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I can tell you that, without going in to details, there has some groundwork already put in place to have a show on site in South Bend at the old Wheel Horse factory. As time goes on I am sure there will be different things that will be looked at to be able to advertise a top notch show/convention on the actual grounds of where these machines came from.

You could hold it at my place in the U.P. Lots of space ot mow/till/plow/grade, and plenty of barn space. Everyone could complain equally about how far away it is! I'm not much of an expert on fixing anything, but if you need someone to lecture on interesting ways to break stuff, I'm your man!

I think what Rob is trying to do here is have a convention which is more of a "teaching" event rather than a show event. My first reaction was the same at Lane's. He would like to have different tutorials and presenters ie how to rebuild a tranny (Steveasarus) or how to find electrical problems (Save Old Iron) etc.etc. I think it is a great idea but I can tell you it will be a HUGE undertaking in terms of organization. I also think that location is a big factor.

Wow has this taken off or what? I originally thought it would be nice to have something in South Bend but I don't know what the hotel/motel situation would be there. Then I considered suggesting a few reagonal get-to-gethers or conventions if you will. They could be spaced out like one in Indiana, one in Iowa, one in say Dayton,OH and maybe one by St. Louis. You know spread them out so it would be easier for most to get to one. OK I'm getting too carried away but the reagonal idea would seem better that just one. Of course that would mean groups to organize unless there were more people like Geno who have enough room without having to arrainge for space. I don't see where a one day thing would be worth while to people traveling more than a couple hundred miles though.

I just paint the old ones.

My grandpa's 1966 856. It handled snow duty for decades in northern Michigan. This will be it's first in about 9 years. I can't wait!

In addition(like)to your trans videos Steve... not sure why any of this stuff couldn't be done right here? If I had to drive to the mid west somewhere to attend a seminar to see the internal workings of a transmission... I doubt I would have ever been inside one. Isn't this precisely the stuff RedSquare is for? Just sayin...

Let me know when this will be held at the Old Wheel Horse factory in Belgium...I am already saving my $ for this one. BTW...count me in...the weekend after Scott's M&G is always a nice weekend.

Since the big show (WHCC) is not a RedSquare event, the schedule is entirely set by the WHCC. Instructional and hands-on events have been tried, but have not been too well received. Most attendees are there to look, show, buy, and generally NOT be tied down to any particular event or seminar, etc.

I think based upon my visit this year that the Annual Convention is already held each year by the Wheel Horse Collector's Club in Pennsylvania! And I think next year is going to be the 17th year if I remember correctly!

here ya go. thanx

I'm hoping this is the right spot for this question, if not, please let me know and I'll have a moderator move it to the correct area. I found this while browsing craigslist. Has a mower deck that is clearly missing pictures. Original engine according to the seller, how c.omplete nobody knows without going to look at it. Selling is asking 200$ and seems pretty firm on that price. Is it worth that much? It's a solid 1.5 hours one way from me to just go look at it. I don't need this tractor but I also don't want to just let a "good" deal pass by and see this tractor go to the scrapper. Thoughts or am I just crazy for even looking at this? Thanks!

I talked to Terry today and wanted to get input if this is something you guys would be interested in. Terry mentioned to me the other day how much of a pain it was to install decals on these old dashes with the bump. I've also seen several very rusty and pitted dashes on here that could affect the look after the decal is applied and longevity as there is less for the decal to adhere to. I talked to Scot and we made one without the bump. The dash is inset so the more gradual bend still looks great. We can do a sharp bend in it but that affects cost as none of us can do that so it has to go to another guy down the street that has a hydraulic bender. The lighter and ignition switch will have to be moved upward about 1/4" to work with the bend so they sit flat and we get a more uniform bend. These could be powder coated black or just painted satin black depending on what you guys think the rear side of the panel should look like. They could also be done in stainless, bronze, etc, but that will only affect the rear side look and longevity. Once the plates are done I will send them to Terry so he can fit the decal to it. I just thought of something else that I think Terry can do, what about doing a metal dash to replace the plastic ones and have a nice decal for it instead of the plastic (pic #2)? Yea, he doesn't know about that one yet. How would you like to see this thing made? Keep in mind, everything above affects cost. What would you expect it should cost in the configuration you would want? These when ready will be shipped with the new dash plate and the decal already attached and done. Below is the first prototype, the second is in the works now.

You did great, always good to save a Horse.

i like the debate it is one i had when i was doing automotive electric work. now that i am in IT the tools work on horses and xjs only. i have used the peircing probes, only when i had to (ex time constraints). but i would prefer not to. I do have enough electrical testing equipment to figure out about anything. however on my 310 i have never found a place i couldn't use my power probe 3 or multimeter. i love the power probe made my life easier many times.

Well, if Gene went from Kentucky to Minnesota for it, he sure can have it

You forgot the diamond inlay. Glenn

It looks to be an early lawn ranger. I'm with everyone else though...need more pics! ;-)

If he wasn't willing to work with me I would move on. I wouldn't spent 3 hours on the road to see the other side of the tractor was damaged or had even more parts missing.

I split both... my dash into two, and decal into three separate pieces.

