Fixing a 1978 Ford 555 Backhoe - Area Diesel Service made it Possible!

[@garryblok8514]

I like watching this because I enjoy working on all kinds of things also

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@budlvr]

Welcome to the club of Large Machinery Owners! Ge the Manual ! Soon!

[@CaptainKleeman]

I have the manual for the machine and have had it since the first video.

[@wallbawden5511]

so big Shout out to Area Diesel Service from over here well done guy's also the little Green machine do you have to rev it so hard as real there is no need for that at all

[@CaptainKleeman]

It loves it

[@stevenmacewan1363]

Just like to say I've been watching your videos for quite a while and I'm so glad that you keep it real no matter what mistakes come along you just go right through them I usually watch on the KZbin TV app so I don't always get a chance like but I do enjoy your show and I'm glad you got some great friends to help out when you need it be happy to wear t-shirt or a hoodie from Owen Sound Ontario Canada can't wait to see what you get into next.

[@CaptainKleeman]

I appreciate that!

[@americanpatriot2.06]

I've worked in severe weather conditions all over the world from blizzards on the flighline of Grand Forks AFB, ND fixing snow removal equipment to 120 degree desert temperatures & sand in the Middle East fixing tactical vehicles. Sometimes we had a shop to work in, and sometimes we were out in the elements to get the job done. Been retired from the Air Force since 2016 and sometimes I miss it, and sometimes I don't.

[@DeirdreHickey-nx8nt]

Mike, I think you are the best problem solver on UTube. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🥰🥰🥰

[@joeanonemouse]

Wow! Those are some bad conditions to be outside let alone putting a backhoe together and keeping a sense of humor about it. You ROCK 💪 Captain! Love your channel. Great video. Thank you. 👍

[@stevelandwerth6648]

Area Diesel Service are good people not only fixed you up but apologized for something they had no control over. Thanks for the video

[@dishtech43]

Area Diesel service is an Awesome Place.. They are good at what they do.. They go above at time, what they do...

[@chillywilli]

See you work in the cold already starts my rheumatic pain. Respect for that.

[@garymessina1609]

You are a funny guy captain but third time is charm but it was great to watch you thanks

[@darrylridlon5918]

For not being a mechanic and not being inside a shop you have done one hell of a job by yourself . Excellent build ,keep the videos coming there bud.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@allenelmore4570]

You're most certainly welcome, I know I've seen quite a few 555's in fastline that they reworked to like new. They're a lot like C&C but with a Ford emphasis.

[@detornodoes]

Have to love those outdoor garages. All the fresh air, unlimited light, protection from the elements....... well fresh air anyway...... That weight went on a lot better than I thought unless it was the magic of editing.

[@PaulLB7]

There’s a character in the movie Planes -Fire Rescue that’s a mechanic that doesn’t fix things - he makes them “better than new”. This episode especially reminded me of him. Good work on this so far, been fun to watch.

[@kimhaddon1270]

MacGyver and Dr. Frankenstein would be proud! lol... The Fraken Ford LIVES! Seriously, awesome to see it coming together...

[@nathanhalsey3969]

Fine job bud... Lol ty for bringing us along captain...

[@art1muz13]

I dig your patient and happy-going demeanour. Absolutely love your videos, you know what you're doing whether you know it or not.

[@patiencejoshuagroves7336]

As I watch your progress of repairs and reassembly. I remember when you were starting this project and you were using the word "FORESHADOWING" ... just not always. LoL Its been fun to watching this series... can't wait to see how it turns out after mechanical and cosmetics are completed...

[@lonniechartrand]

The “ratchet strap master” at his best!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Cap’n, lotsa progress. Won’t be long until the triple nickel is worth a dime!

[@hollandduck79]

hello👋 from the Netherlands 🇳🇱. thanks for the video Mike . Sincerely Hollandduck 🇳🇱🦆

[@jimdaly5077]

Another good job,watched the A D S video they did you proud. Enjoy your ice cream you earned it. 👍🐝🌞

[@jafo9346]

The way you modified that alternator bolt with the emory cloth to make it fit was genius.

[@dfusit]

Shoutout to @areadieselservice for being awesome. Surprising amount of progress given the working conditions that you find yourself in. Cannot wait to see this backhoe starting up and working for you. Thanks for the great content Captain!!! Stay safe.

[@DavidB-Scotland]

I'd forgotten about your aptly named 'hammer-drill' - always makes me laugh! Another good video Captain. Thanks!

