Excavator project - Cab and fuel/hydraulic tank removal, plus visiting a scrapyard

[@JB-NZ]

For that tank, I would personally cut a decent access panel on the side that gets covered up (so you cant see it), and get in there so you can properly clean it out, and also push the dent out from the inside. Then just weld the part that you cut out, back in, and grind the welds down. Given it will be against a side you cant see, it should be all good, and it will enable you to properly do the dent from the inside and clean it out nicely.

[@joehohn]

FarmCraft101 did that on his Dozier. It worked out quite well.

[@JB-NZ]

@@joehohn Yup I watch his channel too, great channel :) Yeah he did it from the top and left the access plate removable

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Great idea!

[@kaboom4679]

That would be my move as well . Also , fix the drain so it actually fully drains the tank instead of being the highest point in the tank floor .

[@curtdawe]

All the comments under @JB-NZ's comment offer good thoughts, plus, do a pressure test on the tank when you're done with the welding to get the tank back in ship shape. Matt, I thought you did a fabulously thorough job with the dozer, but I think I'm looking forward to the excavator here even more.

[@surveywaters]

Watching you disconnect all of those cables and hoses has elevated my stress level to the point of needing medication. You must have the memory of an elephant. Thanks for another entertaining video.

[@SnorrioK]

He has the manual and the manual has every single thing and explanation in it. Then there's the colour coding of each wire as well as the colour coding in the zip ties and electric tapes you can use to mark where things go. There's also no computer that needs programming in this since it's all mechanical and analog. That said, it's still not a job I would touch on. I'd sooner make an entire new set of belts with steel and hand tools before trying to bother with electric.

[@esunday]

I'm a retired Dr turned into a Northeast hillbilly, loving my life... I find your videos both relaxing and instructive... I don't think my wife would understand if I bought an excavator but nonetheless.....

[@jimmeroniuk8266]

You only live once and its easier to ask forgiveness then permission.

[@curtdawe]

@@jimmeroniuk8266 Love that expression. LOL! The truth behind that idea is timeless!

[@MrVajutza]

I was blessed by my wife giving me permission to buy an excavator #livingthelife 😂

[@maxjones9139]

I rented an excavator for a month to do some projects on my little farm. If you have anything over a couple acres a digger is a very useful tool. My whole family is on board with me buying one now.

[@dforaker]

I have no desire to own an excavator, but I am enjoying learning about it and love to see junk given new life. Great videos!

[@gordonagent7037]

Matt the decision to take everything back to the bare bones was the right choice, especially as you are a guy who likes to do something right the first and only time, it’s a pain and a lot of extra work but at least it’s not a half baked attempt and who knows what other problems you will uncover in doing so, it’s a real credit to you mate, you are one of my favourite channels now so appreciate your videos. One day let’s hope you get so popular that you can build a dream workshop for yourself so you have a concrete floor, cosy building and really good lighting. Have a great week mate from Australia

[@curtdawe]

He definitely deserves the attention he gets and more.

[@Thedudeabides803]

I don’t know exactly what it is about the way you do your videos but I always look forward to them more than others. keep it up man

[@jstar1000]

same, its his demeanor more then anything I believe. Not to mention his skills.

[@tomasdevine7756]

@jstar1000 absolutely he talks to people not at them. No bs not selling some muck promotions just doing the business.

[@curtdawe]

@@jstar1000 Agreed as well. Matt, you have a very down-to-earth manner, you give us, as viewers, the feeling that you're just talking to friends, as if we're there in the shop with you. You could be a great instructor, IMHO.

[@cember01]

They're actually pretty high quality videos. He does a great job of getting the right camera angles, lighting and audio. He takes the time to reposition camera and lighting if there's some work down in a tight spot. And, of course, narrates his though process. Presumably, there's a bunch of editing work too.

[@daveb7999]

Way to go, Matt! After watching the D4 rebuild, there's no doubt in my mind that you'll make your way through the excavator, piece by piece, and come out on top with another fully functional piece of heavy equipment. Keep on keepin' on, you've got this!

[@gutsngorrrr]

This is turning out to be a great series. I think my first project would have been a heavy duty forklift, which would have really helped with all these projects.

