As for painting. IMO, it's not about the looks. Paint is for protection. There is NO better time to paint components than when they are off and easily accessible. Painted components are much easier to clean, will resist rust and make the machine last longer for you and your heirs. It will help the resale value too if that becomes necessary also.

I sailed on a surplus Navy Tug that had seven Cat D399s, all painted gray. Each time we serviced or repaired any engine component, we repainted it the original Cat yellow. Not only did that protect the component, but it gave us an extra sense of satisfaction in the work done. Painting (good painting, with good prep work) also gives you an opportunity to inspect the components. While maintaining an engine (larger engine) on another ship, I had my crew scrape and paint the crankcase. In doing so, they discovered a crack that had otherwise gone undetected. Yes, I recommend you prep and paint each unit as you go along.

Caterpillar Hi-Way Yellow is the color you want for a tractor of this vintage. You can get a color match at NAPA. Get a half-pint can and put a blob on a small card and send it to Magnet Paints in New York. They ship and you can’t beat their prices for quality equipment paint. And your local Caterpillar dealer has the bolts you need. They’re black anodized grade ten bolts. Price has been reasonable when I bought them there. If you have the parts manual you can see what bolts and washers you need and write down the part numbers and quantities. Be advised that the parts counter guys/gals will likely have to convert numbers. Good luck!

I'm now 73 and can't work like that anymore so I'm living through you. 2 Questions = 1st. why didn't you pressure was it a few times before you started. 2nd. Matt, when you're ready to start to put it back together I vote for sparying what you can get to would make it easier to keep it clean and help it last longer. You're doing such a great job I think it is no time to cut corners. Remember a clean tool is a good tool! Stay safe.

Just rebuilding the winch would be a project. I can't believe you're going through the whole thing! Good work so far, that is a massive undertaking

Oh man you've got it torn down so far, I'd paint it! Not perfect but just a dirt knock down and blast it. Function over form.

Thank goodness you will have the videos of taking it apart. You will watch the videos before you put it together. Meanwhile lots of cleaning and polishing. I enjoy your videos a lot. I am retired and look forward to seeing it all repaired. I am 78 so don't take to many years to finish. I am closer to the end than the beginning😃

pacific hillbilly that is a monumental undertaking I’ve been following this from the beginning my hats off to you

A real pleasure to learn from watching you work alone on this dozer! I believe that now is the time to pressure wash the crap out of everything and spend the some cash to paint - at least the removed pieces..Thanks!

Yup, clean it, paint it, keep the vids coming. I really like your production. You do a wonderful job keeping dolts like me learning. Thank you.

Paint....Paint...Paint did I mention to Paint it????? Super great job on what you are doing, I am totally blown away by your talent....

I got to run one very similar to what you are trying to restore to working order back in 1962 while working on a pipeline in Michigan. Fortunately the company I worked for was a stickler about equipment being well maintained and keep in working order at all times. My cousin was the operator and he let me "operate" it while he explained each and ever step of how to move, turn, lift and even winch items. Have to admit it was a blast for a 18 year old. The experience came in handy later in life when I had the opportunity to climb on another one and use the Donkey Engine to start and semi operate it.

At first I was against painting it. However, the more I thought about it you have taken on a pretty tough project if you pull this off and get her running I'd paint it. Yes its and additional cost but that "whole pride in accomplishment thing" is important.

Finally some deserved luck. I have all the admiration in the world for your determination in the face of adversity. .

I concur with the other comments. You'll protect all of the work you're doing by painting it.

Paint and replace hardware! Agree with W Viceroy -- Paint for protection...! Hardware: we used either Cat or Lawson Products, (Both were USA made and grade eight). Corrision-plated hardware helps, but if painted well, will not corrode too quickly. You are doing a great job and will get much use out of a D4 with winch -- its a universal tractor, well-balanced, low maintenance, and enjoyable while moving vegetation and earth...!

You mentioned painting the parts you've worked on Matt. That sounds like a plan. As you fix stuff and clean up parts, paint them before you re-install them. They'll be easier to paint that way and you'll get paint onto all the hidden surfaces. That should stop any more rust appearing, make stuff nicer to work on, and look better too. Stick to that system and, when you paint that last component, she'll be done. Apart from anything else, it'll make the painting more manageable, a case of yellow spray cans should do the job.👍😁

Enjoying your project, Matt. I vote paint it.

