Cletrac.org

This is my 1957 Oliver/Cletrac OC-46 crawler/loader. This is how it was when I picked it up one frozen day in Cle Elum, WA. The previous owner had started to do a rebuild on it but only finished going through the undercarriage and had the engine completely rebuilt. There was some painting done but mostly over rust and dirt.

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/227127641.jpg)

After I got it home I started stripping all the parts off down to the frame and undercarriage.

Before:
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/229680133.jpg)
After:
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/287329947.jpg)

Then some cleaning and prep and paint and new hardware:
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/295387108.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/295387105.jpg)

Installed engine, Hydro pump and tank with rebuilt hydro controls, Lift arm cylinders and lift arm supports.
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/305260672.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/305260674.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/305260678.jpg)

Lift arm prep and paint:
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/308323560.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/308323556.jpg)

Phosphate coating process for hardware:
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/308323565.jpg)

Lift arm, links and bucket cylinders installed:
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/308323551.jpg)

Rebuilt clutch linkage assembly, Made new pins and bushings:
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/312642372.jpg)

The dash consumed many hours. Lot of welding/filling up holes and cracks:
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/313553356.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/322517232.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/322517223.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/322517240.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/328619421.jpg)

My 12V alternator conversion: "Click here for write up" (//http://cletrac.org/newbb/viewtopic.php?t=2227)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/327370525.jpg)


Made new radiator frame:
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/328619441.jpg)

Made lower housing cover and new panel to incorporate hour meter and   idiot lights (new addition) I made the legend plates for GEN and OIL
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/344982567.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/351096491.jpg)

As it is today:
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/351096500.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/351096494.jpg)

Still have to get into the gearbox and finish some sheet metal before I can move any dirt with it but I'm gett'n close. I'll update the progress pics as I go.

Looks Great Hotratz...Keep Up the Good Work.  How about doing an OC-96 for your next project.

Keep the piccy's rolling.  

Quote from: "Orangeman".....How about doing an OC-96 for your next project.

    :cry:

Beautiful work! Thanks for sharing the pictures! They are great help to everyone.

Blake

O.K. just some more progress pics. I found out that my reverse idler gear and the duplex gear (2nd/rev) was toast so I had to pull the trans out. This is an area I had not been into so out it came. Just some pictures of the poor thing again with it's guts spilled on my shop floor. This is fine though because I'm finding a lot of things that should be addressed before this crawler in put back in commission. The gear box is rebuilt now and I'm in the process of rebuilding the final drives making sure everything is replaced before it goes back together.

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/372804083.jpg)

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/372804074.jpg)

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/372804076.jpg)

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/372804084.jpg)

OK, I've made some more progress lately and can now see light at the end of the tunnel. As of today the only pieces I have left to attack are the tracks and the bucket. the sheet metal is finished and painted and will be bolted up in the next couple days. Here's a few more pictures. the rest not posted are in my restore album.

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384860447.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384860446.jpg)

Had to add a gusset for the counter wieght bracket to stop the stress cracking at the top of the saddle.

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384860434.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384860436.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384860439.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384860444.jpg)

I had to make new tool box lids. I relocated the hinges to the outside to make them rain proof. The old piano hinge was installed so that rain water leaked right into the boxes.

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384860426.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384861328.jpg)

Some sheet metal work

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384862377.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384860620.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384860455.jpg)

You can still see where the decal is suppose to go so I wanted to document it.

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384860431.jpg)

Replaced a torn corner and made reinforcement for both sides of the front of the hood.

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384862381.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384860605.jpg)

Some more reinforcement for rusted away metal.

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384860433.jpg)

Added some diamond plate for the floorboards (bling)

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384860460.jpg)
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384860457.jpg)

Look at the dust on this thing! Can't wait to get it out of the shop and wash it.

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/384861329.jpg)

More to come in the next couple weeks!

Very Inspiring! Well done...I love the diamond plate - nice touch.

Steve,
It's looking great.  Thanks for the detailed photos and description.  It takes guts to do it right - especially to tear it all apart to get into the transmission when it was getting so close to done.  After what you found, bet you're glad you did it then!  

Keep those photos coming!

Oh, and thanks for the 12v alternator conversion document!  Now THAT I could use on my AG-6

I appreciate your comments John although sometimes I think my obsession with doing it right is a fault of mine. It seems to take me forever to complete things because of it. I know if I don't I'll agonize about it later. This project has taken me almost three years but I've learned a lot and it's been very satisfying. I especially love coming to this forum and seeing what everyone else is up to with their projects. There is so much variety.

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/386513702.jpg)

Grill cap installed. Too bad most of it gets covered up by the grill guard anyway

I am not sure how you could bring yourself to work this show tractor

Slightly more progress..

