Lawn Tractor Build-up Thread

**BRad704** · 10-19-2006, 11:45 AM

Well my brother and dad and me finally decided to bring my PawPaw's 1998 Craftsman 18hp lawn tractor down to the body shop so we can make my kids a toy...

Basically we're going for a longer, wider wheelbase; lowering the CG; and adding enough seats for a driver and 2 passengers (the kids)... We (mostly I) started the teardown 2 days ago and we (mostly I again) are having a blast already!!!! We've got TONS of ideas and I plan on documenting the whole process.

The PLAN:
Remove all cutting deck paraphenalia
Lengthen wheelbase by extending rear axle
Widen rear wheel track with hub spacers
Widen front wheel track by using IFS instead of solid front crossmember
Add motorcycle coilovers to front suspention on each side
Build/add bench seat and jumpseats
Rework throttle linkage for foot controls
Split current hood into "Jeep inspired" design
Use sheet aluminum to make CJ style grill with working headlights
Flat fender the front for maximum articulation
Extend exhaust to rear and use a turn-down
14" ATV tires for rear
Ring-groove front tires
Add front and rear custom bumpers

The STARTING POINT:

PICTURE SIZES FIXED...

**Awshux** · 10-19-2006, 12:00 PM

Here are some pics of what you should aim for as a finished product!

**BRad704** · 10-19-2006, 12:06 PM

sumthin like that, except minus all the cutting equipment
and a longer, wider wheel base...

**ArloGuthroJeep** · 10-19-2006, 12:07 PM

Don't forget front airbags, side curtain air bags, ABS, etc..

jclaudii · 10-19-2006, 12:13 PM

It would be cool if you could find an old four wheeler that was 4 wheel dirve and modify that! http://www.linnsauto.com/index.cfm?id=3&num=F06%2D2277&order=a.make
Something like that would be pretty sweet to tear apart and put in that little red jeep! Have fun with it!

**sharpie** · 10-19-2006, 12:35 PM

wow....and only mildly in a good way. that's like putting coilovers on your son's power wheels.

**BRad704** · 10-19-2006, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharpie1k

wow....and only mildly in a good way. that's like putting coilovers on your son's power wheels.

why do you say that like its a bad thing?

**Steelman** · 10-19-2006, 01:26 PM

Holy life-sized pictures Batman!!!

**BRad704** · 10-19-2006, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelman

Holy life-sized pictures Batman!!!

yeah, my apologies to anyone using dial-up... hehe...

how would i shrink them down to something reasonable? Im using the work camera so i dont want to change the actual settings on the camera...

LandRover · 10-19-2006, 02:21 PM

copy and paste them into powerpoint...drag them to a smaller size, right click/compress, then right click/save as picture.

that will be a cool project...keep us posted.

**BRad704** · 10-20-2006, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandRover

copy and paste them into powerpoint...drag them to a smaller size, right click/compress, then right click/save as picture.

that will be a cool project...keep us posted.

I found a website that is free and only takes a few seconds to shrink each pic...

http://www.jpeg-optimizer.com

jeepdaddy2000 · 10-20-2006, 10:29 AM

There is actually a national lawn tractor racing organization. We have a local chapter in Medford Or. They have great displays of everything from stockers to full blown dragsters every year at the fair. While it is a little off your current line of thought.......you know how these Jeep projects begin to snowball.

10-19-2006, 12:00 PM	#2
Awshux Cynical Bastard Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: The desert Posts: 1,744 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Here are some pics of what you should aim for as a finished product! __________________ You live and learn. At any rate, you live. -Douglas Adams