I’m impressed that you’re taking on a mammoth job by yourself. I enjoy every episode.

Yes - paint what you can while u got it apart in sections - I agree that you might not want to paint into track / rails cause you have not worked on them /- but if you power washed all old dirt & grease off - you need primer & paint for long term protection! Just brush painting here and there will do the job! Great Work Matt! Thank you for hard effort - video will help w rebuild - I guarantee it!! From somewheres in SWMO-

Great Work. You need a set of pry bars. All Caterpillar bolts and nuts are at least a grade 8 or higher. Check the specs for the bolts when you replace them. Stay Safe

Matt, your picture quality is fantastic. When in full screen mode the picture is crystal clear. Great project and can't wait for the next episode!

Great project and I enjoy watching working at it. What's probably the most revealing is how your resolve has changed from the beginning when the disappointments kept piling up. As far as painting, keep the patina. Only paint it if you want to make a 'factory-fresh' restoration, which means it will be garage parked and taken out mainly to antique equipment shows. Or parts that must be painted for protection from weather...which shouldn't be much if properly sealed and the bonnet replaced. As you're discovering every repair has a story that's part of this dozer's history that makes no sense to hide behind a false sense of 'newness' if this is going to be a 'back-yard dozer' to have for fun and use.

Back in the 50's a fedora was worn every time you left the house. My dad wore one to cut the grass.

Paint to protect the steel

Yes I know where you are !!!! First the scare part of the weight an how it will react. Then saying to your self why isn't it moving.. Then say dummy there's still a bolt holding... I bet it's even more fun videoing your delf doing it... Still doing a good job. An yes that lease you have the video to look at for putting it back together...

this cable must way "a few couple hundred pounds." Your 1st merch shirt/hat line! haha

Semi retired tech enjoying the series recently watched. What makes this project so very interesting is that the price of the replacement parts, while a real cost additive to the completion of project...should be very, very much less than a comparable new or used machine. And...I expect this model to be very useful and tough. As indeed, you proved to be as I watched the drill to fingernail. Cat bolts should be re used after cleaning in my opinion. Unless damaged beyond reasonable end use, they are of good quality. I suspect you will find an engine gasket "kit" , if available, the best value for general gaskets but you should not be afraid to cut cork or gasket material to "fitment" as to the broad seal faces, in particular with the excellent sealer assortments. *as in general specification as "flange". Cat type o rings, very often are of larger diameters If a good pattern is constructed to those needed wide flange repair, such can be saved to a wall and held for future revisit as maint specific. AT this level of dismantle, it might be very prudent to replace all zerk point encountered...of which assortment packs are available. I hope you might see, I am rather a fan of repair...and in fact this is a bit of a challenge (in my opinion) but one with a reward as an earning potential and with particulars as earth moving and timber operation. This machine has very minimal shields, brush guards should the operator undertake heavy brush or timber as movement. Limbs as sharpened fragments, a particular hazard beyond the cable entrainments. Always, tracks slick from rain and or cold. I bid you fair winds. M.

Definitely paint it. You'll have it taken apart - it won't be easier later on.

Your side comments crack me up. Your taking on such a massive project by yourself is amazing to me. I wish I lived closer just to lend a hand occasionally. Good luck, we’ll be watching.

Idk if you're seeing my comments but for now your videos are getting me through the turmoil. I've yet to catch up. But THANK YOU. You're seriously helping me out. 💯❤️

On the ring and pinion adjustment that you loosened - you can pretty much fiddle with the adjustment that doesn't have the ring gear on the same side - but DON'T MESS WITH THE ADJUSTMENT ON THE RING GEAR SIDE. The adjustment on the ring gear side changes the engagement with the pinion shaft gear, and can cause the ring or the pinion gear to strip or wear badly if adjusted incorrectly. Go back and tighten the adjuster on the ring gear side before you do much else. There are plenty of videos on youtube about adjusting ring and pinion gears in cars, go look at one of them to get an idea of how much trouble it is to get the ring and pinion adjusted correctly.