[@PhillipKaretu-hz1pm]

Your a bugger for punishment. Awesome video..Really enjoy them.❤

[@josephcarino5829]

I think when I get home tonight I will disassemble my excavator. Guys amazing

[@2wheelzdown180]

For the fuel tank you should cut a hole in top and either make a flange or get a 8-10in weld on pipe / bolt flange . Then u can actually clean it out . Most time tank liners are a waste if they fail they destroy pumps and injectors. Keeping metal tanks full keeps out condensation. Great video 👍

[@joelx77]

I love watching your videos! I have the same excavator and have done some work with the left control lever and messed around with the computers ... Wait till you start counting blinking lights to find fault codes! 😂

[@raincoast9010]

Looking at all those wires and hoses is enough to give me a stoke!

[@jenkins2162]

I admire your ability to do bolt off restos on this equipment. One thing is for sure there's nothing you will not be able to fix on them.

[@diggingdave3868]

This is equally as good as the dozer series...love your work, Matt...keep going, please...😊👍

[@FoothillPaintandFabrication]

Matt, The tank dent is pretty easy to tackle but it needs to be done in the correct order. Your idea for using water pressure is really good and safer than air pressure since it contained fuel. The dent is mostly an oil can dent with a kink at the top that will keep the oil can from popping out completely. Start off with a small amount of pressure and work your way up. You will be surprised how little it takes to make the dent move. Once the dent begins to pop out you will need to release the kink by hammering on it in the opposite direction it went is which was upwards. You may need to use your stud gun and slide hammer to help the kinked area come back out. Any spot you over pull can be worked back down from the outside. The flat undamaged sides of the tank will bulge a little under pressure but should return where they belong once the pressure is released but only use low pressure or you will end up with an egg instead of a square tank 🙂 I do a lot of dent removal and you always want to start off easy and if that doesn't work progress from there. Nice score at the junk yard. Good luck! Mark

[@dav1dsm1th]

Making progress. Thanks for taking the time to bring us along. Stay safe out there.

[@jonmarshall64]

On the fuel tank, put 2 or 3 scoops of gravel in it, strap it to the tractor tyre and run it for a while....

[@scottfoster2487]

That scrap yard is a hidden gem for sure. The owner is great guy and willing to find part is he does not have them.

[@robertkelly9788]

all I can say is......what a project. Hours and hours of work with hundreds of hands put this puppy together, and now two hands are going to take it apart and put it back.

[@thomas4844]

You got balls man. This is one hell of a job and you’re flying solo. Lots of respect for hard working people like you. Looking forward to your next post.

[@MRrwmac]

Matt, Glad you got what you wanted removed and were able to find a new fuel tank! Very good to see your great dog got rid of the cone of death!

[@joeblow7392]

you would have to be super careful with using air in the tank as you can push out the other sides and deform the whole tank..

[@frankrongione6778]

Love watching your videos. I really admire your desire to work on these projects. Excellent work.

[@cheagle464]

This GUy reminds me of Every reason i do not like working on my own stuff. Educated/experienced mechanic, part contortionist, part gorilla with kevlar knuckles and walks himself thru obstacles. I can probably think up a dozen more traits. He did his dozer, every bolt he turned presented a new system rebuild. And he's like 'no problem, get this one rebuilt and keep moving on' wish i had half his drive

[@tommyk1073]

I would take a plasma cutter and cut the tank you choose to use in half, as long as the baffles don’t impede the cut. Power wash the inside and perform your dent work. Then weld it back together. Cap off the top when complete and pressurize with air to check for leaks..you’ve come this far, keep going!!

[@curtdawe]

Definitely, pressure test is important.

[@brianelliot2719]

Thanks Matt…fascinating video…more time at the salvage yard would be interesting given most of us rarely would get a chance to go to something like this. Memo to Future Matt: look for a very large hoist or crane for your projects down the road when you graduate to really big machines like monster excavation and mining machines … and some roses for your wife. 😊

[@Sparisland]

I agree. Probably the least amount of hours required for cleaning and much simpler access for metalwork. No risk of blowing a seam trying to do it hydrostatically. It's an easy weld and air pressure test before painting.

[@terryrogers1025]

You made good progress. I think it is a great idea to strip it down like you are doing, in the end it just makes things so much easier to clean up, work on, and reassemble, it is going to be a nice machine when you get done with it. The excavator will weight about a thousand pounds less when you get all the dirt, oil, and grease off of it. Thanks for the update, I am enjoying this series, you have good content.

[@CSWmanofsteel]

You should fabricate a lifting Jib for the front of your Kubota loader it’ll probably lift the cab and in the long run you can use it on future projects

[@neilfink7558]

Now that you have two tanks I would cut the entire top of of the new one leaving a 2" flange all around the top, clean it all out, fix the dent, then cut the top off the old tank and bolt it onto the new tank using a thick rubber gasket allowing access for years to come. Enjoying the vids. Take care.