Doesn't hurt to have one of these around

I think that is a great idea!!!

wrong, not even when you roll it in a ball? here's mine Koen

I guess a Florida convention would be out of the question, lol. We do have a LOT of hotel rooms and convention space. Not a lot of wheelhorses though.

Had mine out today. Doing some cleaning up and playing around. Not enough to call a "Herd" , so it is Gunny's "Fire Team". Won't bother giving any Models or Years, but the 857 is my go to worker, the 1056 is about ready to unveil for my Grand Daughter (up to you to decide which one), the C100 is my Son's worker, the 310-8 is the best deal I ever made and of course you can never have a Fire Team without out an old guy... the RJ. It kind of rolls around and looks at things. The C100 and 1056 were on temporary orders here, and will be out of the Fire Team soon, movement day is Tuesday. A fitting day for the event! They won't win any beauty pageant, but they do earn their keep! Enjoy. Gunny

Why would I complain, you're practically right next door! I'll volunteer to assist in breaking stuff training, I'm an expert in that field too...

I have been giving this idea some thought...and I like where it is heading. One thing is Jason has peaked my curiosity about the "project" he is talking about. Another thing is, I could talk for a couple hours about Wheel Horse transmissions and their evolution. What would be excellent...if Racinfool40 (Mike) and I did this together. Holy Cow!!! Here is an idea...how about doing "live stream WIFI" of any and all of the technical seminars. Seminars could include, transmissions, trouble shouting electrical with a multimeter, trouble shooting fuel flow (carbs, gas lines, filters, tanks, etc), how to use a spray gun (paint), welding, engines etc. Steve NW WI...welcome to Red Square It would be great if we did this at the Dells. Don't worry, it will not be too fancy...we are way too Blue Collar for that.

Too much time in the "shed" with a motor running!!!!!!!

I would love to do a tranny thingy, but I am pretty shy in front of people...I am better at heckling from the back. but count me in...I'll figure it out.

Ok let's see if l can clear some of this up. I wanted to find what year my c-160 auto was built but did not have the model # in front of me so I just put in c-160 auto in the Toro website. Which gave me every year the c-160 auto was built. Starting in 1974 the model# was1-0480. Starting in 1975 model# started 1-0481 and so on to 1977. Then I went out and looked at my # I saw it was 1-0481. Thinking the model #s went sequely from 1974...1-0480 and up and seeing the first model # of 1975 matched mine I thought I might have the first production c160 auto from 1975. I hope this helps you guys understand my thought process last night. In the end it was quite funny.

South Bend is an excellent central location for a lot of members here in the mid-West. The TORO factory location is kinda tucked way up North there (but they might be able to help produce-sponsor if near). The Big Show is way out East in PA, but a good location for a large percentage of the active Wheel Horse owners, plus it's established, 17 years and we know what to expect and is a tourist area for the family. It would be impossible to find just one location and time that is good and convenient for everyone. Also, too many smaller shows might distract some from the Big Show, but then more WH owners could attend and share if the shows are in local close places. I agree with Geno, if we get too fancy and formal, costs to produce and attend a show could get real expensive real quick for everyone. Initial surveys are a great idea to get a feel for the interest. It is the location, date and program that will draw people in, plus it takes time & a team, plus years to establish a Show following, then there's costs (gas, food, sleeping, 'lost work & family time' . . .). To share an event with a larger event could be both a help or a distraction (like the Portland, IN show in August)(advertising, insurance, exposure, experience, supervision . . .). I'm very much in favor of a Mid-West show . . . Glen

Steve - thanks for clearing the point up regarding convention... Maybe we call it COnference then.... Regardless of where it may be held, there will always be individuals who can't make the trip.. It would not be on or close the the PA event.... This would be another option for indivuals to attend. Definately want to stay away from union buildings regardless. Takes away from the overall expierence and adds additional costs that are truly not needed. If there are at least 100 individuals who would be interested in attending, that is all it takes, to start something and make it grow. Geno - yes, play day everyday in the exhibit hall or where ever it would be. Rob

That would be the best place for sure! If the groundwork has begun then I'm sure you guys have had some very eye opening experiences. It's a very large undertaking indeed, especially so if you are in a union town. I attended the Summer and Winter CES shows for 4 years as a retailer and it was great. Then I spent the next 6 years doing it on the Vendor side, oh boy. Wait till you have to push a tractor inside the building 50' to a both and the union guy tells you that will be $150.00 please or go home. Granted the CES shows are the largest in the world but we ran into the same types of messes in smaller shows.