Watching all these videos I am still amazed at how easy you have it taking all these bolts/nuts loose. I just know from experience my luck is not that good. Love the series brother.

I know a little about a lot but nothing about equipment this size so you’ll get no criticism from me. I admire your moxie for jumping in and seeing what happens. I’m confident that you will put this old girl back to work. I wish you all the best. I don’t like the “preserved patina” look on hot rods at a car show but would be fine with it on this old Cat. My thought is that a patchwork of old paint and bright new color might be worse than leaving her as is and telling the world that she’s worked for a living for 60 years. Good luck. 😎👍👀

I love watching you work through this project. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

I'm from Brazil, I like your videos and I'm always following them

Great work, I'd only paint what needs protected from weather or if you hit a spot with a grinder or torch for removal or re-assembly. Long ago my father had a 1953 OC3 Oliver It wasn't pretty, but the name of the game was get it fixed and keep it going. Lots of anti-seize, gasket paper to make new gaskets by hand. Once it's done and your happy with how it runs and works then maybe just spray the whole thing in one big shot. To clean and prep every piece is going to extend your times x 3. Function is key, I want to see this thing dig not sit in a barn with fresh paint, Cheers.

I love doing these kind of "resurrections" too, but mostly old motorcycles, so it's not quite like what you must go through on such awkward machinery, but I truly appreciate what you're going through. Having said that, I voted to paint, and I'll tell you why. Because it's necessary to clean it and prep it for pain, that will be an opportunity to see/find more damage that you wouldn't find or see otherwise. Sure, maybe in this particular case it's torn down so much already that it might be hard to miss anything, but I might point out that as much as you are having to invest in this thing to get it back in order you may as well consider it as much a restoration as it is a resurrection! Good Luck!

Hi Matt, enjoy watching your dedication to your restoration. As far as painting do what appeals to you.

Paint, paint, and more paint! Guess you figured out my vote is for paint. However, it’s your time and money. Hope you are having fun with the project. I was all nervous about taking my Atlas lathe apart for repair. I can’t imagine tackling that beast. Congratulations for your willingness to save the old machines.

Love the humor, editing is excellent and camera angles are great so we can see everything! Really appreciate you taking the time to stop and explain what you are going to do next. Superb job.

This is quite a project. Thanks for bringing us along!

I have been keeping close tabs on your videos ,really enjoy them. I felt for you when you found out the engine was not turning over .I came across the same situation with a VW beetle I bought a couple of years ago , water that got in through the inlet manifold and the pistons and cylinders were toast. Anyway I vote paint it , you might be running a budget but in the long run it will simplify maintenance. Everything you disassemble, fix and reassemble now, you ( propably) only want to do it once ,its quite a job, therefore paint it while you are at. it. I believe anything can be fixed even that hunk of steel. Keep it up👍🏻

This project is going much better than I thought would happen. Keep up the good work.

Your project reminds me of a D7 that a friend of mine bought from Leslie salt here in the San Francisco Bay Area. It had only been used to push huge piles of salt and had what was the biggest dozer blade I had ever seen. Had to be at least 15 ft wide. His welder used a blow arc to lop off the ends of the blade and shortened it down to normal size. He fixed a broken track adjustment spring and then had the entire thing sandblasted because the cat yellow paint had turned orange from the salt. It looked like brand new with that Fresh coat of paint on...

Good job.It will be so great to see that old girl up and running again.Keep up the good work.

You took on one huge project with minimal equipment. I thoroughly enjoy your videos. One criticism: Never ever use Concrete masonry units CMU for supporting heavy loads. They cannot withstand point loading and will crumble in a split second. I love your shop. I could live in it. Keep the videos coming. 👍

More courage than brains was a term used loosely but I think that you have it under control.... only reason to paint is to see if any cracks appear in the stuff put together or if it got hot then the paint might discolor and give you a chance to fix before it breaks again... I really don't see any tight tolerances to cause many issues so just keep plugging away and soon it will be all in your hands.... paint might give you some bragging rights as not many can do this from fear alone

You are one very brave man to take on a rebuild like this. Just amazing watching your video's and seeing your attack on the D4. i have just spent 6 years rebuilding a Citroen DS and was not going to paint it then friends convinced me to paint and now it's done I just love it. even though mine ended up as a restoration and not refurbish having the clean paint gives you such a good feeling because you see your efforts and the feeling of "I did it" never goes away. So Please paint it and like so many others have said watch the bolts, make sure you get the right tensile strength bolts. Looking forward to the next video.. Thank you.

