I'll throw my Gravely Custom in the ring. Initially, it started as a project to fill the winter months of 2010/2011. Then it became a half decade long saga, lol. The goal was to build a Gravely with features to my liking. I wanted better ground clearance, and a broader stance. Also big on my list was a hinged hood and forward/reverse controls that were better placed for the operator. The end result would still look predominantly Gravely, just one you weren't quite sure if you had seen the model before. With time, in years, that morphed into something a bit different. A little louder, on the edgy side. It was a ground up build starting with the chassis. In order to lengthen the frame 9" I took the front half of a 60's Gravely 432 and the back half of an 80's 8169.
I welded the two halves together and that gave me my platform.
An early mock up with stretched hood. This also shows using larger diameter front wheels.
I built rear axle extensions, with false axle ends, to widen the stance. New front spindles were also made.
Another feature I wanted was different headlights. These are old Ford tractor lights. The location was later lowered.
Never liked reaching so far forward next to the steering wheel to change direction on the stock Gravelys. Going in reverse, especially. I took a control lever off a 60's Gravely 430 Commercial and put the lever next to the seat. The linkage was scratch built from scrap pieces.
Took a piece of CNC cover panel and bent up the new hood.
Made the hood hinge. Never liked having to take out 8 screws just to get under the "hood". Gas tank? Narrowed Campbell Hausfeld air compressor tank.
Somewhere along the line I just couldn't bring myself to cover up what I just love about Gravelys.........that rear engine linked to the massive tranny/rear end. The external clutches and linkage. No more seat pan. I used a Sears Suburban springer I had in the pile.
With the new look, I figured a gauge cluster would be cool. Just bent the stock cover and made the holes with a hole saw.
The rear fenders are off a '63 Bolens 800. The front tires and wheels are the rears off the same tractor. The Bolens was a scrap yard save. I tilted the fenders back to replicate the lines of the old Auburns, Cords and Duesies I admire.
The power plant is a Kohler Magnum 18hp off a '90 Gravely 18G. To spice it up a bit, I fabbed stainless exhaust ending in VW chrome tips. It's totally open. Brought up the fuel flow to match the new exit rate. Turned a aluminum riser and topped it off with a Edelbrock air filter. The taillight's a side maker off an old flatbed trailer.
First night fire up! Push button start, temporary throttle control.
It has a gas pedal throttle, which makes for some fun. She's never gone to paint. I dig the ratty look. It shows the build in it's own way. This is the way she sits now.
The chrome "Custom" emblem is off a 60's Ford Galaxy.
A good friend at the wheel :thumbs: