MatthewD's Westwood S1200 Build [2016 Build-Off Entry]

Are you going to keep the front axle tipped out a bit on the swing arm? Unless you already welded it, but then the spindles would be straight up and down at rest and have a little rake when the suspension pushes down. Looking good. Stick welding takes some getting used to compared to wire setups. At least for me.

What do you mean? The front axle will be higher than this when the wheels are on. When it's all set up, the spindles should be straight up and down when the suspension is not compressed. I've not welded with anything else other than a stick welder, I got it for free from my uncle about 3-4 years ago, weights a ton!

Oh. That's all I mean't, that the spindles would be straight when everything was set. Those weld beads look nice though, what size rod are you using? For me I have to remind myself to keep moving the stick in closer to the metal as I weld. Because I don't use the stick welder often and I'm used to the wire feed/holding the welder in one place. Sometimes when I first start with the stick welder, I forget and let it burn the rod back too far.

Yeah I think the rods are 3.5mm. I havent done any work on this since my last update and I wont be doing anything for a while. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Right. Sorry for the wait, I've been really busy but now got a good few months to work on this. Been collecting parts recently. Was also looking for a 1/2" drill bit for my suspension and now I've got that so we're flying. Also help coiled the threads on my exhaust on the engine as the bolts had snapped in the block. And today I fixed my welders ground cable as it kept blowing fuses so hopefully it's fixed now.

I've got to put this project on hold for a while due to more urgent ones and lack of workspace. However, I have got new storage facilities in the pipeline so watch this space!

MatthewD wrote:

I've got to put this project on hold for a while due to more urgent ones and lack of workspace.

I know all about those issues......

Yeah. I have got better ideas for the front suspension and bodywork now so hopefully I can still get it qualified for the end of the build off, even if It isn't fully completed.

Hey that's what I do. lol!

Wow, it's been a while.
Well, I'm still working away on this thing. Gotta do myself out a list to get finished. I was reminded by the email from the ATLTF team about the build off.
I will get pics in the coming days and hopefully will get it finished by November 30th.

Right, here's a list of things I need to get done to this thing and get it qualified by November 30th. BTW Doc/anyone who knows - do you need a hood on the tractor to qualify?

I will tick these off as I complete them

• Complete front suspension (shock brackets on the axle are done, need to get bolts for the main susp bars and fab a panhard rod.)
  

• Square away the engine (8hp Briggs)
  

• Sort out a body (old Westwood T1200 one I have laying around) and remove steering gear on bottom of steering shaft (currently soaking in engine oil)
  

• Brakes  (fabbed a brake pedal, found the brake pads, disk etc and just have to heli coil one of the threads on the tranny)
  

• Pulleys, belts, clutch etc (Might do a separate clutch pedal, not sure, will see how much time I have left.)
  

• Front bumper needs to go on before I can drive it because that is also going to function as a brace for the front of the frame (there is nothing there bracing the middle anymore)
  

• Front rims/tyres need mounted. Rear wheels need keys for the axle
  

• Steering needs done (pretty simple, just gotta weld up some linkages/ trackrod ends)
  

• Shifter also needs done but I'm just using the stock one.
  

• Then if I have time I'll do things like bumpers, rear rack, wiring (just gonna use pull start and a simple toggle switch for now)
  

I think that's everything.

Wow, just got caught up with your contest build! Looks to be coming along. I see you have quite the list of "To Do's" left. A good pace and working around parts needed is always good! I contemplated entering my build, but decided not to because I didn't feel it met all the criteria. Looking good and keep up the great work!

Thanks man, I've got soo much to do. I dug out some parts for the 8hp Briggs. I might put on a 12hp carb, to gain more power in the higher rpm range. I've also got the exhaust to do as well. I think I'll be cutting it very fine this year.

Right, I think I've got to abandon the front suspension idea. I just don't have time to do it. I am going to use the shocks, and have a centre pivot on the axle. Changed the To-Do list to suit.

Takes a lot of time to fabricate all this stuff.

Yeah. Maybe I won't get it qualified

Do like Doc did, get the required stuff done then work the rest. You are doing great!

Cheers. Tidied out my garage today so I can actually get to the thing. I'm off for Halloween next week for 9 days.

Have a fun safe holiday!

Cheers man. Hopefully I can get some progress done then. At the moment I'm contemplating bringing the suspension idea back in, cause I'd rather do it well and not qualify for the build off rather than get it qualified but need to redo lots of things after the build off.

Right, today marks the first of the Halloween holidays.

First thing I went and bought a 3/4 bolt and lock nut for my suspension. I was able to get hold of a tractor 3pt linkage ball joint that is now my susp. I welded up some brackets for it and now I've got a rolling chassis. Now I need to do things like shock brackets/tabs and a panhard rod. I did take some photos but my camera lost them so I'll try get some tomorrow.

Doing a monolink like Red? Be sure to take lots of pics!

Yeah that's what I aiming for. And I will try to get plenty of pics!

You got suspension fever as well? Hahahaha, good luck man can't wait to see some pics!

Yah. Anyway, here's yesterdays progress.

I am slightly worried by the fact that the ball hitch is worn a bit so it is 'floppy'.







Any thoughts I would be glad to hear them because this is unknown territory.

I dont think the flop will affect it too much if you cut the joint off and do a V instead of a single rod. Youll want to do that anyways to make the axle stronger and less likely to snap off or bend. Once you do that and get it sprung and the panhard mounted it shouldnt be an issue until it starts making noise from excess slop.