My Rat Rod Mower

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum but I thought I would post some pictures of the rat rod lawn tractor I'm working on. It's not finished yet, but I was hoping to get some suggestions and opinions on the build so far. Thanks for looking and let me know what you think!

I like it just the way is. I think you nailed it! Maybe a steering wheel, some Hot Rod style exhaust?

@jahneygeee wrote:

I like it just the way is. I think you nailed it! Maybe a steering wheel, some Hot Rod style exhaust?

Thanks man! I'm definitely gonna be making a cool exhaust setup, but I think I'm going to paint the rims red and do more work on the patina before it's finished. Thanks for the feedback!

I like it, did you paint the tires? I would add little eyeball headlights, but only if you can find some crusty ones from an old bike or something, akin to motorcycle turnsignals with clear lenses, I like it alot, crusty rods are fun.

Love the little busted open spot on the rear fender, adding little suddle touches here and there is what makes rat rods cool.

@Ryf wrote:

I like it, did you pa int the tires? I would add little eyeball headlights, but only if you can find some crusty ones from an old bike or something, akin to motorcycle turnsignals with clear lenses, I like it alot, crusty rods are fun.

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Thanks! Yeah I painted the white walls on, I like your headlights idea, I might give that a try.

@redlinemotorsportts wrote:

Love the little busted open spot on the rear fender, adding little suddle touches here and there is what makes rat rods cool.

Haha you noticed that eh? I totally agree with you, it's all the little things on a rat rod that keep you looking at it. Thanks for the comment!

What is the current exhaust setup and dear ratio? Thanks in advance

@CraftsmanQuad19 wrote:

What is the current exhaust setup and dear ratio? Thanks in advance

Right now there is no exhaust setup, but there will be. And the gear ratio is that of a stock Peerless 600 transaxle, so I believe the top ratio is 9:1.

Hey everyone, managed to make some progress this weekend. I finally painted my rims, did some front axle bracing etc. Let me know what you think!

Finally got a belt for the rat rod, I'll be haulin' grass in no time!!

I also built a double pulley clutch. I've never made one of these before and it is of my own design, so I guess we'll see what happens hahaha!

Awesome build!! I dig the use of rebar and the booster cable ends. The clutch looks good. the closer to the pivot point you have the pulleys, the stronger the grip, and the closer the 2 pulleys are to each other, the tighter the grip also, provided the spring is on the other end where the whole is.

@prancstaman wrote:

Awesome build!! I dig the use of rebar and the booster cable ends. The clutch looks good. the closer to the pivot point you have the pulleys, the stronger the grip, and the closer the 2 pulleys are to each other, the tighter the grip also, provided the spring is on the other end where the whole is.

Thanks! I thought the rebar really added to the rat rod look. And yeah the spring attaches to a bolt placed in that hole, and the pivot is where that R-clip is. Thanks for the feedback!

Rat rod looks good AllisKidD21. Do you know what the mower originally was?

@MatthewD wrote:

Rat rod looks good AllisKidD21. Do you know what the mower originally was?

Thanks man. The chassis and rear fenders are from a Toro 11/32, front axle is from a Sears (I think) and the hood is from a Turfmaster. But it's mostly a Toro.

Ah right, looking good

@MatthewD wrote:

Ah right, looking good

Thanks!

Did you jack the rear up any? Looks good.

I think the rear end has been moved backwards a bit

@mr.modified wrote:

Did you jack the rear up any? Looks good.

Thanks! It's not lifted, but it has been moved back a bit because the original 5 speed trans was swapped out for a Peerless 600. I kinda think it makes it meaner lookin' hahaha!

Have you drove it yet? How many speeds is you 600?

@MatthewD wrote:

Have you drove it yet? How many speeds is you 600?

I haven't driven it yet. But it will be ready for a test drive tomorrow! The 600 has three speeds, I've heard they're pretty durable.

Nice man! Yeah 600 series are pretty tough old boxes

Well, I finally got to take the rat rod for a test drive Tuesday. I finished the wiring, foot throttle, and gas tank. I can now start and run it completely from the seat. I just tried first gear to see how it went. It drove quite nice but when I clutched, the belt would fall off. I put it back on and made it pretty far in second gear. But the belt was still an issue. So I made up some belt retainers and fixed the problem. But now the belt just slips in every gear. So I brought the clutch home because I think my pivot point is the problem. I was able to get rid of the old pivot pin, and center and weld a 3/8" grade 5 bolt on as the pivot. I think it will be much stronger and perhaps more adjustable. I'll let you all know how it goes!