New (to me) Thiokol 3700

[johnstonboys]

New to me a 1978 thiokol 3700 Hydromaster. Allis-Chalmers diesel. I didn’t get it in time for our show. It will have passenger space and paint by next year. I am thinking the back half of an old van or small school bus. Anyone have ideas?
It runs great, needs some final drive leaks fixed.

Thanks to @neil_n_77 @theshawnye @dirtdesignsnh and ME johnston construction for help getting it. #thikol #antiquegroomers

 

[Track Addict]

Vintage Camper body with cab over bunk would be my vote!

 

[johnstonboys]

Vintage Camper body with cab over bunk would be my vote!

I thought of that, only problem is the cab has to tilt to the side

 

[Track Addict]

Hot tub on the back then.

 

[redsqwrl]

forward control it and go sit next to the motor.

 

[loggah]

forward control it and go sit next to the motor.

Allen, someone was colorblind who painted that beast!!!! (LOL) Don

 

[johnstonboys]

Allen, someone was colorblind who painted that beast!!!! (LOL) Don

haha. but its one of a kind!!!

 

[Snowy Rivers]

Scare up a nice pickup box and put a "non cabover" camper in it.

You will be able to tilt the cab for service on the engine and still have room for passengers

 

[johnstonboys]

Made some progress on the Thiokol. @loggah is the color better now?

 

[johnstonboys]

 

[GMoose]

Looking great!!!. Get some tracks on that cat and show us some action photos on the snow, please.

 

[Track Addict]

Any tentative show dates for Davenet’s decade long debut?

 

[iceberg210]

Looks great, have you gotten further on the cab/bus/camper idea? Always curious on how folks add those on especially the center cabs.

 

[johnstonboys]

Looks great, have you gotten further on the cab/bus/camper idea? Always curious on how folks add those on especially the center cabs.

Got the tracks repaired and installed. the people pod is made and installed. I still have to fabricate a step/bumper and put the rear door and graphics on......

 

[iceberg210]

Love it! End up about 6 people capacity?

 

[johnstonboys]

Love it! End up about 6 people capacity?

8-9 in back and another up front,

 

[Track Addict]

Nice work boys! Fits the east coast style.

 

[PJL]

Redneck engineering at it's best.

 

[robeastunder]

I am headed to look at one of these that runs, moves and front blade all works and comes with a tiller, i know nothing about these machines so any advice on what to look for would be appreciated, we built a kids rope tow last year at our family farm and are hoping this may be a good addition.

 

[Snowy Rivers]

The 3700 is very similar to the 2100 as far as the general layout

3700 is called the Hydromaster........These are Hydrostatic drive....Various engines were used....The Alis Chalmers 6 cyl diesel...Cat 3208 diesel.....There was a Ford Diesel in there too IIRC

If the Hydrostatic drive is in good shape.....Good deal....These can be expensive to rebuild if the Hydro pumps and the gear motors go away......

Check the hydraulic oil......See how it moves around....If both sides (Drives) seem equal and there is no jerking or strange behavior ...should be a good deal

 

[Wayne]

I have just purchased a 3700A I believe. It has a stakebed now, but I wanted to add a bus or van to the back for hauling kids. I just thought I would check this Forum to see if anybody else was crazy enough to try this. I got lucky, you did it! Any tips on the people pod you added?I want to keep it seperate for tilting the cab too. I was looking at old school buses, small metro vans, etc. What was it you decided on, because it looks really nice.

 

[roceatr]

I have a question. I have the same snowcat with same drive train. When I pulled my starter it had milky gear oil on it. Do you know if gear oil on the fly wheel is normal and if so how much does it hold.

 

[Wayne]

I am no expert mechanic, but milky oil usually indicates water got in there. Also, I don't know why there would be oil in the bell housing, where I am assuming the flywheel and starter gears are located, unless a rear main seal was leaking. However, again, I am no expert on these machines. I am going through the manuals, etc. to learn more about them. I would certainly post this where these old timers can help. I may know just enough to be dangerous.