[@NutsNBolts24]

Watching the water pump bolt problem, I kept saying to the screen. Just run a drill bit through and open it a hair! 😁 Oh well hard ways always funner. 👍 I tell ya though always finds a way to get er done. Great videos.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Nah, I do what I want

[@sharronbell2946]

You always deliver with your droll comments...I love it and you keep me smiling 😊 Thanks.

[@rcguy18]

Turbo on a Deere compact 55, can’t wait to see that video

[@budlvr]

WOOOOW! I've never gotten a "Captain Kleeman Liked Your Comment" email in such a short time! You must be sitting editing a video!😎

[@SammyFender]

Just one of the things that make the 555 so great is that it will give you years of KZbin content. Always remember: Video EVERYTHING every time!!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Very true!

[@jamesbailey586]

I found that it's always helpful to take a picture of it before you take it apart

[@terrypomatto907]

Murphy Law you always have a 50/50 chance of getting anything correct the first time you try to re-assemble the tractor front end. Mike doing an excellent job at everything that you video....

[@dannystubblefield5478]

You have officially earned the title=SHADE TREE MECHANIC good video Captain-

[@allensharlow7763]

You know Mike, I’ve been watching your channel for quite a while now, and I come to realize, THERE IS NOTHING YOU CANT DO , or fix, or build, you really are an amazing Man!!👍👍👍🍮🍮🍮❤️

[@hvnfun8601]

My body’s core temperature dropped 10 degrees just watching you. You bring back memories - like shoveling 18 inches of snow to crawl under my 1951 Chevy to remove my transmission..

[@CaptainKleeman]

That does not sound found!

[@Crewsy]

Everything seems to be going back together well for you Captain. Hopefully with less part removal back tracking. Glad to see Area Diesel Service is helping you out on this and keeping the project moving forward.

[@francoisbouchard602]

Good.job 😄👍👍👏👏cool

[@heatherlane9270]

It's wonderful and enheartening that there are businesses that will support those who struggle with finding what they need. Along with using what you have on hand to do this repair is an example that we can all have a go and succeed.

[@genegoodman5233]

Around 23-24 minutes you gave us some 🎉absolutely magnificent maintenance information about making jobs easier by cleaning the parts and bolts before trying to reinstall them into the item that you’re working on. Some of us knew this beforehand and some of us will have learned something valuable today by watching your videos. Then some of us will keep on doing things like always and just get bigger hammers to make it fit. Now that was fun. Seriously Captain DP does give us some very good information on repairing items while putting a little humor in his videos if we pay attention to what is being done. Thanks Captain, stay safe

[@robertironside3166]

Glad you got this rig and also that your brother will be living close. Brothers are important.. no matter how rough... things come back to closer than anybody else can get. All good news. 🙂 Area Diesel Service are good people too. I remember them working with Wes from watch wes work... on his 4x4 forklift. Very cool folks. Family run too!

[@mr.soundtek5793]

I had to smile. You went and cut the longer belt off THEN turned right around and pulled the existing belt off so you could get the alternator belt on. You could have, Well, you know.... Hey you could probably get Tractor Time with Tim to come down and help add a turbo. The only requirement is you have to paint your tractor GREEN first. You are a hearty stock working around all the frozen stuff. Thanks again for the great content.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Unless you pull the PTO shaft for the hydraulic pump, you have to cut the AC belt.

[@alexosborne5629]

Plenty done in the shade tree shop again!!! Pity someone left the freezer door open...... 🥶🤣 Area Diesel Service really came up trumps for you, the way you and Mike have talked about their service, it is no wonder they have gone that extra mile and a bit more for you.... no doubt they will do the same for all their customers !!!

[@edwardgriffin8092]

Holy 🐕‍🦺💩 🦇man! I've been using my hammer drill wrong all these years. Thanks for pointing out the error of my ways Mike 🤣

[@CaptainKleeman]

No worries

[@michaeljheinz3336]

Nice Work Capt.

[@kopenhagenkid]

Great job Captain Kleeman

[@scotthewitt6047]

Save the cut belt for the summer when you go to fix the AC and need the size. Thanks for the video

[@zburdette1223]

Great job, as always.

[@retiredchiefcharlie]

Awesome job on the 555. I also went over to ADS to watch the pump repair. Fantastic people! Can’t wait to see you run it on the property.