Love this series of the D4, keep up your good work!

"So, there's some tension on here *clink* Alright, I'll put some more tension on there, I guess." It came off without too much drama, though. I know I was a little nervous. Regardless of the need to get at other things it's better to have it off and out of the way. You're making really good progress at stripping this down.

Amazing all the parts and hardware that is associated with the machine. Super interesting none the less. Thanks for the video.

I really have been enjoying the whole process of this project. Keep on trruckin' Matt!

Envy. Envy. Envy. There's a d-6 Cat at an auction near me. No one will bid on it. Ooooh, the temptation. BUT, it would cost $1,500 to carry it from the auction to my place. That's a barrier. What I REALLY want is an old motor grader. We live on a dirt road. The County maintains it one day during election year. The rest of the time, we're on our own. I have a few pieces of machine shop equipment rescued from the scrap yard. What an emotional reward, not only to bring it back to life, but to see it be useful.

Interesting project! I like your style of presenting the tasks and your explanations along the way. I'm your channel will continue to grow!

Keep it up Matt! This project is amazing to follow!

It’s a good thing you have the engine boom, it’s been a real help! 👌🏻👍🏻👍🏻

"...last hold outs of the metric system" XD I think i like you.

Enjoying the journey, thank you for sharing!

Just stumbled across your channel and I am definitely enjoying the content. And also wanted to say thank you for not asking for likes and subscribe at the beginning of the video which I find annoying. But I am a new subscriber to your channel now. Looking forward to more quality content

I had a nightmare that someone stole my D2 winch after I saw your progress photo from this. Thanks.

Nice work! Glad you got as far as you did without (showing) any major difficulties getting the winch off and the shifting levers.

Thanks Matt, new paint would look cool and offer protection to the metal from the elements. But it's your project and you do what you want.

Excellent progress Bro. Enjoying the vid.

With me, if the fedora doesn't work, I use a breaker bar and/or heat. I must say that this is true dedication! Great videos, thanks.

You're putting significant effort into this project. Take pride in your work and paint the dozer. You'll be happy you did.

Thanks for the update Matt.

Love it, once you get all the bolts out its easy! Strap it down. Bet there is a date stamp on the man casting someplace. Put pieces back on shaft until reassembly and lots of pics! Tracts make great parts trays. I could watch all day, longer or more vids!

This is a cool project. And I appreciate that you plan to use this machine when done! I don't think pain would add much to the overall project. Except in the areas that are exposed to water or heavy human traffic and would rust out.

Well, if it's not going to shows and is going to work, I wouldn't bother with paint. One thing I absolutely would do while it's apart is rent a steam genny and give it a deep cleaning. The winch- no matter what it takes, get it back to working condition. You may not think you'll use it too much, but trust me on this, you will. And if you ever sell it or do a full restoration, it sets yours apart from others. Anyway, great video again this week.

good job gtting the winch off....keep going...

Awesome job Matt, thanks for sharing brother! 👌🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Can’t wait to see this finished and back to work

I’m a fan of your project and I’m also a fan of paint. Once it’s back together paint it up. Not only will it look better but a clean painted surface makes a problem stand out whether it’s a crack, loose bolt or a leak. Then work it.

Great job. You thought it out nicely!

I find this project fascinating and a lot harder than trashing my old Tonka trucks.

HI Matt really enjoying the series. Keep up the good work. Mick, Northern Ireland 👍👏🍻

I have a great deal of respect for you young man. An old guy from Ohio. Art

Great videos. Thanks for sharing them.

hi, since you take it apart it won't be more complicated to repaint it, it will be much more beautiful, have fun

I enjoy the vids Matt,,,I have done a few major teardowns too, what works for me is all the bolts that i take off a certain part, i put in one container with a note what its for. Old plastic food containers work well & their free. I usually have more than one project on the go at a time while i wait for parts for another. Some take yrs to complete, im not gonna remember what bolt goes where unless i do that, plus it makes the put back together alot easier

I see you got some impact sockets. Good for you.

