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This hobby of ours (read that addiction) sometimes makes us, and others, happy in ways most unexpected. I've posted pictures of my recent '73 10-8 refresh, but there is an underlying story to all of this which many don't know. When the engine blew (due to a unbeknown broken dipper) and needed to be rebuilt, my original intention was to simply rebuild the engine and put my "worker" back to task. During the rebuild stages something unexplainable kept nooging me to do a restore, so following my gut that's what I proceeded to do. While doing the work I was updating both Red-Square and Facebook with the progress. Some background is required at this point to explain the rest of the story. In 2007 I was reading through posts on another tractor forum at about 10pm on a Friday night and had just exited a thread-group when I noticed the thread-group I'd just left was highlighted again. Not knowing what thread within I might have missed, I went back in to look. The poster must have added the new thread just about the time I was exiting, and his post read that he had a '73 10-8 for sale in my zip-code. I messaged him immediately, we messaged back and forth several times, and scheduled a visit for the following morning. I went to look at the tractor, which had been sitting in a shed for almost five years untouched, and talk to the seller. The neighbor saw me arrive and came over to replaced the battery. Together he and I filled the gas tank, got everything primed, and the tractor started on the third turn of the key. I decided right then to buy the tractor with pretty much no hesitation. Later on, when I returned to retrieve the tractor, I found out the "rest of the story". It turns out the man who owned it before me, Victor "Cody" Pavolic, Sr., was a Freemason like myself (as are several of his sons), and he had purchased the tractor and all its implements brand new from a local WH Dealer in 1973. When he passed away (from a massive heart attack in 2002), it had taken his widow five years to bring herself to sell her deceased husband's "baby". He was one of those 1970's Wheel Horse owners, like the guys in the red striped shirt advertisements, who really understood the quality and value of these great machines. Knowing how expensive they were for the times, Cody took out a loan from a local bank, and then proceeded to take unbelievably good care of the tractor over the following 34 years he owned her. When I picked up the machine, I departed with the words that I would eventually restore the machine and would also let her know when I did so. That was almost eight years ago. Fast forward now to a month and a half ago ... Since our first online discussion in 2007, I have been friends on FB with the second oldest son, Victor. We would say "hey" every so often, and Victor would ask how "Dad's Tractor" was doing. I'd give him the latest news and that would be it for several months. I'd only met the wife/mother, June, in person. Victor was the only family member I had any contact with, of the 6 children in the family, and had never met him in person because he lives in an adjacent state. When I started the restoration I posted pics on FB and tagged him on a few so as to keep him abreast of my progress. Victor messaged me one night and asked that I befriend his sister Sissy on FB so she too could watch the progress. Sissy and I messaged back and forth several times throughout the following weeks, and along with Victor, I could feel and sense a level of excitement from both which I'd never quite experienced from a "Non-Wheel Horse Collector". Though I couldn't put my finger on it, I knew this machine had a very special meaning to these individuals, and for this family. Little did I know! Once the machine was nearing completion, Victor messaged me again on FB with a special request. His nephew Zach had graduated High School this year and the family was having a graduation party on Saturday, July 18th to celebrate the event. He invited my wife and I to come to the party, and if possible, could we bring the tractor along with us as a special surprise for his family. My wife and I accepted the invitation, and I proceeded to prepare the machine for the "surprise visit". Not knowing what to expect, I simply polished her as if we were going to a show, and figured my wife and I would find out how this would turn out while there. Yesterday we loaded up the machine in the morning and went over to their house a mile and a half away at the appointed time. When we got there and Victor met us in the driveway as we pulled in. Most of the family had yet to arrive, and even in the little time of our brief introductions, my wife and I could tell this was going to be something different, and something special. Victor asked that I put the machine in a spot practically in the middle of the party area, in plain view of almost every corner of the property and the street, almost like a center piece on a table. As each family member arrived they were presented with a view of a brand-new looking 1973 Wheel Horse 10hp 8-Speed which they recognized immediately as "Cody's, Dad's or Grand Pa's Wheel Horse". It seems this Wheel Horse had played a very prominent role at every family event and get-together for the 34 years it resided at their home. This tractor was there during most of this family's entire life, all the way down to the grand-children now in their late teens and early 20's, and played a central role in many of the events held there. Everyone in attendance had a favorite story to tell about their particular recollections of good times with Cody and his Wheel Horse, and nearly all had some mutual stories to tell. You know how family stories are, especially when you come from a large family. The story goes around and around, with each family member adding, arguing and laughing, over every detail. My wife and I just stood there, practically in shock, with quick glances of amazement at each other, and listened in awe as the stories were replayed by each and every family member. We could see and feel the joy, and the sorrow, as the stories played out before us. Each family member truly loved their Husband, Dad and Grand Pa, and the machine that was "his baby". My wife and I are so blessed to have witnessed this outpouring of love, affection and admiration, and to receive all the compliments and thank yous for bringing the machine to the party and bringing it and them back to better days. They were all truly appreciative, and it was quite humbling for us to say the least. Sometimes things are just meant to be, and this is most definitely one of them. Below are some old and new pictures from the party. Victors family had put together a poster of images from a 1999 family party where all of the grand kids were in attendance. This gave my wife and I a feel for how this tractor played a role in this family's history. The family and kids even recreated some of those photos they had on the poster. Enjoy. I know we did! THE POSTER IMAGE 1 - FROM THE POSTER IMAGE 2 - FROM THE POSTER IMAGE 3 - FROM THE POSTER IMAGE 4 - FROM THE POSTER VICTOR TAKING A SEAT IN A FAMILIAR PLACE THE GRAND-KIDS RECREATE SOME OF THE IMAGES

