We Bought Another 1967 Craftsman 6hp 855C Yesterday......

[1967Craftsman's]

Hi Everyone,

I got a couple updates on the tractor. It went to its first show of the new year at the end of April, and its been running great. It went to its 2nd show of the year at the beginning of May, but we go to unload it when we get home and sadly the steering is broken. The steering wheel just spins by itself, and not with the tires. The ball joint came off from the drag link. I was told by someone at another tractor show this past weekend that putting a washer there could fix that? Anyway my stepdad took the link off the tractor and put it in the garage for now, until he can figure out a way to fix it. He was thinking about going to tractor supply to try and find something. Here are a couple pictures of it at the show, and the broken piece. Unless someone has a way to possibly fix it, I will update at a later time when something happens…..

 

[1967Craftsman's]

I also had 2 belt guards made by a local fabrication shop using my original 6 horsepower Craftsman 855 project one as a template, I got one for my stepdads tractor here and one for my hydrostatic Craftsman some day. When I got it back, I put a couple coats of gray rustoleum automotive 2 in 1 sandable primer on it to keep it from rusting since its bare metal. I’m planning on giving this to my stepdad as a Father’s Day present. Here is a picture of it in primer, and the type of primer I used…..

 

[4getgto]

Hi Everyone,

I got a couple updates on the tractor. It went to its first show of the new year at the end of April, and its been running great. It went to its 2nd show of the year at the beginning of May, but we go to unload it when we get home and sadly the steering is broken. The steering wheel just spins by itself, and not with the tires. The ball joint came off from the drag link. I was told by someone at another tractor show this past weekend that putting a washer there could fix that? Anyway my stepdad took the link off the tractor and put it in the garage for now, until he can figure out a way to fix it. He was thinking about going to tractor supply to try and find something. Here are a couple pictures of it at the show, and the broken piece. Unless someone has a way to possibly fix it, I will update at a later time when something happens…..


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Those ball and sockets are hit and miss on repairing as is. Probably not long term.
But it looks like you'd be able to drill the socket out and find a swivel that's threaded on both sides. Ace normally has some too. Not sure what size you need. 5/16" and 3/8" being the most common for steering. Also seen people cut off the end and weld a new 90° one on in its place. Very repairable though. Just Google "ball and socket joint" and should find something to start with. Thinking of something like pictured below.

 

[1967Craftsman's]

Hi Everybody,

My stepdad found a way to fix his steering. And actually made and installed the new piece. He bought 2 sets of 1997 and prior year ball joints and a piece of 3/8 rod from tractor supply. He says he cut the rod and threaded it to fit into the joints, and had to angle it to make it exactly like the original. He says made the rod adjustable to where he wanted it, so the steering wheel can be centered if need be. The nuts are there and tightened after they were where he wanted it adjusted. He made it a couple days ago, and put it on. Pictures are below. I will also put this in the tractors own post in the tinker time section. I think it came out really good, and its not even mine! Now I’m gonna get some joints and rod then do the same thing for mine…..