500 Basket Case

[alaska120]

Hello to the group! I recently picked up an early 500 model that has been mostly disassembled (it was destined for the scrap pile). It has no motor and no drive clutch but I think I have figured out alternatives for those. As I work my way through the reassembly process it appears a few smaller pieces are missing. Most of these I have found on e-bay but a couple I haven't. At this point in the process I know I need a curious looking pipe section that connects between the filter and pump (an odd 'y' shape) #6504699 on the parts list, and the linkage between the pedal and valve assembly for the aux system. Any leads would be helpful. Thanks in advance... J

 

[alaska120]

I think I figured out the 'y' pipe assembly. Took some guesstimated measurements and fabbed one up. Guess I'll do the same for the linkage piece. I haven't had any luck finding parts so I suppose it will end up being customized a bit.

 

[SkidRoe]

I think I figured out the 'y' pipe assembly. Took some guesstimated measurements and fabbed one up. Guess I'll do the same for the linkage piece. I haven't had any luck finding parts so I suppose it will end up being customized a bit.

Finding parts for old machines can be a laborious exercise. Well done fabbing your own, that's what I end up doing.
With regards to your absent engine, here is something you may find interesting:
http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/Repower-Old-Equipment/Bobcat-500-Category/
I used this website as the inspiration to repower my 440b.
Good luck on your rebuild and keep us posted on your progress.
Cheers - SR

 

[Tigerhaze]

I have a complete M-500 that I would sell but if you are in Alaska as your screen name implies the shipping would probably be a dealbreaker for you.

 

[alaska120]

I have a complete M-500 that I would sell but if you are in Alaska as your screen name implies the shipping would probably be a dealbreaker for you.

Yup. I'd love to have a spare however the shipping would be rough. Bobcats (actually any equipment) are rare as hens teeth up here and worth their weight in gold. As you can imagine, all shipping is rough in this state. You learn to build what you need or make due with what you have. I keep a scrap pile of steel and several sheds full of ...stuff... much to the chagrin of my wife. I keep telling her 'you never know when you might need that widget!' For the pipe I used a cut down section of old pipe that was already threaded on one end, cut a hole and welded the smaller one in to make the 'wye' shape. Weather is closing in but I'm determined to make this thing operational before the ground freezes!