The Blackberrys are finally ripe. Now Mrs. K can do her magic and make one of her "to die for" Blackberry Pies.

This picture were my dad's. I grew up on the 753 and he got the Raider 12 in the 80's. He gave me the Raider in 2005 and let the addiction begin. I had to trade a 753 I bought & restored for his 753 he sold to his best friend.

Here Ya go Craig.

here's a video I made from Saturday's show: https://youtu.be/NhdXCPWRZuI

It's 88 outside with high humidity. I'm not retired! What would be a better time than to start fitting this cab I got onto Ezra my 73 12 8 spd for this winter's snowblower duty. As some of you may know I got a really nice cab this spring for a 300-500 series tractor http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/54600-snow-cab/ Problem is this cab will not fit without some mods done. I knew I'd be drilling some holes in the running boards and I didn't want to mess up the original boards so I "Thought" I'd pick up a pair at the show. Well I found the left one. I couldn't believe the right side was no where to be found. I found one that fits correctly on flea bay. Pretty rusty but I'm going to be drillin and hackin so I'll clean it up later. First issue is the lower mounting bar is too long or the boards are too short. notched the boards Frame is just about in the right spot now. There is slight interference with the PTO lever as well as the lift arm. something will need to be done about that after the rest of the frame is fitted. That's it for now TOO HOT!!!!

Good eyes Brandon.....That rogue strawberry plant sprouted in the blackberries and now must think he is one of them as he bears a fruit one month after the strawberry season is over.

It's amazing how some of us made it out of our youth alive. Glad you saw the light and didn't go over to the dark side.

Here's one for you... who's got one of these in the back yard?

Seems as though a strawberry missed the memo...

This 1963 Wheel Horse 953 was at the Illiana Antique Power Association Show this weekend. Owned by George White and still in very original condition (only missing a few minor items -a lens for rear tail light but still has all other parts and an original grill) ! It has the original steering wheel and insert ! The tractor is numbered 62-168 on the shifting decal ! I am posting for all those 953/1054 fans on Red Square !

Grill was different and I forgot to mention it! I told George it was just missing a few items! Light switch was changed too -no doubts about it. Very surprised to see such a nice survivor ! !

Eric , I have a 1 1/8 axle , good condition thats measures very close to 11 5/8" . If it will work, it's yours w/ no charge. if interested let me know......

