Sparky-(Admin) 25,376 #1 Posted April 25 Picked up this C-81 today in Big Indian NY (Catskills). Bit rougher that I was looking for but the price was right! Haven’t run in probably 3 years, so will need a lotta going over. The steering wheel has left the chat . The soup can was removed on the Burger King parking lot near the Newburgh bridge when we stopped for lunch Saw an eagle on the way, very cool! Haven’t ran the numbers but I think it’s a 79. 6 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
parsonsponyz 339 #2 Posted April 25 That looks like a very solid tractor to start with, I've begun with a whole lot worse. Enjoy your "new" Wheel Horse. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 12,169 #3 Posted April 25 Necessity is the Mother of Butchery.... it gets an Honorable Mention in the "Fixed for Now" catagory.... Looks to be a semi-solid start. 1 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 2,870 #4 Posted April 25 There's a C-81 near me along with a Charger 12 if you're interested. Let me know and I'll contact the owner, if you want another one. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 20,001 #6 Posted April 25 Still trying to wrap my head around that steering wheel thingy. Not sure we can even call that a fix or repair. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 56,631 #7 Posted April 25 1 hour ago, parsonsponyz said: looks like a very solid tractor to start with, We like to call it good bones Mr. Parsons ... 46 minutes ago, wallfish said: steering wheel thingy. Right??? The things we have seen ... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 25,376 #8 Posted April 25 50 minutes ago, wallfish said: Still trying to wrap my head around that steering wheel thingy. Not sure we can even call that a fix or repair. Youll get to see it tomorrow at the show, I left it in the truck 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ineedanother 2,419 #9 Posted April 26 1 hour ago, ri702bill said: Necessity is the Mother of Butchery.... it gets an Honorable Mention in the "Fixed for Now" catagory.... Looks to be a semi-solid start. Surgical! (Level I Trauma) 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c-series don 11,940 #10 Posted April 26 The 9 at the beginning of the VIN indicates that it is a 1979 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 12,169 #11 Posted April 26 Maybe the PO was attempting to mount a cup holder??? A rather nice use of assorted fiddely-bits..... 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 79,010 #12 Posted April 26 Good score @Sparky Cool eagle too! 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 2,870 #13 Posted April 26 1 hour ago, ebinmaine said: Good score @Sparky Cool eagle too! I see eagles every day running trains on the Hudson line. Over the winter I saw at least 15 sitting on the ice in a small cove. They were fighting over a fish. Mostly juveniles, but there were several adults as well. I wish I could have gotten a picture. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dan 312-8 527 #14 Posted April 26 I cringe when I see an "accessory" such as the "cup holder" added, and a now forever drilled hole in sheet metal. Yes, I know it can be welded, but it's still there... I'll bet you'll have it running in no time. The eagles are definitely America! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 9,893 #15 Posted April 26 @Sparky nice pick up on that , related opportunity ? get a penetrating oil soak down going on that used to be paint , let it sit for days weeks as you contemplate . recovery , 2 basic stages , wipe down with clean , mineral oiled cloth , nothing aggressive , would leave original base for period correct patana , I finish paint pull out with , 6" electric palm buffer , and cleaner wax , try a spot , have 3 horses with that , deep color shine , only thing I wipe them down with is a lightly , clean cloth , penetrating oil , no dust / dirt , just correct era patina , this base recovery , CAN BE SITTING , working while you are doing other stuff , good luck , pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 56,631 #16 Posted April 26 40 minutes ago, Dan 312-8 said: now forever drilled hole in sheet metal. Hear that @Achto!?!?! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 12,169 #17 Posted April 26 My "favorite" is the add-on headlights mounted thru a single hole on the side of the hood. You know the kind - one mounted a noticeable bit higher than the other side, or the one light searching for ants while the other scans the clouds for birds.... Runner up is the hack one quart fuel tank mounted with straps on top of the hood. Either too cheap or lazy to repair the OE tank or fuel pump. For short trips only... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 6,690 #18 Posted April 27 Other than that Mike it was in good shape. So it looks like both of us maybe looking for an engine. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 66,284 #19 Posted April 28 On 4/26/2026 at 5:08 AM, ri702bill said: assorted fiddely-bits. I haven't heard that phrase in over fifty years, My grandfather's brother used it quit often. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
