AB
Registered: 6-2007 Post Number: 139
| | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2010 - 1:10 am: |
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Bob, Great work so far, I just did my 318 this spring, it's so much fun putting it all back together when it would be like building a brand new one, you just don't want to slip with a wrench and "heaven forbid" scratch. I don't know how I did it, but there was not a single bolt left over when I was done. Looking forward to the rest of the pictures as you advance. Jake |
   
Dave
Member Username: Dave24319 Va.
Registered: 3-2005 Post Number: 780
| | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2010 - 7:37 pm: |
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Awesome Job Bob! I'm sure we'll all be watching for more fotos. Dave |
   
Bob Wilson
Member Username: Bobwilson84 OH
Registered: 6-2010 Post Number: 17
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - 6:35 pm: |
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I re-installed most of the hydro lines and valve. I also finished up the brakes and controls. I hope to have the power steering and rear piston installed this weekend. Start painting green next week, and have a complete rolling chassis within 2 weeks or so! I will update more photos this weekend. |
   
Steve Hayes
Member Username: Steveh VA
Registered: 5-2004 Post Number: 1714
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - 7:41 pm: |
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Bob, That is going to be a sweet 332 when you are done. You ask about different tires, there are hundreds of threads with thousands of posts complete with pictures of alternative tire sizes. For example, here is my 332 equipped with 26x12-12 tires on 10.5x12 wheels rear and 18x850-8 V61's on 7x8 wheels up front.
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Steve Hayes
Member Username: Steveh VA
Registered: 5-2004 Post Number: 1715
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - 8:00 pm: |
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Here is a picture of my 322 plowing with the same wheel/tire combination.
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George Bock
Member Username: George_bock PA
Registered: 9-2003 Post Number: 318
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - 8:15 pm: |
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Bob - I vote for the 26x12-12's and V61's. Seeing Steve's set up at plow day made a great impression. Just my 2 cents. Keep the pictures coming. |
   
Bob Wilson
Member Username: Bobwilson84 OH
Registered: 6-2010 Post Number: 22
| | Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2010 - 1:44 pm: |
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BIG thanks to Rick Warren for all his help! I finished the chassis and started the body work last week. I choose Carlisle Tru-Powers for the rear and Deestone straight ribs up front.
I'm rebuilding the pump myself:
New oil seals, new bearings, bushings and o-rings are about $200. I have my own shop press so I can do all the work myself. The pump housing has a couple problems and I may end up having to find a donor to pull parts from. |
   
Bob Wilson
Member Username: Bobwilson84 OH
Registered: 6-2010 Post Number: 25
| | Posted on Monday, August 16, 2010 - 7:37 pm: |
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I finished prepping the body work today, and I hope to prime Tuesday, and maybe paint some GREEN Wednesday!!! I dry-fitted the rear fender today, better make sure I'm not forgetting anything before I start spraying. I cleaned up and painted the radiator.... a real COPPER radiator is a terrible thing to hide!!
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Neil Paku
Member Username: Neil NY
Registered: 12-2009 Post Number: 145
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 - 6:25 pm: |
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Bob, I like your shop. It has everything: tractor in parts (but clean), a place for everything and everything in its place, sophisticated calendar on wall (check), ex-lounge carpet on floor for cleaned parts (check), special event monitoring system (tv), beverage containment and temperature management system (BCTMS - cooler). Nice. Cheers, Neil. |
   
Jim Brown
Member Username: Jasbro2 GA
Registered: 3-2005 Post Number: 1072
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 - 7:40 pm: |
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Bob, That 332 is really looking good! I had thought about maintaining the copper top on the radiator in mine but painted it black. Someday I want to try a complete hydro rebuild but haven't needed it yet. My compliments on your shop as well. Keep the pictures coming. Jim |
   
Keith Vertrees
Member Username: Echos67 Md
Registered: 9-2009 Post Number: 110
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 - 8:13 pm: |
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Jim, "copper top" sounds like you just put a great name to a quality restoration Bob is doing. Bob, tractor looks great and I like the radiator too. |
   
Bob Wilson
Member Username: Bobwilson84 OH
Registered: 6-2010 Post Number: 26
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 - 8:38 pm: |
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Thanks guys, My shop is my sanctuary! I primed all the body parts today, and I'm going to wait until Friday to paint some GREEN. I would like to get the transmission assembled tomorrow, and get some other odds and ends done. If all goes well, everything will be done except for the engine by Monday!!! ! |
   