I love my York Rake, I have the TA-1 with the optional fold down grader blade.

This was my second year at this show......and it did grow some. Also, Nice to see some more wheel horse people come this year . Just took some random snapshots of the show including my Andrew who spent about 75% of his time there hanging out in Joebob's new camper. Planning on going again next year.

Well after 2 hours of fighting I finally got the springs on. And they made it look so easy in the manual Now I can see why I haven't seen a single deck with those springs on! Thanks again Garry!

Great story Derek and even better to own both of these machines! Glad you got them both. I had a 953 when I was a kid and then we traded that in on a D200! Wish I could find either one of them bad boys!

I'm not that concerned with 700-800 hours on the KoCo. If it is well maintained, I feel that there are hundreds of hours of life still ahead. It's the overall condition and wear and tear evidence that will allow me to pull the trigger with no reservations. I have an appointment to check it out on Friday. The owner and myself both work long hours and that's the earliest I can get to it. I am going there with a trailer and cash... just in case. Too rare in my market to miss the opportunity. He is pretty firm on the price (and I love to haggle). His local dealer told him to list it for $3500. He started at $3000, and two weeks ago lowered the price to $2500. He says that's his bottom line. I told him that I will gladly pay what he is asking IF everything is in the condition that he claims. Honestly, I have been trying to find a nice 522xi or 523Dxi (impossible in Michigan) for a while, so the trigger finger is already itchy. I will let you guys know what happens... TO BE CONTINUED...

Reminds me of my stupid youth stunts...lol At age 11 or so my freinds bro n law was a care taker at a local cemetery. One day my friend & I got a couple of thier old rear engine snappers out and went cruising through the cemetery while nobody was home (except the after life). It didnt take us long to discover we could roll backwards down the hill and pop the brake/clutch and wheelie up a hill. After about a 1/2 hr or so I saw my buddy go all the way backwards and the mower landed on him. Blades turned off mind you but after pulling it off him that seemed to take the fun out of it all. We never tore up any stones or anything else since the snappers really have no weight like a wheel horse and so we never got cought. But to think how bad it could have been if it were a heavy tractor like this sure makes one count his blessings. That friends burried in that cemetery about 20yrds from were he flipped that snapper. It was ruled a suicide but most believe he was murdered around age 28, he got into hard drugs really bad and was in/out of prison alot when he got older....Shame!

You probably need a real tractor. WH just aren't heavy enough to break up limestone. I have 3-6" of crushed stone on our driveway. It's at least 1/4 mile. It get graded annually w a 50" mid mount grader. I use to use a driveway groomer http://www.drivewaygroomer.com/. It worked well behind my truck. I have the 6' wide version it's just to large for WH to pull. Didn't have a WH when I purchased it. The 4' version should work just fine. I'd suggest something similar to the driveway groomer or a tow behind take like previously mentioned. I absolutely love these lil red tractors. Unfortunately they do have their limitations. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This seat from TSC is very comfy and adjustable. I always mount them on u shaped seat springs I get out of a scrap yard

Great story Brother!!

My black berries are still green.

Nice ride. Good luck. Glenn

I built a 48" grader blade using a 6" high replace blade off a road grader. The blade was 60" I cut a foot off .

Great memories. The history continues too! Nice,

Let's verify you are using/getting the correct belt. Some parts lists are notorious for reveling the wrong information. Width of cut 36", 37", 42" or 48"? How many blades? Side or rear discharge? Garry

Yumm!

ok so update: the inner larger pulley was rusty so I engaged the pto and held some sand paper on it and sanded all the rust off it made it smooth and down to bare metal. Then I reattached the belt. I mounted the belt to the inner pulley, still nothing, so I adjusted the trunnion again, another two turns before it finally stopped slipping when under tension. Once it stopped slipping I adjusted the tension until the blades came up to speed, and mowed with it. It is working but I think it still needs some tweaking, the blades bog down and almost stop in taller grass. Grass that the cub mows right through so minor tweaking. Think I am finally on track now, I think the belt is not right, I brought it down to get a new one and they gave me a 1/2 x 95 and it appears that it should be a 12 x 96.6

Two things also to check, one that motor is on a shaker plate, when you engage the PTO it pulls the engine to the rear of the tracto. On my C 141 I had it lost ground when PTO was engaged thus causeing all kinds of problems. Ran fine as long as i did not engage the PTO. Second if you are on all the right pulleys and you still can't get belt tight enough maybe you have the wrong belt size on the PTO to Deck.

Your theory would be correct looking at it from the perspective of the deck pulley (device being powered), but from the engine side bigger will turn the blades faster (as Garry @gwest_ca was saying). The inside groove should be faster, if its not look at belt tension like mentioned before. Also the outside pulley will not be inline with the mule drive and you will wear out your belts faster Good luck!

I assumed outter pulley would be faster... smaller puller higher revs/ larger pulley more torque slower revs... but last night was just a test...to get it working. so I will move it to the inner pulley today, adjust the tension and see what it does. As always thank you guys for all the great info, and quick responses. I will let you know how I make out

Great lookin tractors. Thanks for sharing.

So.......if the manual and everyone else here says inner groove,which in fact is correct,why are you running the belt on the outer groove???

I had a surprise visit this weekend. My wife set up a surprise birthday party for me. After telling me my little horse looked like a pile of junk she got my son to come over. About a 3 hr ride. He helped me tear down the motor and did the machine work for me. Good news is He said all it needs is rings and a gasket set. But I'm ordering a new piston and new bearings as well. Hope I'm as fortunate with the transmission.

Only thing i see missing is sum wheel horse stickers on it!!

Well probably ggoing to pass on this one, so its all yours!

I would not put a 2 ply tire on the front of a blower tractor.

Then and Now will have the pump parts for you then. Just take the pump apart and match up what you have to the kit numbers shown on the link I gave above. You should be just fine. One word of caution though. When reinstalling the pump, make sure the pump arm is above 9on top of) the cam when you put it back in. Been there and done it wrong once. Took me a while to figure out where I'd buggered myself up.

Man... that is a good lookin' tractor.

Undoubtedly... the two priceless pieces in your collection.

Very humbling indeed. Was very happy with the experience. The cart, an LTD-242 or 243 apparently and unfortunately, had been sold along with his other implements before I got to buy the tractor. I asked who had bought them and it "was just someone who called in response to a local paper advertisement". Whoever it was came by, handed money, loaded up and left. They said the buyer really didn't say much, just took the things and left. Me, I was thinking I could find him and trade one of my newer carts for that one. The oldest son, Carl (In the last picture), asked me if I would sell "Dad's Tractor" to him. I very gently declined, of course, but said I could find another for him. He said, "You find another '73 and restore it like that, I'll buy it off of you!" I warned him what the cost might be, and he said he didn't care, he just wanted a tractor like Dads. I guess I have a new quest and a new project coming up in the future.

Picked up my first 3 seris this weekend, 310-8, runs great and came with a peco vac. Got this from the original owner, had all the manuals also came with a snow blade and a mid grader blade and a set of brand new bags for the vac.

That sounds like a pretty nice piece. Do you plan on turning dirt with it?

$ 30.00! You stole it. Congratulations.

Here's the photos the little I've used it. It is in need of a tune up because I think it had been sitting a while it's not bad the deck is a little rough I'll post after pics of it once it's cleaned up Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

OK ... here all you get for now, an unfinished peek at the BUTT of the Beast!! Thundies rollin in so I had to stuff her in the hauler quick. Hopefully I can get her in the garage tomorrow and finish this round of little items. Honestly, I don't see this ending any time soon, 23 guys looked at it today, and I was given at least 10 cool new ideas. Damn. Guess the only way it will ever be done is if I hide it!! LOL

I like it. Nice work.

I'm probably all alone here, but I really like that paint scheme and the small racing steering wheel. I would be tempted to leave it as is and just bask in the fact that I own my dad's tractor regardless of the paint and motor. Mike..............