tractorchick 399 #1 Posted September 17, 2014 I bought this in New Carlisle, OH from a John Deere guy. He didn't know what the big fuss was when my Wheel Horse guys gathered around and started to google over it! haha!! It's a little sweetie! Will be an easy restoration for me this winter. 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,276 #2 Posted September 17, 2014 Very nice tractor I'm looking forward to your restoration. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,487 #3 Posted September 17, 2014 Wow. That is a little sweetie. Best of luck. Glenn 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #4 Posted September 17, 2014 Looks entirely too original to ruin with a restoration. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Geno 1,928 #5 Posted September 17, 2014 That's the most to fuss about that I've seen in awhile! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wayne 28 #6 Posted September 17, 2014 That is an awesome little tractor may I suggest trying some rubbing compound on it before you you go tearing it down? it looks absolutely original from here. very nice 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 14,888 #7 Posted September 17, 2014 What a great little find Kate. Looking forward to seeing your progress over the winter. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woodchuckfarmer 333 #8 Posted September 17, 2014 It looks to nice for a restore , Id leave like it is.....nice Wayne 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whfan74 2,015 #9 Posted September 17, 2014 Great little score you made Kate! Have fun with it! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Firpo701 407 #10 Posted September 17, 2014 Awesome!! One of the last of the "mid engine mohicans!" I love em! Congrats and keep us posted.....with LOTS of pictures! :-P 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,229 #11 Posted September 17, 2014 That is a very nice find Kate...you have a good eye for the horses. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,741 #12 Posted September 17, 2014 You go girl! Nice Horse. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Molon_Labe 731 #13 Posted September 17, 2014 Sweet little Congratulations!!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forest Road 594 #14 Posted September 17, 2014 Wow!!! That's like finding an original untouched Model T. I wouldn't do a thing to it. Its perfect as is. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wishin4a416 2,185 #15 Posted September 17, 2014 Beautiful little tractor!!! Very nice shape. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
speedyleedy 205 #16 Posted September 18, 2014 Great looking little 401 Kate ! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tractorchick 399 #17 Posted September 18, 2014 I think you are right, guys! Maybe just a preservation restoration. She sure looks good! I'm pretty happy! I want her to run though. My Cadet Spirit of 76 has been such a letdown.....did tons of work on it and it still doesn't run. This little 401 will be fun to zip around on! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Terry M-(Moderator) 2,125 #18 Posted September 18, 2014 Just saw this and I also have to agree with the others, Looks very nice in it's original condition!! Nice Find 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #19 Posted September 18, 2014 I'm betting that little red won't let you down. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,406 #20 Posted September 18, 2014 I say strip it and restore it.... it looks like it's been painted before by the runs on the hood. They taped off the decals... but still seeped a little. There's paint on top of the edges.... that's not factory. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Terry M-(Moderator) 2,125 #21 Posted September 18, 2014 I guess a closer look does reveal a paint job...but still a very nice looking Tractor 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,276 #22 Posted September 18, 2014 I agree. I saw that it had been repainted which is why I assumed it was going to be a restore. But pictures don't always show enough. It looks great as is but since it's not original a full restoration wouldn't take the "it's only original once" away. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tractorchick 399 #23 Posted September 18, 2014 Do you think I can save those original decals.....they are so nice and I'd love to keep them if I DO restore it. I think for now, preservation restoration, then later I'll do a full restore. IDK -- I'm a woman.....I'll change my mind 100 times before tomorrow morning!!!!!!!! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackhammer 544 #24 Posted September 18, 2014 Sure is a nice looking little tractor . Good for you 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,276 #25 Posted September 18, 2014 (edited) You might be able to save them but the paint might be tougher than the decals. Maybe try some mild solvent and gradually move to something more aggressive. If they don't clean up Terry's decals are spot on and a bargin. If they do clean up and you decide to repaint try using electrical tape carefully trimmed with a razor knife. I did that with a Commando 800 and it's virtually impossible to tell that they are not new decals. I seem to have much better luck with electrical tape rather than the blue painters tape on edges like that. Edited September 18, 2014 by Racinbob 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
