New Guy w/ Recently Purchased W.H. 655

[hcminis 1,698]

Hello everyone,

New guy to the board. Well been lurking as a visitor for a while but just never signed up because I didn't have a Horse.

Grew up using my Dad's C-120 every week to mow our yard. Grew up around Chevy Trucks so I like Chevy trucks. So, being I used the ole Horse every week then I have always liked Wheel Horse tractors. Never was able to get one that I liked until Tuesday. Always used an MTD from Montgomery Ward since it was cheap and lasted until we sold our house which it stayed as part of the deal. So, we purchased our new (old) house in Coatesville, IN about three months ago and part of that deal included the 1983 50" Dixie Chopper which is made about 2-3 miles from the house. Being as I still wanted a Horse have been searching for a long time but never found the right one nor had the space, time, money. Well, still don't have the money or time but now have the space. So, when I saw the add on craigslist for a couple horses for sale which were right across the road from Dixie Chopper then I had to go look. The asking price for the 655 was $275.00. Being a "tight wade" knew that I wasn't going to give that much. But went and looked anyway. Well, when I pulled up there sit the 655. Boy, is it rough I told my three-year-old. Well, the guy was in need of some cash bad. So, asked him what he would take and he said $180.00. Still to high because on my way to look at the tractor I had in my mind $150.00. So, told him the best I could do was $160.00 and he said sold. Well, loaded the ole girl up and off we went.

So, now the proud owner of my first Horse. I know, I know...not the best but hopefully with a little work and tapping into the vast knowledge here I can get it looking good enough for me.

So, what do you all think. Was/is it worth $160.00 which included the blade. I know it doesn't have the original motor and will need a new hood but she runs and drives good. Also, need to make a bar or use chain to lift the blade along with needing the handle to turn the blade.

Sorry for the long winded post and hope to get some help from you all.

Great message board and you all are great craftsman as seen from your work.

Thanks in advance.

D. J.

dewayne@hcmtoys.com

www.hcmtoys.com

[wheel horse 1045 2]

well when i get 1 like that and i have ,i look at the fun im going to have with it,you did 1 thing good that most nubies dont and that was to post pictures, and welcome by the way.as far as if its worth it well thats your pocket so who are we to say,i say if you like it then its worth it and have fun.

[W9JAB 156]

:scratchead:

Looks Bad to the Bone!

[Rollerman 290]

Wow thats some exhaust & hood mod

With a little work & some parts it will look good again.

I don't think you did bad for a running tractor with a plow.

[hcminis 1,698]

Thanks for the comments.

The tractor will actually serve two purposes:

1. Most important - First Horse...YES!

2. With our new (old) house we have a somewhat long paved driveway with turn-around.

Figured since it was serving as a dual purpose would be worth the $160.00. Seen several blades go for as much as $100.00.

Yup, stack is just dumb and screwing up the hood to make it work was stupid. But, oh well. First two things needed will be a new hood and obviously a seat. So, if you have an extra of each or know where there is a hood and seat let me know.

Thanks again.

D. J.

[Rusty_Tractor 0]

Congrats DJ. Here is a pic of my 655 in front of my B-100. I don't see too many 655's around, as far as I can tell 1965 is the first model year of the new body style. Compare it to a 654 to see the differences.

I think you did fine at $160. It does need some work but parts for these are cheap. Heck, the plow is worth $100.

Have fun with it.

Jamie

Attached Image

[jpmcleod 4]

A new hood and kohler enginea and that thing would be sweet. It's like what already has been said. The price is what you want to pay.

I have a C120 and have mowed a many a yard with it. If it's a Wheel Horse, I like it.

I can't believe the hood modification. I just don't understand people who do stuff like that. I would have run it without the hood before I would have bent it like that.

Good luck on finding the replacement parts and welcome to the site.

[ATractorDood 0]

Hey..., If you ask me..that looks like 160 dollars worth of big fun... Nice tractor friend

[Retired Wrencher 5,750]

:scratchead: I hope u have fun with here if u have lot of land u can make it into a mud runner or just a hard workin puller t/c from a W/H lover

[qd-16 14]

Anyone know what the extra pulley is bolted on the corner of the frame? Is this the one that puts tension on the belt for the snow blower attachment??? :scratchead:

[whfan74 2,071]

I could be wrong but it looks like it was a homemade fabrication. I could be wrong and will be the first one to admit that.

It looks as though they attempted to do what you are implying, just made their own fab job. I will let the more knowledgeable chime in.

[Michael Bullington 5]

:hide:

Welcome to the 655 Club!!!...Nice find it will make you a great tractor ...I like riding my 655 better than my round hoods. - (654 in the back)

[hcminis 1,698]

Thanks everyone for the comments. The pulley on the front is a homemade addition. The previous owner had the wrong size belt for the deck so he added the pulley instead of getting the correct belt. This owner was a piece of work. There is also a steel rod on the other side that was added for weights.

Hope to get started soon the minor restore. Not as talented as most of you nor have all the tools. Still need the seat and hood though. Will be making the lift bar for the plow next weekend. Was told it was a chain but Dad's old Horse had a steel bar that connected the plow to the handle to raise and lower it. Will also be laser cutting a new handle for the blade to rotate. Have a new and improved handle in mind. BUT, sometimes my ideas look good on the computer and suck in

real life.

Thanks again.

D. J.

dewayne@hcmtoys.com

www.hcmtoys.com

[sorekiwi 761]

Hey DJ,

I moved my herd of horses from Heritage Lake to Ohio 3 months ago, we would've been neighbors!

If you need new parts, go to Humphreys in Greencastle. They're awesome! There's a few Horse enthusiasts not too far away from you. Central Indiana's a good hunting ground!

[bell 11]

:hide:

It's a shame they cut up the hood... I like to see them with the original, faded and slightly rusted paint... Just something about that look.

I Live just up the road from you (Centerpoint) and work about 15 miles from you in Putnamville. We'll have to get together sometime and talk horses...

Doing anything on the 19th of September?

http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?showtopic=12015

[bitten 134]

Nice find. You should have some good fun with her. and :scratchead:

[hcminis 1,698]

Jon

Send me an email. If I can get a hood and muffler installed by then and make sure we don't have anything planned will try to come. If it is ok, I'll bring the recently purchased 655.

Thanks

D. J.

dewayne@hcmtoys.com

www.hcmtoys.com

[mcwh1950 2]

d j first off i read you background and history on you web site hcmtoys. man if you fit this 655 the way you due you toys it will come out sweet. maybe some day you will be able to make a toy wheel horse kit to sell ,instead of the knock off ertl that some one is always trying to sell on e bay good luck on the 655 and remember a lot of good people here to help you along the way.

it easy to put up with long wind post , if long of you post picture.

[d180man 5]

Hi and good luck with it! :hide: