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Found this about 50 miles from home. says it is a non runner but has a clean tank and engine turns free no spark? It has been somewhat restored but has not run for years? Wants $400 for it. Painted dash but I can fix that problem. It started life as a 657 but was upgraded to an 8 horse

So I have a shop full of expensive sign making equipment and here I am experimenting with Lola's Cricut maker machine. Tried scoring on copper colored thin metal sheeting today. I cut the edges with a dull carpet knife but still happy with the look of this. Will burnish down the rough edges when the paint is dry but I wanted it to look a bit rustic anyway.

Found the ad a couple days ago on craigslist. It was pretty vague, but listed a phone number to reach him and was able to get some more info and pictures. The tractor was listed as a "418C, high hours but runs strong. Comes with deck and plow". The price was initially a bit of a turn off as it was more than i spent on my last two "nice" wheel horses combined, but after some research it was looking like a better and better deal due to the models rarity and the plow/weights/chains. Was finally able to align my schedule with the seller last night to go see it. From what i am told, he got it from the original owner who used it for a lawn care business, hence the hours. The hour meter lists approx 2400hrs, but the rest of the tractor does NOT seem that way, so maybe the key was left on a couple times. The tractor is in awesome shape, MUCH better shape than the 1600hr 314H i restored and sold last year. The 48" deck is in fabulous shape as is the 48" plow that it came with. Though i think it needs the carb cleaned, it ran very well, the hydrostatic drive and lift worked great, the PTO engaged easily and the deck was silent (new blades even!). I could tell that the fella who owned it for much of its life cared for it. It does need what the previous owner thinks is a starting solenoid. It wont start with the key, but will by jumping the terminals. My dads tractor (a 314-8 classic) also has this issue, so ill be diving into that this evening most likely. I was apprehensive about this tractor being hydrostatic as i didnt care for my last hydro tractor. However, the floor mounted lever as opposed to the column mounted lever definitely changed my mind, along with this tractor not being as worn out. I ended up paying 700 for it, which i thought was a fair deal considering the plow/weights/chains. I figure that stuff is worth a minimum of 200, so i came home with a very nice, and rare, tractor for around 500 bucks. As an added bonus, the guy i bought it from saved a set of chrome hub caps from the scrap yard. The fronts exist on the tractor, but he misplaced the rears since the wheel weights were on there. He will be getting them to me when he finds them. The biggest added bonus, buried treasure, hens teeth, was the hidden chrome rear wheels! Cant wait to get those things cleaned up! He said someone came to look at the tractor and offered him cash plus another set of wheels/tires in trade for them. Was that one of you guys?! I have attached the few pictures i have of it. Got home around 930 last night and didn't even get a chance to get it off the trailer. I look forward to getting my hands dirty with this one in the next couple days.

Over the years my American series decals have been very popular for the 300 400 and 500 series tractors. These are totally after market so unfortunately there is no way of identifying the year from the hood and fender decals. I added the Patriotic series in 2012 if memory serves me?

Plain round rod with holes drilled in the ends for cotter pins is how I would do it. Garry

That's a purdy one! I luv my 857 got from HHHOOOWWWAAARRRDDD!!! Going to plow snow with it this winter. Really would like to find a quiet deck for it. I have one that's so-so.

Had a good freeze this morning in NW Ohio. Took time to service and tube front tires this morning. Then put plow on. Any one else ready for the crappy stuff ?

Out very own @chris sutton is in 2 pics in the over the pond article. Well done chris!

I'm a fan of the 418-C for snow removal, that hydro lift and Eaton Hydro coupled with a Kohler twin is great. Makes a good leaf blower too.

Read that^ and instantly made me think of this picture hahaha😂😂

Worth every penny if you enter it in the ugly seat contest, a sure winner for years to come.

You could definitely say that. There are quite a few names in that thread that have lost touch or hobby interests have changed over the years, but you can see what made this forum great even way back then... the people and the camaraderie. That's what has ALWAYS set this forum apart from so many others. Your never know what you'll find if you go looking in the basement (old threads) here. Sadly so many pictures have been lost over the years from outside hosting... we didn't used to have quite the capability we do now. Luckily the ones in that thread are all still there! Knowing Pat it was probably sold or traded for another Horse! 10 years later.... who knows how many times it changed hands and what happened to it. Will be awesome to see it resurrected @bellevillerod As you can see it was loved when it was built. Looking forward to the updates.

A 857 hood should not have the headlight Kev, an 867 would have tho but not that decal.... someone swap the hood out? You did ok on the price Terry.. I paid 450 for this one and it was delivered, came with a mid mount blade and a deck. This one is all orginal and didn't have any PO cobblements Brett Esse of the Portage Tractor Daze show fame just showed up at my door with it one night. Was dark out but quick over with a flashlight I fell in love. Been a go to tractor ever since.

Presuming it has run and has good compression the ignition issue should be a matter of cleaning and setting the ignition points.

I started lowering my 856. I flipped the front axle and lowered the frame in the rear 4”.

Stainless should work. Threaded rod is weaker and will wear your front hitch. You could use solid rod and thread the ends or use a long bolt if you can find one. Best bet however is to find someone who can just weld it properly.

https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/14102-landed-a-familiar-one/?tab=comments#comment-119891 Here's who built it: https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/profile/281-jusjeepn/

As specially requested by @pullstart Here is a series of pictures with a tape measure showing the brackets for the mid mount grader. The grader blade itself is 40 inches wide and roughly 8 inches tall including the Curve. Please feel free to ask for specific measurements or further information.

I'd say that's a nice little tractor ya got.

Helps a lot Dan thanks ... Some day when you got absolutely nothing better to do, yah right like that's gonna happen, you should do a primer (pun intended) on painting techniques!

Could just be a replacement belt guard because 1967 was the first year of that style without the indent (including the Lawn Rangers)...But, have you ever noticed that many of the original 857's had the indent on the belt guard? Theres no way to prove this, but I'm thinking the 857 model may have been the first 1967 model to roll down the assembly line. Nice looking tractor there, Terry

That's the one that I was talking about in the start of this thread that I had said I found that looked like the one I had happened upon. I didn't know what I was looking at and when I saw that one I figured it must be a true horse. So I got it. That there is funny, used the custom to verify itself. Well I just got it pulled into my shop to get at making it whole. I can see a couple of things that need some attention. The drive on the 10hp tec does not line up to power the deck. So I will have to fab a new bearing setup on the deck so I can use it. I am also now looking for the pedal and pulley set up for use as a belt tensioner. I'm going to go read that thread to see what I have, guess I get to meet the guy that built this after all....cool

OK back to my tutorial. Your issue had nothing to do with your surface prep. Just for giggles I sprayed a piece of metal that I rubbed with a little oil, to demonstrate "fish eye" a problem that occurs from poor surface prep. "Fish eye" is when the paint separates causing open spots where the paint will not cover. You can see this in the pic below. No matter how much paint you dump on the part these spots will open back up. Now back to your issue. Your primer & paint were not yet ready to get along. Here are some options to try 1. Like I said a longer cure time on the primer will help, forget what the can says & give the primer a week in a warm environment to fully cure. Also like the guys at Rustoleum said lighter coats of paint will help. If the paint goes on too wet it will have a chance to soak into the primer & may cause the issue again. 2. Next option: try wet on wet. Take a scrap piece of metal to experiment with and prime it, as soon as the primer flashes (looks dull) spray a coat of paint on it to see if it lifts. If it doesn't, spray another coat of paint when it's ready. If this works out then this may be a viable route for you. Another note: How do you know when to add the next coat of paint? Dry times printed on the can are just a guide line. Here is a fool proof way to tell. Pick a spot that will not be seen and touch it with your finger. The paint should be tacky like tape but should not stick to your finger. If the paint color transfers to your finger it is not ready for the next coat. 3. Change to a lacquer primer, (if you can find some in a spray can). Lacquer primer is much less likely lift under the enamel and the cure time is a lot shorter. Hope this helps.

Semper Fidelis! The framework for the blower fan is simply some scrap angle iron welded to an old mule drive. It is about six inches off the ground and the position was determined by the length of an old belt I had hanging on the shop wall at the time. I will take a few pictures of it tomorrow. Squid! My first duty station in the Navy was an AKA (Attack Kargo Amphibious; Navy couldn't spell Cargo). As an Assault Boat Coxswain we transported Jarheads and their equipment to the beach heads in Mike Boats (landing craft) and dropped the bow door so you could slog through the knee deep water, dig a foxhole to sleep in and eat "C" rations. After dropping you off we returned to the ship, took a shower, had a hot meal and slept in a dry bed. Never regretted my decision to join the Navy.

What you have going on is called lifting. Your top coat is actually breaking down your primer causing it to lift off of the metal. Basically a bad chemical reaction. Know that your paint has made the primer lift, the absolute best way to fix it is to take every thing back down to bare metal. Sucks I know, but it is the best way. Next step would be to extend your cure time on the primer, again this sucks when your trying to get something done. Painting is a game of patients, specially when use a strait enamel like Rustoleum. Acrylic enamels are a little less harsh & have faster dry times so things can move a little faster. They're making me go home from work so I will get into this a little more when I get home.

Very nice Mr. Squid! How did you mount the squirrel cage? Could you Sir post a few pic's? Sir? I need one too! (Take notice of how polite this Jarhead is when he needs wants something. ) At Camp Lejeune we used rakes. Aboard the USS Guam, stood in chow lines. Last for morning chow call, forget it. You would be 1st for lunch. Thinking, "Greeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttttt!"

timh , funny you should ask, I just got back in , setting up the 312-8 , weights , chains , basic check over , ready to go. I think its early , but this will be my plow blade, my other 312-8 will be the snow blower, similar weights, chains. I think with the global warming , we are going to be on the wet /heavy snow side. either way , hi and dry or wet and heavy , the horse power will get it done, pete

I love mine!

Eric, I'm not to far away from Maple syrup country myself...http://www.highlandcounty.org/business-directory/maple-products/...doesn't matter which home I'm at its on either side of me...

Oh man you got me. I laughed out loud at that one. That's awesome. I will absolutely take some measurements of that grader blade for the rest of you fine Folk.

What’re the chances it would find its way back to someone here on Red Square?! That’s really neat that it found it’s way back Via a new stable. That’s just plain cool.

I Like that!

Just using my favorite mug this morning .

Heading up to my Buddies shop for coffee. Everyone have a great day.

I just started a 1055 project and would like to get a cheapy HF gun and try painting like that. Rattle cans are getting old but yes problems with finding a place to paint. Can't do it in the heated garage as the Mrs would go ballistic about the overspray and now too cold to paint outside. Might have to rig up a spray booth of some kind. I have a ways to go before final paint anyway. Going to do a full mockup first to make sure no brackets need to be welded on or mods done and everthing fits as should. Do need to get bare metal primed as to avoid flash rust. Contemplating having the frame & lower carriages powder coated yet as well.

Looks like the big Ford is mad the little guy is getting the attention!

That is a really good ? Kev. So at least know we know the guy that gave it some love. Appears you have a nice blast from the past Belleville. I gave your post a sad @CasualObserver cause it seems Pat's obvious affliction & talent was absconded by life. After reading that thread I changed it , Seems those guys were pretty tight back then. From that thread @Vinylguy " The dash decal came from horsedr2000 on ebay. It's been sitting in my desk for at least a year because I wanted one of Terry's for my Electro. The shift decal came from Terry with chrome background"

Pat built that tractor and documented here. I haven't seen Pat around the forum in years. He was a Hoosier with a somewhat large herd, but I think like many members that disappear, family needed to come first and he hasn't made his way back.

Terry looks nice. But it seems strange that some one would go to that length and not have it running. They did a nice job on the restore. I hope it all go`s well. When done it will be a fine tractor.

I'm in. Keep us posted. Really nice looking horse there Terry!! Just like Trina's. We're going to make a reasonable attempt to get the Tecumseh running again. If it takes any more work than simple reassembly or needs money for repairs it's getting chucked in favor of a Kohler 8 or 10.

