Restoring an Old, Tired Mini-Dozer

[rleete]

I recently bought a Struck MD mini-dozer that has seen better days.  Missing parts, lots of tacky modifications and plenty of rust.

As it was when I bought it:

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Since then, I have completely disassembled everything.  I cut the flimsy backrest and rusted seat off and cut out the rusted back panel.  There is more rust to cut away, and I have acquired an 11 ga. steel panel to replace those sections and plug the multiple holes cut into it all over.  Once that is done it will be primered and painted.

The plan is to get a zero turn mower and use the hydraulic drive from that to power it.

[awemawson]

I've seen far worse stuff come back to life - I'll be watching with interest.

[vtsteam]

Cool looking machine. Looking forward to this! 

[rleete]

Made some progress today. Rusty side panels, rusty back panel and part of the rusty floor were all cut away. I think I have to cut more of the floor out, or maybe just reinforce it a little. Some straightening work was done, and all the remaining parts have been disassembled.

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Next step will be to cut and tack weld in the replacement panels. Then I can start work on patching all the holes in the sides. I plan to use the lathe to turn closely fitting plugs for the round holes.

I like to watch The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum videos. I have new-found respect for the guys that do the restoration work there. While I'm working in thinner material, it is still a lot of work, especially with my limited tools and experience. I'm definitely learning as I go.

I ordered some flap wheels for the angle grinder to clean up surface rust and bought primer as well.

[rleete]

Replacement pieces have been cut (thankful for the large shear at work) and tack welding should commence this weekend if the weather cooperates.  I will update with pictured then.

[vtsteam]

With regard to the plan to get a zero turn mower -- does that mean there is no motor or transmission presently?

[rleete]

No, there is not.  All the original pulleys and shafts were missing when the previous owner bought it.  He had plans to do what I am attempting, but never got to it.

The problem: big hole in the side

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My solution: Weld in a close-fitting disc for said hole, using the lathe.  My setup as seen below.

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Unfortunately, the hole has some rough edges, so the disc doesn't quite fit as desired. I'll take a grinder to it tomorrow, and it will be just fine.  I need to add a slight chamfer all around for the weld anyway.  There are 6 smaller holes that I plan to plug the same way.