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/387710828.jpg)

(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/387710830.jpg)

In honor of my newly born Grand daughter, Isabella Rose Cameron
(//http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/387710826.jpg)

The OC-4 is looking great!

Could you tell me a little more about the phosphate coating? Is it what is also called black oxide?

Yes, Black, Gray, Olive Green oxide coating is the same process. The military calls it "parkerizing" It comes in a concentrate that you mix with water. Heat to 190-200 deg. F in a stainless tub or pan. I sandblast all the parts prior to dipping in the solution. Most parts only need to be submerged in solution for about 10 mins. I then pull the parts and let dry and apply a light oil, usually WD-40. It's great for parts that you want a rust resistant finish on when paint really isn't a good option.

Ok, I'm familiar with parkerizing too, but didn't realize it was the same thing. Where can one get the concentrate?

There are multiple sources on the web that sell it.

http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/black.htm (http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/black.htm)
http://www.calvan.com/html/jumbo_kits.html (http://www.calvan.com/html/jumbo_kits.html)
http://www.parkerizingkits.com/ (http://www.parkerizingkits.com/)

Has anyone tried a parkerizing finish on the track pads? Seen a lot of posts here and there wondering what the best finish would be. Seems like it would hold up a little better than paint. Just wondering if anyone has tried it?

And would you or could you parkerize the manifolds?

Everything I have tried on manifolds (spray can) has quite quickly cracked or rusted through or peeled off.
I wish I knew someone who could powder coat small items.

Any advice on restoring the appearance of manifolds?

The tracks would be difficult to do unless you could find a cold process that could be sprayed or brushed on. The metal has to be very clean with no rust. The manifolds would be doable if you had a large enough vessel to submerge them in. The phosphate finish is somewhat dependent on having a light oil covering so it would require re-oiling somewhat frequently when the manifolds cooled.

VHT makes a 2000 degree flat black paint. I just used some on the fire box of my smoker and it still looks like I just painted it.  VHT Paint (//http://www.vhtpaint.com/flameproof.html)

Well I'm finally calling this project finished. It took me nearly 3 years in between two other projects and an un-ending list of honey-do's but all there is left to do is move some material with it. Here are a few pics I took today. Please forgive the color editing.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/19016921/394393352.jpg)

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/19016921/394393353.jpg)

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/19016921/394393354.jpg)

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/19016921/394393357.jpg)

;D Impressive! ;D

Quote from: Blake Malkamaki on January 04, 2011, 01:59:14 AM
;D Impressive! ;D

I will go along with Blake Very Impressive !!!! .Ian .

Very nice looking tractor. Great job! It would almost be a shame to get it dirty. I bet it didn't look that nice when it was new.

WOW!  Very nice.  Any other projects planned?

Quote from: dadjon on January 06, 2011, 01:20:35 PM
WOW!  Very nice.  Any other projects planned?

Oh you know there is. I actually started on an OC-3 (http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/19105751) but got sidetracked when I was looking for some parts for it and talked myself into buying the OC-46 the guy was also trying to sell. Right now since the OC-46 is done I've re-directed my attention to finishing my 1976 CJ-5 (http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/13230457) that I also started in the middle of the OC-46 build. It's pretty close to drivable right now. Then I haven't decided if I should get back to the Supper 55 (http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/18648914) or the VW Baja Bug (http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/772438) (that I started way before any of the other projects  ::),) Yeah, you could say I have a few more in the works  ;D

Very nice work, I see you have about as many projects as I do. It is amassing that our wife's stay with us with all the time and money spent on our toys.

Quote from: spectra on January 06, 2011, 03:55:37 PM
Very nice work, I see you have about as many projects as I do. It is amassing that our wife's stay with us with all the time and money spent on our toys.

Oh, She has her projects too! ;)

My wife would rather that I have something to work on at home, because then she knows where I'm at. I'm presently restoring a 1969 Ford Torino GT Fastback.

Hey i rebuilt a 1956 willys m38a1 about 6 years ago. I would love to see pics of your jeep Hotratz.
I am in the process of rebuilding a 1978 international loadstar 1850 now. My wife doesn' say to much, she usually just wants to know how much this project will cost.

Quote from: dadjon on January 07, 2011, 01:13:14 AM
Hey i rebuilt a 1956 willys m38a1 about 6 years ago. I would love to see pics of your jeep Hotratz.
I am in the process of rebuilding a 1978 international loadstar 1850 now. My wife doesn' say to much, she usually just wants to know how much this project will cost.

Click on the links in my post above and it will take you to the pictures. I even have one of THESE (http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/21475886) to go with your M38A1

Hotratz: Should be very proud of your work, very nice OC-46.

Do you know what the total weight of the machine is - with the loader attached, or rough guess? 

I would like to restore one for use here on the farm.

Thanks...Orangman  ;)

Quote from: Orangeman on January 11, 2011, 10:42:06 AM
Hotratz: Should be very proud of your work, very nice OC-46.

Do you know what the total weight of the machine is - with the loader attached, or rough guess? 

I would like to restore one for use here on the farm.

Thanks...Orangman  ;)

My research indicates a total weight of around 7200 lbs.  Just heavy enough that I now need a bigger trailer and a newer truck to tow it anywhere safely.  ::)

Hotratz
I saw this loader on craigs list, it is advertised as an OC-3 but it looks alot like yours. Do you know if this would fit an OC-3?
http://nh.craigslist.org/grd/2101093744.html ???

No, this is a Ware 3-WI model loader assembly that was pretty much standard on the OC-3. The OC-4 came with a Ware model 46 loader assembly.

You can see the differences here

(http://images.craigslist.org/3kf3o03lc5Y65X55R2ac75e4bd1eda81617cd.jpg)

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/15042131/351096494.jpg)

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL83/533924/19016921/394393352.jpg)

If you'll notice, the model 46 loader has an additional set of articulating links about 3/4ths up the lift arm that the top of the bucket cylinders attach to. This maintains the bucket at position when the lift arm is moved up and down.

Quote from: hotratz on January 15, 2011, 03:57:11 AM
If you'll notice, the model 46 loader has an additional set of articulating links about 3/4ths up the lift arm that the top of the bucket cylinders attach to. This maintains the bucket at position when the lift arm is moved up and down.

This was an Oliver/Cletrac invention that put their loaders WAY ahead of any competition. If you look at a Cat 977H you'll see some crazy loader linkage that surrounded the operator and made it very difficult to get on and off the tractor. As soon as the Oliver patents were available after they stopped building crawlers, Cat used the same bucket linkage on the 977K and later loaders. Most of the other manufacturers use it now as well.

Another advantage was lowering the bucket boom and linkage down to a lower position above the hood so it didn't interfere with operator visibility as much.

Blake

Does anyone have an opinion of the value of this loader?  Is it worth the $550 that they are asking for it? I have an OC-3 with the older "stub" frame. Will  this loader work on the older frame?

The issue might not be the stub frame (although that will be put under considerable stress) but whether you have the industrial track supports. This loader was designed for industrial model OC3 crawlers. The front 3-WI loader frame attaches to the industrial-type track supports (see pic - triangular shaped and MUCH heavier built than earlier HG and non-industrial OC3)

Gazer61,

Opions are free so here goes .............

As far as the value, it all depends on the condition of the parts, availability of remaining parts required to complete the project, and alternative solutions (e.g. swap).  Loaders can be infinitely usefull but make any engine work a PITA.  Probably why there are so many OC-3's with hacked up hoods.

What I don't see in the picture is the weight package, rear support brackets, hydraulic pump, pump mounting bracket, crankshaft attachment and any kind of grill guard.

I bought my Oliver OC3-42 sight unseen from a guy 600 miles away realizing it was going to require some work but that's what make it a hobby.

If you do decide to purchase, we're here to help.

Here's a pic of the Track Frame support:


Jethrow

I have a long term plan. I have an OC-3 that does not have a serial tag. Before I got it, someone put an older HG frame on it and welded a support around the bell housing cut out. Over time I have collected the newer "full" frame,final drive castings and the industrial track supports. After I get my Dads finished I plan on tearing this one down and upgrading the frame. This may be a few years down the road, so I wondered if I bought the loader now would it fit on the tractor as it sits. Maybe it will be best to wait until I actually have it rebuilt to look for a loader :-\
(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww45/gazer1960/IMG_0372.jpg)
this is the tractor before I bought it
Can I assume that the hydraulic pump from the Anderson dozer will work?

Hotrats
Sorry for hijacking your thread. :-[   I did want to mention what a great job you have done on your tractor, it is clearly show quality. When are you going to add some pictures to the photo album? 

My guess is the hydraulic pump will be a smaller one than normally used for the 3-WI loader. When you need one let me know: I have spares AND I have 2 whole spare 3-WIs too. One is in PA, the other in Upstate NY. Just an idea.
I'd do a straight swap for your blade set-up ???

this may help answer  one of my earlier questions. What is one of these loaders worth? How much would you need to get for one of them? ???
I will keep this in mind for when I really get to doing it.

About what the other guy is asking 'cept mine would come with including, pump, rear weight box or slab weight(s)
I also have a 3-HI for sale...cheaper but under a snow pile right now  >:(
(sorry, I had to check out what that 'marquee' moving button did!)