Cheap Craftsman II Build

I picked up a couple craftsman mowers this past summer for free.  Both were incomplete and needed some tlc. One needs way less than the other so I decided to start with it.
This is the other one that will be started later.

This is how it currently looks. 16.5 hp briggs ohv and 25" knobbies all free.

I've locked and pulley swapped the transaxle already.

Machined hubs for 3 wheeler rims.

Nice! I love getting stuff for free, especially stuff that looks as good as that. The tires look brand new. you will not regret locking the transaxle, you will never go back to unlocked. it looks like that other craftsman you have is made by murray, if you are looking for parts for it look at murray garden tractors for parts, if you cant find craftsman labeled parts.

Those atc tires look great on there! Nice score(s)!

It is manufactured by Murray. Its a 1977 ST10. The only problem with the tires is the size, I don't think the transaxle will live long since its only a foote. I'm hoping it only will only break the spiders and then I can machine a newer locker and one piece axle.

Crafty wrote:

It is manufactured by Murray. Its a 1977 ST10. The only problem with the tires is the size, I don't think the transaxle will live long since its only a foote. I'm hoping it only will only break the spiders and then I can machine a newer locker and one piece axle.

you could make a new axle BEFORE it breaks. lol

I still might. It's going to take a awhile to machine the locker so I will probably wait until everything else is done.

Well I had to spend money on this today for a front pulley and a belt. My front pulley is 4.5" and the rear is 5".  I also started making a mini flowmaster muffler last night at work.  I took a piece of 4" exhaust  pipe and formed it into a oval.

Made some templates out of a old shop light.

Took it home and made thicker pieces out of a mtd frame and burned it in.

I still have one end cap to do and to decide where I want to mount it. I was thinking the stock location or under the footboard.

under the footboard is the best place. sidepipes never suck.

That's where I was leaning toward.

I got the exhaust done today.


Just have to cut off the excess tailpipe.

Nice muffler. I need to make one like that to replace my megaphone exhaust.

It doesn't sound any different having a chambered muffler.

Well I took it out for its first test run around the yard yesterday. It went well except the hood doesn't stay on and the back tire through dog poop all over my pants. I need to get the foot throttle installed next.

Nice looking muffler. I make my own too. My design is on my channel. It's a 3 chamber muffler. Doesn't quiet anything down, it changes the tone to a lower bass sound, hi flow too. Even made a set for my Jeep.

Thanks I will have to check yours out.

I got back to work on this.  I got the 18" tires on the front, gas pedal installed, seperate choke and front bumper done.

I think the links of your images must be messed up. I cant view them

that's one sick build man, I love the look of those tires, now how did you hook your throttle cable up can you post pics of that

I'm liking thst bumper

kawasaki220 wrote:

that's one sick build man, I love the look of those tires, now how did you hook your throttle cable up can you post pics of that

Which end do want to see?

offroadohio wrote:

I'm liking thst bumper

Thanks, I'm thinking about adding runners from the main hoop down to the end of the bumper.

Just read through it, and this mower looks pretty good! Love the way your bumper looks. Craftsmans are one of the easier mowers to work on and modify. Looks pretty presentable as is! Cant wait to see it later on when its done!

Made a few laps before work today and have a few issues to resolve. I need to add a return spring to the gas pedal and get a catch can.