Panzer Tractor Restoration - Plymouth rear axle

[Hondarider]

So this may be a bit off topic for the Flathead Mopar forum, but I've got a strange application and finding technical information has been a challenge.

 

In order to maintain my sanity during the long New England winters, I like to spend my evenings and weekends in the garage spinning wrenches on some mechanical pursuit or another.  This year, I'm restoring a 1962 Panzer garden tractor with a 1953 Plymouth 8.25" rear axle.  This is a ridiculously overbuilt little piece of mechanical Americana manufactured on the East Coast from 1954 to 1971. My understanding is that the factory built these little tractors with shortened Plymouth rear ends exclusively; welding the frame tubes directly to the axle housings.  This particular example made its mark on me when I was in the 3rd grade and, 35 years later, I'm still enamored by the turquoise colored machine.

 

You can read the backstory on my little tractor and my entire restoration (in excruciating detail) here:  http://gardentractortalk.com/forums/topic/49347-a-childhood-dream-realizedmy-very-own-t70es/

 

The reason I'm writing on your forum today is that I'm looking for information on the 8.25" rear end.  I've got new axle bearings, but I'm trying to locate outer axle seals and shims.  These are the seals that go between the bearing and the backing plate to keep the grease out of the brake drum.  They're made out of cardboard or something organic The rear end is #1141544-53 with 16 spline shafts.  I've been searching around, but nobody seems to speak "old Plymouth" unless its an 8.75" rear end under a muscle car.  I'd really like to find the shimming procedure, the recommended gear oil for the pumpkin, and a source for the seals.

 

Any recommendations or advice are greatly appreciated.

 

Here are a few pics if you're not interested in clicking on the link...

 

BEFORE

 

CURRENT

 

PLYMOUTH AXLE

 

Thanks for reading.  ~Ross

 

 

 

[1940plymouth]

I would say after reading your "History" you have a good handle on writing also.  Very good write up

 

My son was given a Panzer back in the early 90's, he got it running then sold the Panzer and a 1947 Allis-Chalmers to a man in Mass, who had drove here to buy the Allis, saw the Panzer and bought that also

[Hondarider]

Thank you sir!  I seem to spend a lot of time taking things apart and writing about it on the Internet.  I sometimes think that I might start these projects just so I'll have something to write about.

Edited December 31, 2015 by Hondarider

[1950 Special Deluxe]

Just finished reading the complete story, great story.

Thanks for taking the time to write it up and share.