[@ezrhino1803]

Matt plenty of videos on how to repair that dent. Basically lots of spot welded u brackets. Steel rod inserted through the u and then pulled out . My suggestion is let a body shop pull the dent out you then take to a radiator shop for a hot dip cleaning and you repaint when complete. No special tools need that way……other than money. Great video. Glad Charlie still likes the blanket. I ve seen it in a couple of videos.

[@PsychoticusRex]

Idea: For the second tank, the stud welder is a good finishing step, but you can use a stick or bar from other side through the float-port on the far side of the tank to "tap out" the dent. Be carefull if you use the "long thing taps dent out" method you don't screw up the access port for the float, use some cloth or something.

[@peterfallert4994]

I can't believe you actually have a manual to disassemble and remove the cab, GREAT!

[@stevevogelman3360]

You’re doing this the exact right way. Take it all apart clean, clean, clean. Then you know what you have. You’ll never be sorry for learning how this baby works. Nice job. Love your videos.

[@czaxsbaxs]

You have a gift my friend. Thanks for sharing....watching you work is like therapy....'smile, keep an alert and amused mind and a calm body'...I'm all in...your tenacity and will to prevail is mesmerising ...your parents must be proud!

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

WoW! That's going to be a new excavator when you're done!! Appreciate you taking us with you!

[@davebrittain9216]

Worth it to tear it apart just to get the filth out of it. You are going to have this thing looking and working great!

[@verteup]

This dude is magical with a nut rounder 3000 aka crescent wrench. He don't round off anything with his and I round off every nut I use em on.

[@carlaustin7398]

I really enjoy your content and calm demeanor as you figure out your next move. I'll be waiting for the next episode. Thanks for sharing.

[@karenmullins9356]

This disassembly would be tough on a bright sunny day. This lads doing it at night... in the bloody 🌧. Gr8 video bud. New subscriber from Canada.

[@eugenionegron4828]

Matt, taking on a project like this is Incredible I commend you for taking on a job this large I wouldn't think that anybody would be able to do something like that, and the level to which you are going into this excavator to clean it up and make it look nice is just outstanding, I will always be in your channel no matter what, God bless you and your family and give Charlie a big hug for me.

[@curtdawe]

Agreed! Hope you and yours are well, Matt!

[@russgier4409]

Your sheer determination is admirable to watch, keep the videos coming, always look forward to a new episode

[@kenfrazier616]

fuel cells heck cut the two of them and use the good parts and weld it back together and be happy, excellent work so far

[@rickhaver5876]

Cut a big square out of the top of the tank a beat it from the inside with a big hammer. I could be wrong but that auto body thing is going to be way to light duty. Don’t forget to weld the top back on leak free ! LoL

[@williamglaser6577]

Always great to see a vid from you Matt. I am really enjoying this series. Lookin forward to the next one.

[@mikeoakes7721]

Your no fear to just tear stuff apart and go for it is commendable. Keep at it !

[@wycks-5095]

i love how you dive in the whole way and do not cut corners..... fix stuff as your there and this deep into project ... always easier to just suck it up and do it right from the start....

[@carlthor91]

Matt, your best friend on this and the D4 rebuild is a 55 gallon ShopVac. No foolin'. Best wishes from the far North.

[@markfowler2066]

My excavator envy is almost out of control... thanks Matt for sharing.

[@sveneandersson7888]

Thank God you are back - we'll need at least one film a week to keep the abstinence away. I'm deeply impressed by all the work you put into that machine. Thank you!

[@pmiller7886]

Personally, the fuel tank is so important, I would cut a nice hole on the top side, pretty large actually, and then proceed to pressure wash and clean it/sand it. There are pretty good tank coatings available for classic cars if you want to DIY it. then just cap that off with a rubber seal and bolts. Top side nobody is going to walk on it or anything crazy.

[@vcurtis2061]

Wow, that is a lot of work to disassemble. This should turn out great

[@LisaMedeiros-tr2lz]

This is a great series. I am really looking forward to the engine freshen, but most of all, can't wait to see you pressure wash the whole thing! It is going to be so much fun to see how much crap comes out. Fun for us, not so much for you! But, I am sure it will be satisfying. Pressure wash as best you can both tanks so you can really see what you have. I too would cut an access port on the top of the tank, then you will be able to more thoroughly pressure wash it and then lay it flat on the dent, put some wood or steel panel over the dent inside and flatten it with a hand held maul. Maybe use the second tank to cut an oversized cutout to seal the one you use. Now with all the wiring, the valve body, engine rebuild, all the hoses...can't remember if you had cylinders leaking...and then PAINT! WE are really in this for the long haul!

[@curtdawe]

Definitely Matt, like Lisa said, we're all in on your builds! :)

[@ronaldrussell5481]

Enjoy watching and listening to your adventure. Hope everything works out well.

[@hdcsp3]

Wow Matt. As serious as this job is, you're super chill throughout. Nice job bud.

[@joehamilton3709]

Your channel is way more interesting than one or two of the well known ones and you do things right

[@KarateSensei71]

Two options for the tank. One is to drop a few M-80's and seal it to pop it (lol). I did that with milk cans on the farm. The other option as people have mentioned. Cut the entire area out, flatten it, clean the tank now that you have good access, weld the panel back in.

[@kerrygleeson4409]

Great work Matt thanks for sharing 🦘

[@1956vern]

I’m amazed that you got the cab lifted off! I did not think your gantry crane would do it but it worked great! Yes that fuel cell needs help! You could cut a decent sized hole in top and with plywood and a hydraulic jack push the dent out! Maybe a little hammering but just enough to release the tension in the metal. The hole will give you room to clean the inside of the fuel cell too and in the future! If you cut the hole right it will look almost factory! Taking cab off really opens the deck! Looks great thanks for bringing us along!

[@duncanvowles7100]

Great episode of the project Matt.

[@MikeBaxterABC]

13:44 LOL!! Awesome Step Brothers reference! .. My BFF Sarah and I say this all the time :)

[@michaelovitch]

You can inflate the tank,and soften steel with a torch to reshape it. Water under pressure will push out flat surfaces before convex ones,so you will damage the other tank faces. Phosphoric acid will eat rust after a good degreasing.

[@mountainmanfab]

hats off to ya Matt...I didnt bat an eye at the dozer but that right there is looking like a whole lota headache...the engine the wiring or the hydraulics fine but all three...holy crap lol.

[@arthurpage3175]

I dont know how you manage to do what you do but I am glad that you share it all as you go along. Just keep on solving the problems.

[@rodneymacfarlane1707]

GREAT VIDEO MATT . YOU CERTAINY HAVE YOUR WORK CUT OUT ON THIS PROJECT /LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL THE VIDEOS ON THIS EXCAVATOR/ CHEERS WORK SAFE KEEP SAFE .RM.AUS.

[@gregreinhardt1293]

Yes, go back and get the spare pump. Also. weld bolts onto the fuel tank with the threads out. makes it a bit easier for pulling the dents.

[@wrstew1272]

Great idea! You can block from the sides with lumber and pull from the center of the damaged areas. Heat is your friend to help 😂. I also think that the “ open the inside to help with the cleaning and use a 4x4 with a Jack to shove from the inside. I love the force that a simple bottle Jack provides, and I’m always on the lookout for automotive scissor jacks, amazing what you can do with them, and although they aren’t as strong as hydraulic, they are almost free!

[@michaelevans2975]

The D4 always catches my eye in the background. Looks so good!!

[@jayspannerman9623]

Get a piece sheet metal width of tank curved to cover the area of the dent clean tank weld back in place. I think you are talented enough to do this good luck.

[@sloppystooly5439]

All you need Matt is five more thumbs and 2 Saturdays in a week, lol. Another great video.

[@raymondwaterman6520]

Thanks Matt. Glad you are up for the challenge. It's a huge one! But I can't think of anybody better to guide us thru! You are a tiger! My hats off to you. Desire is a great attribute!

[@davidroberts3692]

Cut the side panel off then clean the inside out. Straiten panel weld back on, easy peasy!

[@flowerstone]

Liking these videos of yours. I am good at taking things apart but the putting back together bites me every time. Impressed with how you seem to know where everything goes later on in a project. 😊

[@curtdawe]

That is definitely what always blows my mind. It seems like he always knows where each bolt, every lock nut, every bearing goes. Fabulous!

[@shk2564]

You impress me my friend! You take such pride in your things and never shy away from a lot of hard work to get what you want. 👍 ❤

[@peterarmstrong8613]

Thanks Matt, very entertaining content. Regards, Pete , Australia.

[@AndirHon]

When you get that going, you're going to wish you had it to help you tear this down. The boom alone would be a great crane for lifting heavy items off of it! :P

[@rondierckens6618]

I like how your going to rip it apart an do it all right !! Your going to enjoy sitting inside that cab with every stitch powerwashed clean Is an probably painted great work

[@duaneclark9005]

One thing about building something from the ground up like you did with the Doser, when you’re done you know exactly what you have. If something acts up you have a good idea of what it could be and how to repair it. I will be looking forward to seeing things going back together, there’s not much left that needs dismantling. Keep up the good work and keep the great videos coming.

