980 hustler nos build

[highrollinmopars]

Hey guys Im finally getting started on the Hustler 980. This Hustler has been in the family since September 15, 1993. My Grandfather bought it for $3975.00 from Hustlers of Houston in Houston Texas and 12 years ago left it to me. I still have all of the original paperwork and owners manuals even for the 18hp briggs engine and skid steer transmission. spent alot of time tracking down a new body and all of the other parts I need. Im trying to restore this thing to look like it just rolled off the line from Hustler. I just picked up the frame and all of the parts from the sandblaster and have them primed and ready in the garage. Pictures to follow. Believe it or not the little boy in front seat of that Hustler in the first picture is me way back in 1993 the day it was delivered.

IMG]http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww81/highrollinmopars/thoamas573.jpg[/IMG]

[highrollinmopars]

I estimate that I will need ~40' of #50 chain can anybody confirm or correct this. Thanks Thomas

[6 WHEELS OR BUST]

My last 950 took 33' of #50 chain.

[Dan67]

I'm looking forward to see your build progress.

[highrollinmopars]

Ok guys Pictures are up. More to follow. I have to fix alot of cracks in the frame. Probably 10 or more places where cracks have formed. Im ordering 20 more feet of Diamond #50 chain, a new drive belt, and still trying to decide whether or not to send the tranny off to recreatives or do it myself. Clutches will be sent off to carts parts plus to get redone.

[Model Citizen]

Wow, that's going to look great when it's done. I just know it.

Bridget

[hydromike]

VERY cool shots so far HRM..... you've got a lot to be proud of so far.

So, I NEED to ask...

What are your plans for the old body???

[North Country Tough]

HRM that is so neat that you got ,and get too redoo the machine that came into your life as a kid,thats something special,your Grandfather must of been a cool guy to drag that home,good luck with the refurb its going to look great,whats your estimate on a completion date ? Nice location your in my father in law winters in Beaufort and loves the area.Cheers N.C.T

[Stonewall]

Looking good, keep up the great work!

So, I NEED to ask...

What are your plans for the old body???

Dang it H-Mike, I was going to ask that!

Could I get second dibs if you decide to sell it?

[highrollinmopars]

I had planned on finding a basket case 950 and using the frame/parts to make another 980 out of my old body. I have big plans for the 2cnd build though. Like some coilovers and a 35hp vangaurd for starters. Then Ill have one thats factory new and one thats highly modified. If anybody happens to have a donor machine they want to sell for cheap pm me.

[highrollinmopars]

Probably a month out before completion. Still have to fix the frame, make tensioners for the chains, send the clutches off, build the tranny, build the split shifter etc.... could be longer Im not so worried about how long it takes to get it done I as I am having it done right and being happy with it when its completed. Does anybody have a parking brake setup or a split shifter setup they want to sell? Thanks Thomas

[highrollinmopars]

[highrollinmopars]

[hydromike]

Excellent work Thomas!

Great work on the split shifter and frame upgrades. That NOS body looks like a FUN project, and the "old" body still looks great, too. I wish I had one of the NOS lowers. I think I'd try to redrill the frame for more wheel spacing. I haven't taken VERY good measurements on mine, but I think it's feasible to fit 28" or 29" tires without creating huge headaches.

[jpswift1]

Looks great! Two BIGFOOTs (bigfeet) certainly makes for a cool 6x6 fleet. Sorry to hear about your bad luck with Richard Clark ripping you off for a center sprocket that didn't fit for $275. That's so typical of him and that's why I tell everyone to avoid him. Here's a better alternative. Call up the guys at Buffalo Bearing at (716) 874-1720. Tell them you're working on a 6 wheeler and you're going to need some sprockets. They'll order the correct sprockets with any center bore size that you like. Get some DOM tube for the sprocket tube, measure the outside diameter and then order the correct sprockets from Buffalo Bearing. Take them to a machine shop and have them welded on and the holes drilled for the sprocket pin/bolt. Now you'll have brand new ones at a MUCH, MUCH lower price than Richard Clark charges. The quality will be much better as well.