Here are my thoughts on why I am leaning toward modifying the Case cab. Again this is just in the planning stage.
One reason for using the Case Cab is because I have it. I have looked at the other cabs that were made from scratch. There are some that look great, especially the one made from the extruded steel. The problem for me with this style is the cost of using safety glass after reading the plexi / lexan does not stand up very well to the winter weather. I got some rough quotes on using safety glass and I was looking at 450 plus dollars just for glass. Not to mention the extrusion, fasteners, roof etc.
There are a couple of reasons for the dimensional modifications. When placing the back portion of the cab on the tractors fenders (2006 Ingersoll 4018 not a Case) with the mounting flange to the back of the fenders as far as it can go, the top of the seat is close to being out the back window, at the very least it would be against the back window. By the same token the cab fender mounting flanges sit right on the inside corner of the fenders. I have not placed the front of the cab on the tractor as of yet. Some rough measurements indicate the window will be very close to the steering wheel. Modifying the length is not a big deal with a new roof. The other reasons for the dimensional modifications are with the present cab size it does not appear it will clear the footrests creating a problem with making doors. Height modifications are being considered so I can fit it into the shed
Yes I am a large person and I would also like the extra room in the cab. As far as a diet (Skinny people think this is easy) gluttony is not the only reason some people are overweight. There are other things that come into play such as genetics, metabolism, physical ability to exercise and fat cells. Yep fat cells, a big enemy when someone loses weight. These cells do not die off and want to replenish, There whole purpose is to store fat and when you have them they are there and you cannot get rid of them. It is like having a nagging wife with you 24 / 7. Imagine holding 5 lbs over your head determined you are not going to put it down, you will be able to hold it up for some time but eventually you will need to put it down. There are some forces a person has no permanent control of. Again a person without a weight problem will not understand this. I am speaking from experience after losing 40% of my body weight only to regain it. Not to beat the subject to death but it is no different then a person with soft teeth prone to cavities, you could say stop eating candy if you are prone to cavities you are going to get cavities, it is genetic, just like blonde hair and blue eyes.
I do have the original doors, they are in pretty good shape and I plan on listing them if I do modify the cab. These are the shower curtain style doors and the plastic is in good shape on one and the other has a tear that has been duct taped. I have all the mounting hardware including the latches. I also have the soft back window that is also in excellent shape, it is pretty clear with some minor yellowing. The roof has been folded down on the front and back. The roof could be repaired but you would never get the wave out of it.
To clarify both my tools and experience, I was a experienced naval certified welder welding for General Dynamic for 10 years with certifications in SMAW, Sub-arc, Flux Core and Pulse Arc, MIG and TIG . Besides general dynamics I spent a number of years working in a used car / custom cycle shop helping build choppers and trikes in the 70's along with doing minor body work and painting cars. The comment on tools was more or less a statement I do not have a fabrication shop instead of torches I will use cutting wheels, I may purchase a drill press if I can find an inexpensive one etc.
Attached are some pictures of the cab.