My list of stuff to get done before the first of November keeps getting longer (I'm trying to eliminate a lifetime of "collecting" by both me and my late wife, including having some kind of a sale). Along with this, I'm debating on what path to take in getting the 149 in running shape - here's some things I'm considering:
- The PO was a butcher, the drive shaft was a piece of work (low speed u-joints cobbled together), the voltage reg is mounted to the gas tank, the brakes are now independent levers that come through relief holes cut in the fenders, looks like an 8N Ford setup). At the same time the sheet metal and 'glass are in decent shape and the hydraulics are all good and worked when I ran it.
- The 14 horse K321 ran, but smoked pretty bad.
- I have a non IH K341 16 horse ( Ford GT with 1 1/8 crank nose on it) that also runs, but smokes, too. (12 fin, Harry).
The rest of the project is pretty clear, I'll probably go with Dave Kemp's driveline mod, get a new wiring harness from Charlie, I've already rebuilt a SG for it and if I use the K341, can get the pulley/ clutch basket hub bored to 1.125. The real question is whether it' worth going through what it takes to convert the non-spec K-341 to mount in the the 149. I'm aware of the pan/ rod dipper issues, I think the K321 pan will fit and as far as the PTO, I'd look at converting to an electric.
The flip side is that without all the BS of converting, I could get the K32 rebuilt, build a driveshaft, put a new wiring harness in it and then after addressing the usual steering slop, trunion wear, etc. I'd be ready - and the current PTO clutch looks to have been recently rebuilt.
In either case, this will NOT be restoration - I'll be putting a Cat 0 on the back for use with a box scraper, and working it like the 129 .. Comments??