Hi Geno, the shack won't fit in the new garden which is why I've had to rent a workshop And as this is a rented house, the shack has to come down before we leave.. There is indeed Jason... I need to find the time to catch up on it all... Yesterday was a nice day weather wise and the shack floor had never looked so clean!! As the first floor board came up I was wondering how many rabbit holes I would find as they do like the garden here and are/were always running under the shack! As it turned out there was only slight bunny digging in one corner, but no holes. I did have one very unexpected find though.. I found Limpy... Or what was left of him/her! Limpy was a young fox cub that could be seen pottering about the place last year.. As you will of guessed Limpy had a limp hence the name.. At one point he/she wasn't look too well but the last couple of times I saw him/her, he/she was looking much better with a nice coat of fur at last.. I guess he/she wasn't doing too well as I found the remains yesterday! Anyway, the shack is all down now, the base frame has been split into manageable size chunks that will fit on a big trailer with no problems.. And all being well it should all be taken away tomorrow which is also house moving day!! Should be fun

That game was at Penn State. (but we brought a truckload of money ) One more item added for Racinbob.. Spiffy is on top of it.. Spiffy started thinking ahead and decided to kill another bird with this stone, and added another item for B1G fans up north.. This new breakfast item is for Michigan fans.. It will also double as a Wisconsin breakfast of Championship Wisconsin Wannabee's if you rotate it 180 degrees.

Read the first post.... and the 115th post.

Sorry to get everyones BP up but I have to say MINE was alittle higher than normal TOO!! ALWAYS fun to DREAM about WHAT IF.!

Some more....

Mostly get slush and ice in these parts, when it does snow I'll put weights and chains on the 520.

If I knew that Wheel Horses would have helped me with dating, I should have started collecting them in High School, or even in the 6th grade ( is that what Scott is doing with his WH club? ).

Just go into the next room and skype. We could do a live broadcast and put it on a Jumbotron.

You are right, it has been tried at the WHCC show with less than great results as far as I understand. But that was because they were pushing it on the wrong crowd. The difference I see in a concept like this would be the expectation up front. If the expectation of the attendee is to attend tech sessions, history presentations and round table discussions, you'll actually draw a different crowd. Most of the guys who just want to show their tractors or just like visiting and BS'ing about whatever won't attend. They have other shows to go to. But you'd probably be surprised by the number of collectors who are actually more interested in tech details and history than who has the best or shiniest paint, or who has the most tractors. I'm particularly interested in this, as I have a back burner project that could be a fantastic presentation in an event like this. But it's going to take several years to complete. and to totally toot my own horn , I think its going to rock some worlds.

It's an interesting concept. Many hobbies have a convention. I like Stevebo's explanation of it, because honestly my first reaction was the same.... there's already an annual show. But if you make it more of a convention style... with vendor booths selling specialty parts, a display area, some teaching and educational areas... there could be a real niche there. Of course my first thought then is holy crap it's too expensive to get a convention center, but then remember, it can start small in like a couple of barns on a fairgrounds somewhere... similar to a show. I think Rob is right... something like this with 100 people attending would be a great start. Another idea, rather than a single branded convention, what about getting tech or speaker sessions into the LAGC magazine sponsored Annual Lawn and Garden Extravaganza? That seems like a place that this type of thing could be a mutually beneficial deal. Having it there might encourage other major brands to do the same kind of tech sessions or something. Just a thought.

I am so confused ... What are we looking at here?

Rob, I forgot to mention. Nice touch with the tie! You didn't have to get all dressed up for me though. A Duluth Trading longtail T and presentation jacket would have been sufficient!

Wow! Haven't seen this before, Thanks for sharing, Rick.

Got to work on some goodies I've had just waiting for this project... Before: During: After: Also found out that I've been accepted to MN State College --Southeast Tech!

I agree Bob...what these guys are saying about doughnuts is just not right... it is not the doughnut's fault that Iowa sucks...It is not the doughnut's fault that Northwestern can't win when you think it should, or that they win when you think they should loose...it is not the doughnut's fault that Indiana lost both of their 1/4 backs...it is not the doughnut's fault that Purdue has won a couple of games...it's not the doughnut's fault that Minnesota beat Iowa (OH OH...that is this week). ...it is not the doughnut's fault that Penn St can't win in Happy Valley...............and you watch...it is not the doughnut's fault that Maryland and Rutgers have a chance to upset the apple cart. Doughnuts are a way of life, and we should not have relegated them to the basement...meaning you get the doughnut if you lose...rather...you should get the doughnut if you win!! So here I am on my soap box, saying that the doughnuts in this world have been treated unfairly...kind of like the Big 10 this year. Put our best team in the Top Four and squeeze the jelly out of them, we can do this...this is America, this is the NCAA, THIS IS THE BIG TEN. :happy-jumpeveryone:

I can't have bacon anymore. Pass the Granola!

Had a small group for club tonight as some were sick and others were at basketball practice. That didn't stop us though. We spent the first few minutes collecting food for our school canned food drive and then off to the barn we went. The first order of business was to break in to that new tool kit and get it organized. Everything was packaged in small bags so we took everything out and placed it in the proper locations. Here is a photo of the finished product. After that huge task was complete it was time to focus on the tractors. More was disassembled from the raffle tractor and sanding was started on a few parts. It is slow going, but we are still moving forward. Here is a photo of some of the kids working on removing the left running board. Of course my son spent time with my dad buttoning up some loose ends on the tractor that was donated by Clyde Potts out of Wooster, OH. Boy do we really need to get those first two tractors done! Slow and steady wins the race they say. Be sure to tune back in next week as wrenches will be turning yet again. I can't believe we have such a nice warm place to work this year as things are getting cold outside. We are blessed!