[@wesatche]

You had me holding my breath as you fitted the pieces together.......that is great youtube!!!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cantwellron11]

Sound like the repair place you been using really got the full deal to help you Super good

[@DMAN10]

Getting closer and closer to diggin’! Man…you must love the cold. Even us Canadian’s would have sheltered the machine under a cheap carport and fired up the propane heater…lol! 🔥 Thanks for sharing Cap!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Don't have either

[@DMAN10]

@@CaptainKleeman I get it…run what ya brung! ✅

[@scragmanw]

I’m getting excited for the end. Can’t wait to hear it humming as you put her to work.

[@CaptainKleeman]

You and me both!

[@joycefuller9177]

Great to see it going back together. Enjoy the ice cream and family time.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thank you! Will do!

[@kopenhagenkid]

Great video Captain Kleeman

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@thedelcodave]

Coming along nicely. Anti Seize is your friend especially with dissimilar metals on the alternator bolt. Hopefully you won't be taking it apart again anytime soon... anti seize makes it nice for the next guy lol.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Nah

[@jhanny4337]

You MUST'VE watched a ton of "Shadetree Mechanics" back in the day! Love your ingenuity and fix on the fly attitude!

[@Richard-C]

i get shivers just watching you work out side, great progress,can't wait to see it in action 👍👍👌

[@joecallahan3379]

It's coming along, doing your own work is frustrating but satisfying knowing that it is done correctly. The experience and knowledge gained is invaluable.

[@jimmowers7675]

Great progress Mike. Can’t wait for your next video. Thanks for sharing.

[@chipmccoy5077]

Made great progress on the 555. Thanks for sharing this. Looking forward to the next video.

[@maxobara1496]

Time for a pop up tent to cover up 555 😉 Looking good Captain, hoping for warmer weather for you👍🇺🇸

[@Fatamus]

Thanks ... you don't know what it means to me to watch your videos. You inspire me, I am having a hard time waiting around for to start PT - again. I want to get out to my projects so bad. Watching you gives me that light at the end of the tunnel that I need right now. thanks again. 🙂

[@jimkavalier2831]

Weights went on better than I thought! Good job sir! 👏

[@CaptainKleeman]

Yes! Thank you!

[@michaelmullins1290]

I don't know if I hope for good results more for anybody than I do you. Such a hard worker needs things to go good 1 out of 7 times.

[@goodgrieflouiser5807]

Great job Michael. Your skills just get better all the time. Enjoy all your chatter and making fun of yourself. It’s why I keep watching your channel.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@tomoaktree4951]

Hi Mike, A couple of suggestions. With old bolts, using a wire brush definitely helps, but I like to chase with a threading die. Makes them like new! Also, instead of oil I use white great on bolts when re-inserting them. My white grease tub has a small paintbrush inserted through a hole in the lid. The white grease lasts a long time.

[@richardw.foxhall3392]

Ford does use pretty good fasteners ... they still worked after being driven like a nail to get them started. Just a big ratchet to run them in you earned every tight bolt you showed. And a full set of Fotd tools has at least one of every size and description of hammer, Bud. Good stuff Mike

[@stevekillian7607]

Nice job so far Captain. Cant wait to see it running and working.

[@ronaldvanotten6812]

I'm glad that your are willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish your tasks, persevere, and do it right! I know that it is very hard to work outside and by yourself. Ron...

[@donmadere4237]

Your a better man than me working out in that cold!! That frozen tarp looked more like a metal hood lol! Hope she fires up easy for you! God Bless!!!

[@revo7721]

Keep up the great work fellow brother! If I may, I'd like to give you a couple of tips for the next project. Anti-seize and RTV is your friend! Somehow shit will break again and you'll thank yourself or cuss yourself later.

[@MatthewJRedmond]

Very nice progress indeed Capt. Was excited to see you'd uploaded this morning when I woke up. Always fun putting something together only to realize you forgot a piece that needed to go first lol. No doubt easier messing with the nose cone with the 755 around though. You know you're getting into a bit bigger equipment when it's helpful to have other equipment around to work on it 😆. Looking forward to the future videos and seeing her in the dirt after the mechanical fun. Thanks for bringing us along and keep up the great work my man 😁 👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate ya watching

[@kirk467]

Good job for working by yourself Mike, stay safe,warm and healthy brother! Thanks for sharing, Kirk from Louisiana! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👌🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@randydobson1863]

hello mike its is randy and i like you video is cool mike and i am glad u your back 1978 ford 555 backhoe and i hope u you doing good work on the 555 and like the 555 ford thanks friends randy

[@kellyharbaugh9391]

Oh thank goodness.

