1971 KID 8x8 Build -- Newbie

[s_winkler04]

Update to the KID. Engine and powertrain installed and triple chain hooked up. Body is repaired and should be water tight. I went with flat camouflage tan for the body color. The black areas is rustoleum truck bed spray liner, added a good rough texture and scratch proof. I found a 6ft wide snow plow. I cut a receiver hitch out of wrecked ford expedition that I will use for the front mounting. I have to make a new support bracket for the front. Plan to use a 12v winch to lift the plow. With the receiver hitch I will make a removable mount for the winch to move from the front to rear if needed. Getting closer to driving this beast!


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[s_winkler04]

another update to the build. front snow plow mount is built, need to put on the mounting tabs to mount the plow still. Body is on and bolted in place. electrical hooked up. oil is in. working on getting a new steer cable then should be ready to fire it up.


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[Mike]

I'm enjoying the pictures. It is looking good. I know you have to be getting more and more anxious to fire it up as you get closer and closer.

[riotwarrior]

looking good liking the colour too

[MyNewKID]

I have not been on the site for the better part of a year and seem to have been missing out. The rebuild looks awesome! I've made little progress on the KID this year but am restarting to work the project. I'm replacing the last two 60H drive chains, and am ready to pull off one of the hydrostatic drive for some repair. Starting to add some LED flood lights both front and back for plowing, then on to body repairs, mostly some rot in the pan.

[MyNewKID]

I'd be curious if any KID owner out there has changed the push-pull cables for the steering mechanism, and if so if you have any advise on where to go. I have a few leads from just googling around, but always willing to accept lessons learned from others.....

[s_winkler04]

Well I can say the kid is 99% built. Got the seat built, floor pan in, lights hooked up, and drove it around. It was a good feeling. The kid performed as I expected for a 30hp engine. Had to do some adjusting on the governor but runs pretty good and pretty happy with it. Was really hoping to drive it in a pond this weekend but had some bad weather. I will upload the video to YouTube when I do and share the link, that will be real test. I haven't decided if I will add the snow plow or not. Also thought about a light bar. Overall, it was a fun build and probably will never see another one of these kids in my lifetime. I am glad I took on the project. I will probably enjoy the kid for a couple more weeks then list it for sale as not sure I have much need for it.

[s_winkler04]

I bought my steer cables at truck parts, as close of a match I could find. Part #6203BBU072

[john swenson]

amazing job and a beautiful rebuild !! after all that work seems like it would be hard for you to part with it. thanks for sharing. johnboy va.

[MyNewKID]

I agree with John - the KID looks awesome, a really nice job. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for the part number on the steering cable. I'll check it out!

[1963 pengor penguin]

I buy and sell aatvs all the time and my luck with old 8x8s are rough I really honestly hope that your luck is better!!!

[MyNewKID]

pengor penguin - Those of us who own Kids are kind of fond with their engineering/construction. Unlike many commercial machines, these mil spec units are quite beefy. I don't want to challenge your assessment, but am curious. Is your opinion at all based on any experience with these LTV 8x8s?

[1963 pengor penguin]

I see a nonrunnin kid 8x8 online for 600 but I'm too far away

[s_winkler04]

So after getting the KID up and running a couple things have happened. The rear output PTO shaft seal went out. I found that my set screw on the PTO shaft let loose and allowed the PTO shaft to slide back causing the seal to go bad. Got that replaced. Then I noticed the engine was really doggy after reading forums on the Wisconsin. Found the Wisconsin to be really sensitive to timing and valves adjusted. So I tore the engine down to find the valves out of adjustment, by a lot. Also found an exhaust leak in the process. Got the valves adjusted to spec. installed new spark plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. Then found the distributor to be retarded to much and not aligned with #1. Got it started and could tell a difference immediately. Engine sounded smoother and not so loud. Then the real test, driving it. Wow. this is a completely different machine now, I can actually feel all 30hp out of that Wisconsin. it cuts donuts without hardly dragging the engine down now and I think I got it up to 20 mph. I did a couple more water tests with it. having some trouble uploading the video. This is an absolute blast to drive around now. I really want to see what this thing can do in some deep mud. we will see if that can be next weekend! Starting to debate whether or not I should sell this thing now.

[Aahicnow]

That KId sounds awesome, cant wait to see the video of it in action.