Bob Wilson
Member Username: Bobwilson84 OH
Registered: 6-2010 Post Number: 28
| | Posted on Friday, August 20, 2010 - 8:52 pm: |
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I finished rebuilding the transmission, it was a nice change of pace. All the bearings, seals, and o-rings cost about $200. I would like to finish the wiring and other odds and ends this weekend I'm going to paint green next weekend, and start on the motor this week!
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Adam Vaught
Member Username: Adam_214 MO
Registered: 10-2009 Post Number: 321
| | Posted on Friday, August 20, 2010 - 11:25 pm: |
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Bob that tractor is looking great! Love to see all the progress! Adam |
   
Mike Duwe
Member Username: Mikeduwe Wi
Registered: 10-2006 Post Number: 4497
| | Posted on Saturday, August 21, 2010 - 8:04 pm: |
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Wow that thing is going to be beautiful. True frame off restoration at its best! |
   
Mike Meyer
Member Username: 7dad34 Illinois
Registered: 3-2007 Post Number: 695
| | Posted on Sunday, August 22, 2010 - 10:35 am: |
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Nice work Bob ! Fast also. |
   
John
Member Username: Wink PA
Registered: 5-2010 Post Number: 4
| | Posted on Sunday, August 22, 2010 - 8:09 pm: |
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We all admire your work. Great attention to detail. |
   
REY
Member Username: Rey TX
Registered: 11-2008 Post Number: 86
| | Posted on Monday, August 23, 2010 - 10:39 am: |
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Bob did you fill the tires with air or liquid?? I never knew what a difference it makes, I filled my 26x12x12 with water and each tire weighs about 95-110lbs. |
   
Bob Wilson
Member Username: Bobwilson84 OH
Registered: 6-2010 Post Number: 29
| | Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2010 - 10:34 am: |
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I made some progress over the last couple weeks. All the sheet metal is painted, and the rest of the chassis is finished. The engine is apart and I hope to have it at the machine shop early this week. One set of rings was completely ruined. I've never seen anything like this before.... each ring was in 3 or 4 pieces. All three bores are glazed and scratched. It looks like everything else is in good shape, but I haven't started to check tolerances yet. By the way: Check out the the 322 Stickers!!!! The dealer sent me the wrong decals, and I didn't even notice until a few days after I installed them!! -new ones on the way.
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Jimmy keenan
Member Username: Jimmy PA
Registered: 9-2010 Post Number: 33
| | Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2010 - 10:46 am: |
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Nice job on the 332. Jimmy |
   
Adam Vaught
Member Username: Adam_214 MO
Registered: 10-2009 Post Number: 348
| | Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2010 - 1:12 pm: |
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Bob, I admire your fearless and detailed approach to this restoration. It is obvious with how organized your shop is and the results of your work that you are a mechanic of the first rate. Amazing that this is your first Deere and probably one of the most complicated Deere ever produced. Can't wait to see it finished. Adam |
   
Drew Gardner
Member Username: Dg330 AL
Registered: 5-2009 Post Number: 612
| | Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2010 - 2:19 pm: |
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Bob. I am very very impressed. That is going to be one nice 332. |
   
Bert Levesque
Member Username: Bert MB
Registered: 7-2008 Post Number: 38
| | Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2010 - 11:03 pm: |
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Very,very nice Bob! You certainly deserve to be called a restorer. I really admire your attention to detail which is, after all is said and done, what separates a restoration from a rebuild. I happen to have celebrated a birthday today; two days ago I decided to give myself an early birthday present and bought a well-used(2500 hr.) 1987 332 at the local Deere store. It came with a decent 50" deck and 3 point, she won't win any beauty contests in it's present guise but it still sounds mean and runs strong. Now my 330 won't feel so lonely! Thanks again for sharing your resto-adventure with us, please continue to keep us updated with commentary and photos. Many of us here have shared your efforts via the forum and vicariously participated in your project, consequently we are now gleaming with pride and satisfaction as the project nears it's praiseworthy completion. Cheers! |
   
Bob Wilson
Member Username: Bobwilson84 OH
Registered: 6-2010 Post Number: 30
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 07, 2010 - 4:24 pm: |
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Thanks everyone! I dropped off the block and head today at the local machine shop today, getting hot tanked and looks like bored .010 over. I'll be lapping the valves myself, and I'm looking forward to that since I've never tried it before. With any luck, I'll have it assembled within 2 weeks!!! |