Okay,had a few people ask about my fixed pilot conversion process. So tonight after work I sat down and looked at my atlas SD40 and thought to myself I might as well start it to match my almost complete SD35. So here is the likely very slow build log for it.
The fresh meat....
As you can see. A bone stock Atlas master SD40...
First order of business is to remove the pilot. On this model I was able to swing the truck out far enough to reach the single Phillips screw holding it in place. In order to slide it all the way out I removed the lobster claw coupler by simply cutting the pin holding it in place with a pair of flush cutters. I also cut the wires for the electro coupler at the same time. I will remove them from inside the shell at a later point.
Once I removed the pilot from the truck assembly I figured out where I could be making the cuts to remove the portion that attached it to the truck. You can see the score marks here...
I made two cuts with a razor saw to remove the attachment points
This is about where I want it to be. Now it's time to strip the pilot of all of the details...I will be tossing all of them into the junk box. Will be replaced with a overland models plow. PSC air hoses and coupler lift bars.
You should be left with this...
And that's it for tonight folks. Tomorrow I will hopefully have some time to make the spacers. I work 12 hours a day 6 days a week. So time is limited. And I am also restoring a motorcycle for a friend so I will update as I have time. Thanks for looking! Any questions as we go ask away!
