jsp_333 222 #1 Posted July 16, 2014 Everyone Photos below. Just this came across this on local classified here in Toronto. Any chance it could be as ad claims - a 1947-49 Wheel Horse. And what model is it ? I'm assuming the owner is blowing smoke about the age. Asking price Is $950.00. Not running. Tires look sketchy John 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,487 #2 Posted July 16, 2014 John, I cant offer any help regarding your questions. More learned will reply. But thank you for those pictures. looks nice. Glenn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smokin joe 31 #4 Posted July 16, 2014 Its a 1957 rj Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,197 #5 Posted July 16, 2014 Rear tires are on backwards... Sheet metal looks good. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelHorse79 271 #6 Posted July 16, 2014 Without the belt guard, how can you tell it's a '57 and not a '56? Just curious... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,207 #7 Posted July 16, 2014 I don't know for sure what exact year it is but definitely not late 40's.The 56/57 is more like it It sure it cool. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,487 #8 Posted July 16, 2014 Rear tires are on backwards... Sheet metal looks good. Agree. That metal looks darn good. Glenn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hammerhead 816 #9 Posted July 16, 2014 Yes that is a rare 1957 Wheel Horse Model # RJ35 with a Kohler engine! It is an early production 1957 with black rims. This is in really good original condition and should be left like it is and not restored. So I will start the arguments about the " to restore or not to restore" a rare original condition WH.The paint can be cleaned up well with some WD40 and four OOOO steel wool. The rims appear to be painted black and they only did that in 1956. So it is probably built in late 1956 or early 1957. The engine serial numbers can help identify it, if Clay jumps on board this thread. It also has the rare brake option on it. The tires all look pretty good, just don't over inflate them or they will get ruined. Like Stevasaurus said the rear tires are on backwards, just switch them from one side to the other and that will fix that problem. Hope you get this rare machine. The price is a little high but it is worth it, just hate to pay that much for it. What a good looking old girl! 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,572 #10 Posted July 16, 2014 Plus it's a French WH! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,937 #11 Posted July 16, 2014 I'd be all over that... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jake Kuhn 1,546 #12 Posted July 16, 2014 That is quite a find. And I agree with others on it being a 57 or late 56. Hopefully whoever buys it just cleans it up and leaves the paint as-is. Very hard to find one in that good original condition. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,207 #14 Posted July 16, 2014 Wow! That's a great find. It's got the straightest hood I believe I've seen on an unrestored machine. I'd agree with the others and just do a good clean up and leave it as-is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
danjmah 71 #15 Posted July 16, 2014 It is gorgeous! Nice find. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsp_333 222 #16 Posted July 16, 2014 Damn, Now I have to go take a look. The thing holding me back was that I have neither the time nor money to restore an older horse. Oh, and did I mention ability. I've never restored anything so there was no way I was going to "learn" on such a find. Going to try and get out today. john 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsp_333 222 #17 Posted July 17, 2014 O.K. anybody know where I can get an owner's manual and parts list for 1957 RJ35 And I'm going to need some help but....... Naturally the first thing I did was shoot a bunch of photos I'll upload more files tomorrow after I make them smaller. Quick backstory - apparently it has been down the street from me not 5 minutes away since the late 1950's It was used as a trade-in at a boat/ snowmobile dealership and has been there ever since. The business closed many years ago and the guy I bought it from - antiques dealer guy - was able to get in and rescue a few things. Guess it was stored indoors. The engine mounts/ bolts are missing and the carb and fuel system are in a box. I'm guessing over the years different people have tried to get it up and running only to be thwarted by a lack of resources. Resources like the great people on this forum. So I'm really going to need a parts list and a primer, no pun intended, on restoration. And no, I'm not going to paint it even though I really want to. 1. Because I don't know how and 2. My 1953 General Electric beer fridge is worthless because I put a coat of bright yellow paint on it. For now just WD40 and steel wool. But I really want to. John 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
neil 2,398 #18 Posted July 17, 2014 Omg ,.DONT EVER paint it , Worth much more as she is . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brybrychrismer 17 #19 Posted July 17, 2014 very nice congrats on an awesome find,, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,207 #20 Posted July 17, 2014 That is just too cool. Even the decals are in great shape at 57 years old. I can't imagine that it would be too hard to find some engine tins that match the condition. That will be an attention getter at the shows. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsp_333 222 #21 Posted July 17, 2014 No worries all I'm never going to pain it Last photos going up now The first in a long line of questions... So WD40 to remove grease and grime and very fine steel wool to??? What's the steel wool supposed to do? Get off the older dirt without damaging the finish? I would have thought anything even mildly abrasive would start removing what little paint is on it. John 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,116 #22 Posted July 17, 2014 Awesome find and CONGRATS!!. So much cooler and valuable in its original state... It even has its original shower cap muffler on it... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,207 #23 Posted July 17, 2014 The more pics you post the more I like! What I would do is use some Simple Green on it. But dilute it. I really like that stuff and I use it all the time. It's non toxic and biodegradable. I soak small parts in it overnight (full strength) and it removes all the grease and paint. It takes soaking to remove the paint so you could use it full strength with a SOFT brush and rinse it off with water but I'd try the diluted solution first just to be safe and you see how it's working. Many times I've had folks bring me a firearm that have been so gunked up inside that they won't fire anymore. I simply (yea, bad pun) pull the guts out and toss them in a pan full strength for a couple hours. I haven't found a better cleaner that isn't considered hazmat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,487 #25 Posted July 17, 2014 The background story on the tractor is every bit as cool as the tractor itself. Glenn 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites