Finally back to work on my 1946 AG-6

[John D]

Everything has gone exceptionally well up to this point in the project, so it was time that I ran into some problems.

I ran a new copper gas line yesterday. I couldn't get the compression fittings to seal. I will have to take the tank out to see what's going on under there. I should have done the gas test before installing the tank.

BTW,  I had cleaned and sloshed the tank 10 years ago.  Nice to be able to put the iPhone inside for these pictures.  The tank has three chambers with large portholes between each.

I also ran into some issues with the hydraulic lines.  One of the custom fittings was broken (it's a 1/2" pipe nipple with pipe thread at one end and a JIC fitting brazed to the other).

In the photo it is coming out of the "T" fitting and attaches to the hydraulic hose.

Just more time and $$$ to fix.

[John D]

Another good day at work on the Cletrac project.

Gas line issues resolved today.

Painted & installed the hydraulic cylinders

Installed an air filter.

Re-threaded the 1/2" pipe nipple with the JIC fitting brazed to it. Saved it!

Hydraulic hoses installed & system tested. Found another nipple that had a hairline crack and was leaking right at the control lever.  Replaced that and now there are no more hydraulic leaks.

I drove it out of the shop for more photos.

Because I want to get it back to work next weekend I installed the old hydraulic controls and hoses. I have a  new tank and control lever ready to go but it will need different hose fittings.

I'm in the final stretch to the finish line.  It's now about 95% complete.

The paint on the blade WILL show use by the end of September.

[hotratz]

I like the black paint on the hydro. cylinders. Makes for nice detail.

[John D]

Thanks Steve. I was aiming for high contrast and really like the appearance.
When the new hydraulic tank and control is ready it will complete the black hydraulic system.