I agree that paint is important for protection. On my D2, I cleaned everything that came off and then used a good red oxide primer on them. Yea, looks a bit strange but the intent at some point was to paint the whole thing.

Doing Great Matt! I could watch hours of your videos doing this....

My 1951 South Bend Heavy 10 has the original paint and it shows its age perfectly I would never think of painting it. My 1964 Delta unisaw has the original Green School Woodshop paint on it and I would never think about painting it. My 1973 Mach 1 has the original paint on it and I would never think of painting it. Personally I think it is sacrilege to paint something just to try to make it look new. As long as rust is not an issue, the old paint shows that it's been a well-used tool.

A very good film, as always. If you aregoing to work it, dont bother with paint, however I agree that all the bits should be cleaned before reassembly. It will make it a bit easier.

your getting into the guts of the little beast ........good job......one thing your lucking out with the bolts ....the heads on mine were almost rusted out .and i broke quite a few of them.....id give them a smuck with sledge........and sometimes theyed let go..........

*- Diesel Creek paints stuff and it really makes his rescues look and FEEL good to the viewer.* *- This will show you what you are in for, and Matt's good cheer about it all and the relaxed level of overdoing things as his way of painting.* *- "The curse of Christine" **kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ptx4h9Vo2Lath40.html* *- Paint shows stuff you would never think of.* *- It makes your subscribers feel good about about you and all your efforts.* *- Even quick and dirty painting shows the pride you have in your commercial work and the art of your striving to find out how things work and fix stuff up.* *- Professional musicians, opera singers, ballet and theater actors always support their audience with the grace and courtesy of a bow.* *- This kid is a rock hammer of a striver, and paints everything he fixes . . . always, because it makes him feel like he can see how much work he does and knows it "successfully sells to his customers" what his character is. **kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Zth-iKRlmeCYZIU.html* *- You need to look on his channel for the time he used a giant crawler back-hoe to yank an obstinate track eye pint out of a big dozer he fixed: "I saw it in the manual!" is what he said and everyone cheered!* *- All he needed to do was drill a 1/2" hole is the back side of the pin he had to cut off, heat the outside, and use a can of ether or quick start to freeze the inside of the pin and he could have tapped the pin out with a ball-pean hammer. But he is a kid that didn't have a logger used to working in -36 degree sub-zero cold to tell him that. The cold time when you do those "change tracks and drive out pins" type of jobs if your cheep and don't want to waste ether. D'oh!* *- Like you, Sir, he solved the problem and got the job done.* *- Graco 17G180 Magnum ProX19 Cart Paint Sprayer* *- **www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G8SXNNS/*

I would love it to be painted, Matt but I understand if you don't as it would be a big job on it's own. Love your videos. I live in New Zealand.

Spare tires work great for moving steel cables around FYI 😉

Loving the series, clear coat. Retain the patina and keep the protection. I think this d4 resurrection should keep some of it's pnw forest roots.

Definitely paint as much as you can. Pressure wash and wire brush some areas. Point is to protect what remains. It may be old etc, but you have worked hard to make it nearly new.

You have the manuals, read them! There should be parts lists in the manual. At least this is an American made machine with all SAE bolts and Nuts. Tractor Supply is a good souce for common bolts and nuts, Tractor Supply also has Grade 5 bolt and nuts.

I have been following this sense you started it and I'm really enjoying watching.. Besides I like watching other people work..lol B T W I would paint it while you have it torn apart..makes it easier and more effective.. Be Safe!!!

I really like this project! I enjoy his sarcasm. I thought we were going to have another black fingernail when the breaker bar come into use.

Paint will slow down the rust over the years. Based on the part of the country where you live and the amount of rain you get some fresh paint even if brushed on is must.

Now is the time to paint it, great job so far..

Same here Matt. I vote paint! Great job so far on the resurrection!!!

BROTHER YOU GOT THIS AND DONT WORRY ABOUT THE VIDEO CRITICS! 👌🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Love the process.👍