I'm still here and chomping at the bit.

[Tallbald]

I just wanted to touch base with the wonderful folks here and say that I've not disappeared. I'm the new member who just last fall decided to take the plunge and plan for cleaning up and restoring my 1980 L185. Told my father-in-law yesterday that that was my plan. My tractor's been on loan to him for about 8 years at his little tract of land next county over. Shouldn't be any surprise to him as I'd mentioned my plans a few times over the last 3-4 years.
A dear friend has a tandem axle cattle trailer we will use to get my tractor home, along with it's several implements.
Snowing outside this morning, but within the next 2 months I will have Orange Crush home and I can begin. Almost all work will be done outside, as I now live in the suburbs.
My best to all here. I'l of course share photos of my progress, and for my own pleasure keep a restoration photo album. Thanks again all.
Don.

 

[car compulsive]

Very cool. Did it get the name "Orange Crush" from the front of the hood?

 

[Tooljunkie]

Or was it after R.E.M. ?
http://youtu.be/_mSmOcmk7uQ

Looking forward to seeing your progress.

 

[Tallbald]

Being in the South, Orange Crush is a popular soft drink we all grew up with and even enjoy as adults. That and Grape Nehi. I have a crush on my Kubota, her nose has been bloodied, teeth busted up and she's the closest I'll ever get to a "just for fun" muscle vehicle in my garage.
I hope I don't get into her restoration (actually just replacement of some worn steering bushings, repair of sheet metal damage, all new fluids and filters, accessory road lighting, new paint everywhere, repair of seat upholstery buttons, and a few other smallish things) and find repair beyond my capabilities is needed.
She's a beauty, and will be a show girl by my standards when I'm done. Have to decide which implements to sell and which to keep this summer too.
Don

 

[CaveCreekRay]

Don,

You live in one of the few areas that still have vo-tech schools around. If you could find one that teaches sheet-metal work in your area, I bet you could get that hood repaired for dang near free. It would be a challenging project for the kids and, because its small, you could probably just take the hood over without the tractor (like I did).

Good luck!

Ray

 

[Tallbald]

CaveCreekRay that's a great idea. I'll do some calling. Don.