Bought it. now will wait and see what I have. fingers crossed. Says the trans is free and shifts properly.

I can relate to that!! That's been part of what I have been up against this summer, only the "honey do list" has been more like a "Git er Done or else..." list. Anyway, here are a couple more pics of the painting operation. This is what I am using for the primer: And the paint (note the date how long ago when I had this stuff mixed): I know there has been a lot of discussion on here as to paints and colors, and realize a lot of it just comes down to personal preference. I'll just add my and say that I am extremely satisfied with the red that I chose. I'll have to say that when I compared it to a couple of parts I had with OEM paint, including areas of my tractor such as under the Model/Serial tag, under the engine tag, and even under some of the removed decals, this is a VERY close match to original. Dad's garage, my makeshift paint shop: As for the painting, since I have been up against it this summer and didn't have time to get any painting done until now, I had to take over my Dad's garage and basement due to temps averaging in the 50's. I had originally planned on doing all of this outside and using my storage building for the curing, but since it is not heated, my Dad offered the use of his facilities. Thank-You Dad, you really bailed me out! I basically had everything hanging on the wires and ready to go in his basement, then carried each individually to the garage to prime (repeat process for paint on a subsequent day), then back to the warm basement to re-hang and cure. A lot of running back and forth, especially when this stuff doesn't have a real long pot life once activated. Anyway, long story short, that is all behind me now as everything is all primed and painted. I did actually run a little short on the paint and did not get the rear hitch stuff and a couple of the tach-a-matic brackets done. But as I mentioned earlier in this post, I have not even begun Phase 2, which is the mower deck and a whole separate project, so I can hit these at that time when I get more paint. I do want to add that I am far from a professional painter and ended up with a couple of minor runs and a few dust specks here and there, but overall I think it came out pretty good all things considered. I doubt if anyone will see my flaws except for me, but I guess that I'm my own worst critic. Besides, as I mentioned back when I began this thing, she is going to be a work horse anyway & I'm sure will probably end up with a few new flaws before I'm done! I didn't really have time to take any photos of the "Wheel Horse laundry" hanging to dry, but I'm sure you guys having done your own restores have seen plenty of that . I'm just glad to be past the headache, LITERALLY, cause I can't begin to tell you all how many times I kept banging my head on all of the hanging pieces! And I even knew they were there! That pretty much catches me up to where I'm at now, short of the couple of things I tinkered with this week. I'll get these posted real soon, once i get some more photos and then start into the reassembly.

finally got to pick up a part I purchased today and check some other brand garden tractors in North jersey. very nice guy he had his father's 753 which he just got (he was using up until he passed he was 90!) said it was in the family since 74, wasn't for sale! the other brand tractors I passed on not odd ball enough. he did have the remains of an 854 which I got for spares for mine, but then I saw the center consol still has the serial tag on ot so I guess it still has a soul, then I got looking at all the other parts I have laying around..... no I got to many other projects.... but it's a thought....hmmm

Makes perfect senseTerry

my 856 has the indent on the belt guard with the 856 logo. i know for a fact it is all original

Thank you for your service. Yes really not that hard and we will be here to walk you through and help if parts needed. Steve's idea about a member in CT helpin you out is great!

Reworked one of the first pulley on minilathe. looks it works so far, so i reordered more in different dimensions. still waiting for delivery.... engineswap delayed... 🙄

Pictures can be deceiving. Hoping it looks as nice as the images. The guy I'm getting it from has all brands of tractors and acquired this in a 4 tractor deal. He says the decals are not original so I will do a search of illinois customers to see if I sold any 657 decals close to home. The kohler looks too nice to be toast. Picking it up Sunday so will know more then.

Like the ag's but, don't need 'em much nowadays. Turfs and chains work well when pushing wet white cold junque. Do use ag's on my Allis. Always set up with a mid mount grader. http://www.millertire.com/categories/lawn-garden-tires/

I don't know if they make them quite that long but perhaps a hitch pin? Those would be made out of hardened steel. If not, the big box stores often have round steel in stock to do as @gwest_ca Suggested above.