1948 F-Cub

[tdab]

Hello all,

With this new year comes a new member and a new project.

I recently got my grandfathers old F-Cub and I've decided it's time for it to be restored. I don't know how long it sat outside, but I know it was a while. The problem is that I have no clue as to what I'm doing when it comes to tractors. I've done my fair share on cars though, so with your help we should be able to make this happen. After a once over I know two things. It needs a battery and the engine isn't seized up. Will any car battery do or do I need a specific type?

Thanks for the help and Happy New Year!
Tanner

[Bob McCarty]

Hi Tanner, Welcome to the Forum. In the tool bar above, you can find operator's and service manuals for your Cub. The early Cubs all are 6 volt positive ground. You can use a 12 volt, but only for short periods as it will spin the starter faster and you risk burning it up. You'll also need to prime the oil pump, and the other odds and ends that a long sitting tractor (or car) needs to get it running. Feel free to ask any questions you might have. The "How to" forum also has lots of good info in it.

Bob

[Stanton]

Welcome to the forum, tdab! What a great project for the New Year! Glad to read you got your grandfather's Cub and keeping it in the family.

Don't underestimate searching the Manuals, the How To section and the forum threads itself for answers to questions. Anything you cannot find an answer to, we'll be ready to help!

Here's a How To thread that I always encourage new-to-you Cub owners to follow (here: viewtopic.php?f=145&t=16305 ). Even though it's for a running Cub, many of the suggestions are helpful and will point you the right direction.

Welcome and wish you success!!

[Mike in Louisiana]

Group 1 on 6 volt battery,

And WELCOME TO THE FORUM

[challenger]

Welcome to the Club. As you sense, the first job is education. While most want to jump right in with both hands, resist this and go to Rudi's Manuals on the top of the page, find the manual that is closest to '48 (1949 will do) and read the manual. The answer to your battery question will vary depending on whether you have the original 6 volt or a subsequent 12 v. convrersion. If you see an alternator instead of a generator, you have 12 volts. Otherwise, the 6 volt battery is required. The engine has the oil pump above the pan and must suck the oil up to the pump to prime itself unlike most engines where the pump is submersed in oil in the pan. There is no valve to keep oil from draining back into the pan so the pump needs to be manually primed if the engine has not been run for an extended period of time. This is very important. The oil pump is the 'heart' in the engine.

[AL Farmall Boy]

Keep in mind if you see a generator, it COULD be a 12 volt system also. Cubs made from mid-1964 to 1975 were 12 volt ORIGINALLY and had generators. Cubs prior to that (1947 to mid-1964) were 6 volt ORIGINALLY with a Generator (looks the same visually), and Cubs from mid-1975 to 1979 were 12 volt ORIGINALLY with a Factory Alternator.

Now.....anyone at anytime could have done a 12 volt alternator conversion on your Cub, so it is best to go by the old battery that is on here if there is one. Next, look up the serial number to see what year it is (a few casting codes wouldn't hurt either). Then determine the approximate year and see what the charging system should be, then take a look at your Cub and see what you have. A voltage regulator is a tell tale sign of originality.

Of course, you could post pictures and just let us help you!

[staninlowerAL]

Welcome to the forum, the best place to find anything cub related. Good luck on your project to restore your Grandfather's Cub. Never underestimate the Cub tractor, I have a 1952 that sat for more than 30 years without having the engine turned and it is now a runner in the process of restoration. Stan

[Barnyard]

Welcome to the forum Tanner. The folks here will do everything they can to help you get your Grandfather's Cub back into shape. There is a wealth of information on this site to help you along the way.

I see you are three hours south of me. Mark your calendar for May 29th and 30th for the CubFest just west of Cincinnati. There will be many members from this site in attendance who would be willing to give you hands on experience with your Cub. I guarantee you will learn a lot about Cubs, make a lot of new Cub friends and eat good. Check it out here http://www.barnyardbash.com/