[@mikedobson2988]

She's coming along nicely Captain, fingers crossed. 👏

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks

[@kimberlythompson3590]

Great job Mike! Can't wait to see you using it around your homestead.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Me too!

[@mikelskelley]

It’s coming together Mike, looking forward to seeing it come to life, reminds me of my youth, a grease monkey and the only tools I had, a monkey wrench and a hammer 😂😂😂😂

[@bullittdog4352]

Area Diesel seems to be making some videos…they’re getting some positive attention for sure. That ice storm hit Cincy as a couple inches of slick snow and people were crashing everywhere..I was hoping you wouldn’t bust your butt climbing on the 555. Another great video as usual…Jeff

[@CaptainKleeman]

They are great to work with! Hope to do more with them in the future

[@clarencewiles963]

@@CaptainKleeman there video is good too. Area Diesel has been around.

[@clairbaughman7892]

Great project work keep them videos coming I know you work hard to get great videos

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@young11984]

Probably the first man to ever torque the water pump/housing since factory assembled lol, but it definitely doesnt hurt. I bought me a tiny ball peen hammer from HF for “gasket making” and the peen end is about 5/16” so it makes bolt holes a breeze

[@kenore4003]

I inherited a teeny ball peen hammer from my dad that he used in just that way. There are times when that little guy is just the right size.

[@Fatamus]

Ice man 🥶 goes out for and ice-cream 🍦 .

[@kenthammarstrom8255]

👍the 555 is coming back look good. nice work Mike. brings back memorys of working on tractors and cars in winter time with frosen fingers and toes 🥶 take care stay warm

[@thebear5454]

In my younger, foolish days I also would have worked in an icey wonderland. Not anymore though. Good progress Mike.

[@morgansword]

Simply put Mike, I am very proud of you for the stick to it and just do it attitude you have in that a quitter never really wins.

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@tomswindler64]

Looks like your coming right along on the tractor,few hiccups but that keeps you on your toes.keep doing what your doing 👍👍👍😎😎😎👨‍🚒👨‍🚒👨‍🚒

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@salmonhunter7414]

I laughed when you said they have a bench top version of this. Thanks for making my day.

[@CaptainKleeman]

🤣

[@tracywagoner4907]

Love seeing this. Was thinking about it yesterday when I was digging the creek out with the 4400. Always good feeling to see everything going back together.

[@charlessmith2083]

just love your don't care the way you do things i think your doing a wonderful job keep it up

[@buddyreed2623]

Hi Mike. Those plates looked like they went back in easier than they came out. Have good days!

[@kb7722]

It was 32f on the gulf coast yesterday morning. I refused to go out and work until it reached 40 around 9:30. I feel for you guys working in snow and ice. I my defense Ive suffered through my share of 90deg + days.

[@deanadams7491]

Looking good there Captain. Almost got that 555 in proper running order. Fantastic job fabricating a jib boom for the 755 there. Can't wait til you get it buttoned up and running.

[@jimmytew9468]

Mike watching you out there working in the cold and ice makes me glad I'm retired. Your doing a great job for someone that has never worked on a 555. Another set of hands would be nice but I found out years ago it's hard to find another set when you're working on a piece of equipment. LoL

[@CaptainKleeman]

👍

[@eddiemortontapman7252]

Great progress LT !

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks

[@chrishelms1967]

Watching you removing a frozen tarp and lighting a fire for moral support........ really makes me appreciate my heated garage 😏Edit:. We can add torching the floor jack too

[@CaptainKleeman]

I sure hope to have one of those fancy things one day

[@justinotten6673]

Is that a ESF??? (Emotional Support Fire) 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@johndernberger1961]

This rebuild series is the best!!!

[@johnbender1596]

Great to see the 555 going together. Some background information! Your unit has the optional A/C (not really common on these units as most had just a cab and heater) and therefore it has a two groove pulley on the crankshaft and water pump! If it did not have A/C the alternator would be mounted in the A/C compressor location and one belt drove the water pump and alternator. Great to see this old iron get another chance!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Yup! At some point I hope to get into the compressor and see if it works

[@billmoran3812]

I had the exact same backhoe, also a 1978. It was a great machine. Other than a couple tires and hydraulic hoses never put any money into it. Ran it for 15 years and sold it for what I paid for it.

[@leer-winnobbeefarms2131]

Mike, I watched Area Diesel Service do the work on your water pump. You guys down there are blessed to a a great diesel service provider down there. Great video! Lee

[@CaptainKleeman]

They are fantastic! Great to work with for sure