«Previous    Next»
"G" Man Converts Old AC's To Diesel Power
Allis Chalmers made more than 30,000 G tractors between 1947 and 1955. John Strickland figures the ones that are left are worth restoring and putting to work.
    Strickland, also known as the "G" Man, restores and rebuilds old G's into modern diesel machines.
    He starts by removing the old Continental engine and replacing it with a 3-cyl. Isuzu industrial 22 hp diesel. This process includes clutch adapter plates, with a new clutch and rebuilt pressure plate, reworking the radiator and cooling system, relocating spouts, and re-shaping the shrouds to fit the new engine. A new 11-gal. fuel tank is included.
    He converts the electrical system to 12-volts and adds a 12-volt alternator, a constantly running electric fan, an electric fuel pump, front and rear lights and a full console of gauges to monitor oil pressure, water temperature and amps. He also adds an electric PTO to handle a mower.
    Roughly 60 percent of the original G's had hydraulics, but not live hydraulics. Strickland adds live hydraulics, an engine-driven hydraulic pump, a transmission/hydraulic fluid reservoir, and 4-way hydraulic control valve.
    The process also includes new gear shift boots, front spindle bushings, wheel seals and bearings, new transfer gear shaft and bearings, improved brakes, a check of the ring gear rivets (and peening them when necessary), and a heavy duty new front lift bar with ram installed.
    He replaces all four tires, adds a large U-bar rear hitch, rebuilds the steering box and re-coats the steering wheel.
    Finally, he strips, sands, primes, and repaints the G its original AC orange, finishing it off with new decals that proclaim it a "G Diesel."
    Strickland has converted G's for sale. He'll take your old G in trade, or he'll restore it for you. Prices range from $7,500 to $10,000 for the diesel conversion. Strickand says he can also rebuild the original Continental gasoline engine if you'd prefer, but the cost is the same as a new diesel.
    He also sells used, remanufactured, and reproduction parts for G's. In addition, he has rebuilt G cultivators and sells after-market 60-in. under-belly mowers to fit the converted diesel tractors. Pick up and delivery is available from his locations in Michigan and Florida.
    Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, John Strickland, G Diesels, 12717 NW 75th Terrace, Alachua, Fla. 32615 (ph 368 462-4685; jjseng@netcommander.com).


  Click here to download page story appeared in.



  Click here to read entire issue




To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.
Order the Issue Containing This Story
2003 - Volume #27, Issue #1