So, apparently I’m doing a “complete” restoration!

[JustJim]

Had to laugh yesterday. I was bolting the seat post into place, and had occasion to shine a light on the bolt holes to check the threads. What do I see? Sunflower seeds!

Now this poor old Cub had more trash in every available space when I took it apart. Mostly mud dauber wasp nests, but also a surprising amount of seeds and corn kernels obviously stashed by rodents.

I cleaned it thoroughly, but it seems my local resident rodents thought this was too good a storage spot to go unused. We feed sunflower seeds to the wild birds, and the mice are quick to take advantage.

So, yes, my resto will be “complete” - new paint, fresh lubricants, new tires, and even fresh rodent caches. Sheesh!

[inairam]

Wait till you separate the cub to work on the clutch. I had one solid nest in the torque tube from the throwout bearing assembly to the trans.

[JustJim]

Oh, I've already been in there, but sounds as if yours was much worse.

I was a bit surprised when I pulled the head and found nests with some form of live larvae in the water jacket area. The radiator was off the tractor, so I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. Nature finds a way!