Cleats broken on track

[msdiablo65]

Hello!

I have a 1968 Bolens. I had several cleats break off on the left driver side. What can I use to repair them? I have a spare set of tracks but some of the cleats are very loose.

Thanks,
Christine.

[Go Go Diablo]

Christine,

For the broken cleats, all you can do that I know of is replace them as long as the rubber track is not ripped up. I have some new cleats if you need them. Not sure what you mean by the others being loose.

Bruce at bschoblaska@new.rr.com

[msdiablo65]

Hi Bruce,

It seems the rivets on the inside of the track let loose and I have 5 cleats hanging on by the outside rivet. Is it possible to buy the rivets? Or make something that could work? On the extra set of tracks I have some of the cleats are loose. You can pull them away from the track a little bit. Since I'm repairing one set might as well be pro active and fix everything.

Thanks,

Christine.

[Go Go Diablo]

For loose rivets, I would try and reset them. Place the cleat on a hard surface rivet side up (I like to use a piece of railroad iron). Then using the ball of a small ball peen hammer, place the ball on the peened rivet. Then hit the small ball peen hammer with another hammer. See if that tightens up the rivet.

Regarding new rivets, I've yet to have the need to search for them. But I have to believe they are out there. You would need to remove the old cleat. Then grind off the "pinch" holding the rivet rail in place. Pull out the rail and replace the rivets. Then rivet it back together like above.

Make sense? If you have a question, you can call me in the evenings at 920-676-7562 and we can talk further.

Bruce