HPE Muskin Dune Cat

#1
Hi, I picked up this Dune Cat a several weeks ago. There are more pictures within my album. It is the 3hp small tire version. It no longer has the torque convertor set but instead uses a jackshaft arrangement. The body has a small crack under the seat, repaired section in the front left nose, a few holes from what looks like a horn was installed, there is also a small crack near the right rear next to one of the body attachment bolts. It has a replacement 3hp Briggs motor. The tires are Goodyear Terra’s, 16x6.50-8 in the front & 18x9.50-8 in the back.
I plan on installing Carlisle 11x22.0-8 ATV tires in the back. I haven’t decided what to put in the front yet. I was told that 18x9.50-8 in the front are too large and would hit the frame so I am trying to find something in the 18x8.50-8 range. I would think the original 16x6.50-8 would look funny with the 11x22 tires in the back(?). I also plan on doing some of the fiberglass repair work, having all new decals made along with a seat using pictures from original adds, installing a 5hp Briggs with a torque convertor set up.
Well today I planned on removing the rear wheels, pulling off the old tires, sandblasting and powder coating the wheels silver and installing the new Carlisle’s.
Thought it wouldn’t take long but ran into some issues. I took the nuts off the rear wheels and I can’t get either wheel off. It appears that they may have never been off. The result is corrosion has in essence welded the axle to the wheel. I spent hours today soaking the wheel/axle with Liquid Wrench, using a torch to heat them followed by some pounding from the inside with a breaker bar and my 2lb ball peen hammer. They did not move at all. If anyone has any ideas please let me know since I want to avoid if at all possible damaging the original wheels or axles. Thanks, Rick

 
Last edited:

james c

Active Member
#4
okay, we are going to have to introduced, im james, ive done everything you can do to one of these, converted to big bolck, converted to peerless rear end, converted to turning brakes, converted to larger wheels.
 
#8
Hi James, thanks for the input. I believe you are correct in that I will not be able to free the axle from the wheel in this case. I took a sawzall to the one of the tires to get it off the rim allowing more access. An hour later and I still don't have the wheel separated from the rim. It's like the bead is glued to it and there are wires embedded within the tire bead. What did you have to modify to install the peerless rear and where did you get it? Thanks, Rick :grind:
 
#9
:drool: I'd almost leave the body the way it is. Thats pretty nice original.. :shrug: I have a 1973 Briggs with kinda beat up but pretty sweet original gold paint.. Has like next to no run time on it original from 1973.. :wink:
 
#10
I had a similiar problem when I first worked on my trike I got off Ebay. One wheel just refused to come off. The wheels had a key way and what I believe happen is the key got jammed up inside and wedged the rim to the axle. I ended up cutting the tire off and chopped the rim down to where i could get at the key way and sliced along the keyway end to end with the rim and it finally came off. Ended going to a lawn care place that had the old Murray mid engine riding mower and bought both rims from him. They are keyed and will handle a 15x6-6 tire. Cost 16 dollars for two rims. As for the Peerless differential check you eyes on Ebay. I have 3 extra diffs for furture trike projects and paid an average of less then 50 dollars shipped. I look for the ones at least 29 inches long overall. Check my photos for my trike. Make/model unknown but its my favorite toy I built for the grandchildren so far.
 
#12
Not knowing how your rear end was installed, but to install a Peerless diff you will need at least 3 jackshaft mounting plates(kits) with 3/4" x 1 3/8" bearings. One plate at each end and one a close a possible to the diff gearbox to prevent flexing.
 
#14
Thanks for the info & comments guys. :thumbsup: I found another Peerless differential set up on eBay, item number 120614585803. Looks to be more complete. Not sure if the 29" will work? Rick
 
#15
I checked the breakdown of that diff on OutdoorDistributors and it says their axles are18 inches long each? Which means the gearbox is centered and overall length is over 36 inches? You may want to recheck with seller about the overall length, and the part number on the data plate on the gearbox. Personally 80 dollars is to much for that diff when you consider NorthernTool sells a brand new one for $99 and is 38" long with 1" shafts.
 
#16
Does anyone have a really good picture of the Dune Cat decals? A friend and I are restoring one and that the decals are one of the final pieces we need. I'm sure we can have them made or custom paint them but I have had no luck finding any good pictures of them. The one I need is the one on the side near the top of the seat.

Thanks.

skinley@hotmail.com
 
#17
I am looking for a really good picture of the decal on the side of a dune cat. The one near the top od the seat. I believe there is one on each side. We are restoring a Dune Cat and this is one of the final pieces. I'm sure if I had a really good close up picture of the decal I could either have one made or do a custom paint of the logo

PLEASE HELP!!!!

Thanks

Scott
skinley@hotmail.com
 
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