number of links

[rob love]

A lot depends on how long ago it has been driven. A freshly restored vehicle will usually quickly go through a few links as the accumulated rust and debris is worn from the track pins. Mine was at 162 when I got it. After dragging it around the yard a bit, and the work done to the suspension etc, it ended up going back together with 160 links to be adjusted properly. After the restoration was completed a short decade later, the track quickly went out of adjustment after just a few miles. Within a few more it became necessary to remove the three links. The track is holding it's own now, but as I mentioned earlier, it will be replaced in the spring with a set of 165 link.

Your mileage may vary of course...it all depends on how rusty the pins are. I actually threw a track at the event we attended this summer. I had just been doing a series of sharp pivot turns about 1/4 mile away from our display area without any issue. When I returned to the display area, I had to do a 45° turn to park the carrier. I heard a slightly different noise, and on trying to back up, knew for sure what it was. I had thrown my right track. Two other forum members, Derk Derin and Gordon Falk, both pitched in immediately to effect the repairs. We had to break that track, back off the adjuster, get the track back over the sprocket, remove the required amount of links, and reassemble. This was at a working agricultural museum, and we had an audience. Some guys actually set up lawn chairs to watch.

While breaking track on the other side to remove a similar amount of links, a young lady with a low cut T-shirt also decided she needed to lean over and see what was going on. We call these "carrier groupies". They are not common to find, and alas my wife was standing just 6 feet away. The wife made mention of it a short time later whle road testing the carriers up through the little pioneer village, to which I had to reply that I saw nothing.

[meduffer]

What's the easiest approach to re-pinning a track? Tig weld caps onto ground 4140? I know it's been covered but I'm not sure. Thanks
Mike

[Ben]

Mine took 170 to fit NOS track and sprocket. After 10 miles I could remove three links. It's still not perfect and needs to stretch a little more to mesh properly. It moves a lot very quickly at first.

[Keith Webb]

That's funny!

[Robin Craig]

Rob, where do you source your groupies from and what is the going rate?

R

[rob love]

One does not source carrier groupies. While they are quite rare, they will find you. You may be waiting a long time mind you. As for rates....they are priceless.

[Jon Bradshaw]

If you have the time and a very basic amount of skill, you could do as I did.
I used cold rolled 7/16 steel rod. I made a jig to set the rod to the correct length. Then using a torch and a hammer I made the required pins (330+) to completely re-pin a T16. It took me a few day labour (spread over the winter) but the end result was a "nail head" on each end of the pin. The track works well so far and once I get the project running properly, I will take it out for a good long drive to see how it lasts. I have no doubt that it will work for a long time to come. When compared to the factory pins it is not as "pretty" but very functional.