[@mrgodBG]

i like how nothing can stop you, you just push toward goal

[@Mike-Honcho-]

That poor thing was so abused, kudos to you for taking on this monumental task. Really enjoy the vids! Great work!

[@ActionCyberTimes]

great episode Matt. looking forward to next episode!!!! many thanks

[@adamdoingthings]

To clean the tank, pour in evaporust and jack up the back of your kubota, pour a bag of marbles in, and strap the tank to your kubota back wheel. Run it in low gear for a while and let it tumble the marbles inside

[@MikeBaxterABC]

35:35 GREAT use of the trailer an random wooden pallet!!! :) Could not have been much better if you built it to suit!!

[@robertjerome1889]

WOW.. I cant believe how your taking so much apart.

[@jasonwilliams7334]

Great series Matt! Really appreciate being along for the journey of rebuilding this machine. You should consider renaming your channel "Midnight Mechanic" lol

[@keithlincoln1309]

You do more work at night in the dark, then I do all day. Love your videos, keep up the good work!

[@juergenboehm9118]

Super Arbeit. Den Tank vieleicht mit Überdrock ( Pressluft ) ausbeulen und etwas Hitze.

[@MrAtcjohn]

cut a hole in the back side of tank once dent is knocked out just weld a plate over hole

[@staconcrete2140]

That’s a lot of work. I’m going to love to see this project unfold

[@miker1448]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to make these videos to share with us viewers.

[@lenhammermeister1287]

I've done tanks before just like that. Whole saw a couple holes in the opposite side of the dent. Make one hole directly across from the deepest part of the dent if that makes sense. You can use small steel plates thru the fill hole against the dent and use steel rods or whatever will fit thru the holesaw holes hit with a hammer and push it out. You get the idea weld the holes back up using the plugs made by the holesaw. You can stick a screw or bolt thru the center holes to hold it to tack it in place.. I've done it several times I been doing bodywork for 38 yrs. Good luck love the videos...

[@staleyexplores]

an insane amount of work bud....geeze. fun videos to watch imho.

[@rogernation2551]

Matt, seriously, you are so engaging. I start your video and think, wow, I have over 45 minutes of interesting content. Unfortunately it’s seems to go much faster. I think that it’s great that you’re going down to the frame. Take your time, record as much as you can, I’ll watch every minute of it.

[@DougGleich]

I hope your channel picks up subscribers, you’re one thorough dude and your videos are always put together really well.

[@terrytenley9327]

Hey bro glad you are back.. your videos are fun… You are like me.. I don’t know much but I am aggressive and enjoy working on stuff. You seem from past videos to do good at rebuild and reassembling this machines. That sir make you are unlike most of us..I enjoy how you figure it out and your great logic.. keep going.. your excavator should be kool soon. Thanks.. oh and I never saw anyone take out a diesel tank from any excavator in any video on you tube.. I salute to bro.. ☺️👍

[@andrewrobinson2869]

Maybe buy a small cheap 12 v boat winch that you can bolt on to the top bar plus it’s then hands free just a button . Just a thought. Love what your doing ,not only learning the machines inside out but also one would say a complete renovation within reason, I really do enjoy watching you do your thing. Thank you for sharing. Regards Andy Perth Australia

[@surindersandhi3924]

My Dear Friend Very Good Job ❤❤❤❤❤

[@johnjr3870]

I am always amazed at how all the gunk gets into the structure of equipement. Great find on the scrap yard, yes that tank should pop out with pressure. Go grab the pump!

[@bradleyhughes1399]

Hi Matt, per usual I’m really enjoying the project. You’re about an hour from me I think. I think it was a good move to just tear it all down for a ground up resto. New wires and hoses clearly are a must for example. Please keep at it and love the 45-60 minute episode length as well. Thanks a lot, very entertaining…Bradley

[@SuperSecretSquirell]

I'm so glad that we have hoists at work lol.

[@miptjc57]

Hi Matt. I know you think showing a power washing video is not entertaining content but please show us some time lapse as it is satisfying to see you work your way to a clean work space. Thanks for the vlogs!

[@errolnkh1776]

OCD and love for tinkering and restoration, a dangerous combo. You end up spending more on little things and replacing dinged up stuff.😂😂😂 saying this as I am looking for the next project (tractor)😂😂

[@chipps1066]

Another great informative video,thanks Matt!