Garage Gazette

TOOLS AND THE SHOP => WELDING & METAL FABRICATION => Topic started by: strik9 on May 14, 2020, 08:58:42 PM

Title: Cat 426 side covers, on a budget
Post by: strik9 on May 14, 2020, 08:58:42 PM

Some plate steel and the engine side covers from an old Cat 951 track loader we parted out.  The hatches are off the 951 hood.

This poor tractor has more hand made parts than original by now.

Title: Re: Cat 426 side covers, on a budget
Post by: muddy on May 14, 2020, 09:08:16 PM

More hand made = better

Sent from my E6910 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Cat 426 side covers, on a budget
Post by: strik9 on May 14, 2020, 09:37:45 PM

Maybe, my dumb ass digging in piles of scrap can be inventive but not always make a better part.
He goes the scrap pile route as original parts, if available, would cost a ton more.  This is a 1995 machine.  Support is mostly drivetrain by now.

Title: Re: Cat 426 side covers, on a budget
Post by: goodfellow on May 15, 2020, 07:30:15 AM

Whatever works -- owner should be glad that there are still people like you (and your employer) who are willing to fabricate parts and panels for such old equipment at a reasonable price point. That kind of service is becoming rare these days. 

Title: Re: Cat 426 side covers, on a budget
Post by: strik9 on May 15, 2020, 02:07:33 PM

Holes drilled, bolts placed and a lot of welding  to make it a finish.  Paint comes next.

Title: Re: Cat 426 side covers, on a budget
Post by: oldnslo on May 15, 2020, 03:31:00 PM

I see the one pic (last one) has screening but dont see that in the other pics. Should there be more venting?

Title: Re: Cat 426 side covers, on a budget
Post by: strik9 on May 15, 2020, 04:25:17 PM

The entire front section under the word "turbo" is that vented area, both sides.  The oil tank sets in front of the radiator and blocks frontal air.  It draws air from the front side areas.

Title: Re: Cat 426 side covers, on a budget
Post by: strik9 on May 15, 2020, 09:52:59 PM

Now with paint.  It almost looks right.

Title: Re: Cat 426 side covers, on a budget
Post by: oldnslo on May 16, 2020, 07:05:54 AM

Looks nice! Put'er to work now  :)

Title: Re: Cat 426 side covers, on a budget
Post by: slip knot on May 16, 2020, 09:38:19 AM

nice, paint makes everything look original.

Title: Re: Cat 426 side covers, on a budget
Post by: eborcim on May 16, 2020, 10:55:18 PM

Functional with OEM look.   Nice!

Title: Re: Cat 426 side covers, on a budget
Post by: pkerot on May 24, 2020, 06:49:07 AM

I enjoy your posts strik9

Title: Re: Cat 426 side covers, on a budget
Post by: ScoutDriver on May 24, 2020, 11:16:03 AM

Nice work!!

Scott