The $1 Craftsman

[jakesmurray]

So I went to a local FFA auction Saturday and picked up this bad boy for a whopping dollar. It has a little 8 hp Tecumseh in it, which I believe is original to the tractor. I also picked up a Yard Machines rear engine rider with no deck. It has a Briggs 10.5 hp I plan on swapping into the Craftsman. It set me back $15. I've attached a picture of both machines. What do you guys think? I plan on removing the deck from the Craftsman and using it as a little utility tractor around my place. It has a 4 speed transmission, which I have yet to test, but it shifts into each gear fine (3 forward, 1 reverse). Feel free to post thoughts/opinions.

 

[BlazNT]

Re: 60s Craftsman Eager-1 Project

I love it.

 

[jakesmurray]

Re: 60s Craftsman Eager-1 Project

I love it.

Feel free to come by and see it anytime Chuck. Where you at in MO?

 

[BlazNT]

Re: 60s Craftsman Eager-1 Project

Springfield. What is the model number? I rebuild old Murray's for fun.

 

[BlazNT]

Re: 60s Craftsman Eager-1 Project

This is one of my projects. 39004 GT Murray

 

[jakesmurray]

Re: 60s Craftsman Eager-1 Project

Springfield. What is the model number? I rebuild old Murray's for fun.

You're kidding me, so am I! I'll get that model number tomorrow, it's got the original riveted tag on the back. I love that old Murray!

 

[BlazNT]

Re: 60s Craftsman Eager-1 Project

That is amazing. All the people on here and someone from good old Springfield.

 

[jakesmurray]

Re: 60s Craftsman Eager-1 Project

Yep, who knew...
Keep an eye on this thread, I'll update with pics as I make progress.
I'll get the model number this afternoon.

 

[jakesmurray]

Re: 60s Craftsman Eager-1 Project

Well I forgot to get the model number today, I'll get it tomorrow. Here is a picture of the engine that will be going in this thing. It runs great until it chokes itself out due to a gas filled crankcase- hopefully replacing the needle and seat and installing an in-line fuel shutoff will solve this problem. Also need to track down an air filter cover, as it didn't have one on it. I'm hoping this will be a fairly easy engine swap. The battery that was in the Craftsman was shot, it was a 10 year old Interstate. The battery in the Yard Machines, however, took a charge, and didn't drop hardly at all on a load test. It's from 4/12, I'm hoping I can squeeze a little more life out of it... stay tuned. :thumbsup:

 

[jakesmurray]

Re: 60s Craftsman Eager-1 Project

Haven't had time to work on this project, but I did get the model number today. It is 536.963631 and made with pure American steel.