1973 Clark Ranger 666 Restoration

Natureswaytreef · August 29, 2019, 11:25:52 AM

I'm hoping that with all of the great Forestry people on this site I can share the story behind this great machine and my fathers legacy, When I was 20 years old my father purchased this for me as I had just completed Forestry in college and was managing private timber land for customers in Oregon. With one of the first Mobile Dimension Sawmills produced we set out to thin trees and cut lumber for our customers so they could build homes and shops. My Father has been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer, one of my goals is to completely restore this to new condition so he can see it before he passes.. Here are a few pics as it was sitting for years. My son and I went and serviced it and it started right up. Also I'm hoping maybe someone can stir me in the right direction for parts I may need. Its off to paint and new tires. More pics to come as we progress.

Jeff · August 29, 2019, 02:23:45 PM

Awesome! Welcome.

Crusarius · August 29, 2019, 02:32:24 PM

Looking forward to see the progress of this. Welcome.

celliott · August 29, 2019, 03:39:04 PM

Nice looking Clark! I have a 666C that's a bit rougher than that. Good machine though.
453 Detroit power?

I haven't needed many parts but have gotten a few things from Pete's equipment in Morrisville VT. But that's on the opposite coast from you.

Pine Ridge · August 29, 2019, 04:16:47 PM

Hats off to you for what you are going to do, you will not regret doing this for your dad, wish you the best of luck .

thecfarm · August 29, 2019, 05:08:22 PM

Welcome to the forum.
Looks like all the pieces are there,meaning sheet metal and guards. New tires and paint will make that skidder look like new again.

A-z farmer · August 29, 2019, 07:10:31 PM

Natures way
Welcome to the forum
Very nice restoration you are doing of the Clark .
Thank you for sharing your pictures on forestry forum ,and I am sure your dad will be happy with you and your sons efforts.
Zeke

florida · August 29, 2019, 09:29:50 PM

I'll bet your Dad would appreciate you spending as much time as you can with him rather than putting new tires on an old machine. Your Dad will be gone soon, the machine can wait.

hacknchop · August 29, 2019, 09:54:36 PM

Welcome to the forum , looking forward to more posts as you restore the old girl , mine is even older but still does what I need it to do. Hopefully you and your son will have the same sort of memories that you shared with us about you and your dad.

Natureswaytreef · August 31, 2019, 10:23:04 AM

Quote from: florida on August 29, 2019, 09:29:50 PM
I'll bet your Dad would appreciate you spending as much time as you can with him rather than putting new tires on an old machine. Your Dad will be gone soon, the machine can wait.

I am sir, we are spending lots of time and its been great, I have a great support group of friends spearheading this project, Im one lucky guy, Its not taking away from our time together but thanks for the comment.
Mike

Natureswaytreef · August 31, 2019, 12:35:26 PM

Well she is Pressure washed and loaded up and moving to the shop, Also a great friend welded and repaired the corroded battery box

Also the decals have been measured and my graphics guy will replicate them all to original via the computer.

Natureswaytreef · August 31, 2019, 12:36:35 PM

Quote from: celliott on August 29, 2019, 03:39:04 PM
Nice looking Clark! I have a 666C that's a bit rougher than that. Good machine though.
453 Detroit power?

I haven't needed many parts but have gotten a few things from Pete's equipment in Morrisville VT. But that's on the opposite coast from you.

Great info and thanks for the heads up., I truly appreciate that.

Corley5 · September 01, 2019, 08:10:53 PM

The Michigan DNR used to have some 666s equipped with Rome forestry discs and rolling choppers. 6-53 Detroits with Clark autos behind them.

barbender · September 01, 2019, 11:19:00 PM

It looks like that was a well treated machine before it was parked, it should turn out great with a little love! Sorry to hear of your dad's cancer, but I'm glad to hear you're all making the most of the situation👍

Natureswaytreef · September 07, 2019, 12:23:01 AM

The tires are going on, it went good on the removal. Its a bear but the rims look good.

Natureswaytreef · September 07, 2019, 10:43:46 PM

I thought I would post a few pics of the tires going on, Put on new fuel line and other hoses, fixed the micro lock.

Natureswaytreef · September 07, 2019, 11:33:11 PM

Heres some pics with the new tire on.

Corley5 · September 08, 2019, 09:16:51 AM

I love seeing new forestry tires that I didn't have to buy ;) ;D

8) 8) Looking good smiley_clapping

Pine Ridge · September 08, 2019, 10:01:57 AM

Looking good !!!!!

Natureswaytreef · September 08, 2019, 01:04:06 PM

Quote from: Corley5 on September 08, 2019, 09:16:51 AM
I love seeing new forestry tires that I didn't have to buy ;) ;D 8) 8) Looking good smiley_clapping

I tried to find used tires but had no luck as they wanted to much, So as this skidder will be left to my kids and grandkids in a trust, The tree farm and skidder will never be sold. It will be in the family forever. The skidder has definitely paid for these tires over the years, After searching Clark skidders for sale, I think restoring this will be a good thing.

Natureswaytreef · September 09, 2019, 10:48:14 PM

Well it was a battle but they got them on, One rim was pretty rusty, after using the needle grinder it turned out ok. After seeing them on I'm glad I put new ones on as this skidder has pulled 1000s of loads of logs and deserves it. Its close to paint as I have a few minor things to do.

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Natureswaytreef · September 18, 2019, 11:33:34 PM

These guys are doing a great job. Getting most the hard paint off before sand blasting. I cant wait till its done. He is putting a aircraft hardener in the paint.

Natureswaytreef · September 18, 2019, 11:35:31 PM

Looking good

Andries · September 19, 2019, 06:31:48 AM

WHEW! Now that's a lot of work!
Is the paint being removed with a wire wheel on a grinder? Why the sandblasting after the grinder work - does it get rid of the grinder marks?
That Ranger is going to be a beauty when it's finished.