First ever restoration, did I go over my head?

[Natejc_98 3]

I just bought a C-120 off FB marketplace today and started to realize that I might’ve gone over my head. A lot of parts rusted out, deck won’t raise…etc where is the best place to buy a supply of parts. Very new to hobby so I’m not too knowledgeable.

 

images: https://imgur.com/a/z25otUu

[ebinmaine 79,310]

 

 

Westbrook Maine? Really?

 

Boy are you in luck. There are several of us here in southern Maine.

 This site has several excellent vendors. As it happens, I'm less than an hour out Route 25 from you....

 

 

Many different ways you could go. We can help you out.

[Natejc_98 3]

6 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

 

 

Westbrook Maine? Really?

 

Boy are you in luck. There are several of us here in southern Maine.

 This site has several excellent vendors. As it happens, I'm less than an hour out Route 25 from you....

 

 

Many different ways you could go. We can help you out.

 

That’s excellent to hear! It would be nice having someone local to help me out! Is it a pain to find all the parts needed to restore?

[pfrederi 20,770]

The pictures are of an 8 no name not a C-120... But she looks pretty complete a little rust isn't a big deal

[Natejc_98 3]

4 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

The pictures are of an 8 no name not a C-120... But she looks pretty complete a little rust isn't a big deal

sorry the model number says 1-0120

[ebinmaine 79,310]

11 minutes ago, Natejc_98 said:

 

That’s excellent to hear! It would be nice having someone local to help me out! Is it a pain to find all the parts needed to restore?

 

 

Super easy. Seriously. You just have to know who to ask.

[pfrederi 20,770]

You have a 1973 8hp 4 speed (3 forward + 1 reverse)  Kohler K181 Spec Number 30461

 

[pfrederi 20,770]

That is a nice solid worker tractor

 

Click on the fuzy picture  to download the Operato/Parts manual

 

 

[Natejc_98 3]

4 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

That is a nice solid worker tractor

 

Click on the fuzy picture  to download the Operato/Parts manual

 

 

Thank you for the information! Is there a go to place to buy parts or is it more of an eBay browsing session lol

[AlexR 3,024]

Besides members on here having parts for you.

The common places we buy parts from are 

-Wheelhorsepartsandmore (they have a website)

-A-ztractor (I believe they are only by calling or eBay anymore)

-redoyourhorse (website for decals) 

-k-b horse parts (they have classifieds on this site or you can call) 

[oliver2-44 11,578]

@Natejc_98 

Tell us a little about your self and your use/plans for your Horse.
Are you planning a complete nut and bolt frame on the ground restoration, or just a cosmetic one?  
Some like the patina look and use Flood Penetrol to give it a mat finish. 
Does it run?  It not you might want to get it running to Ck out engine and transmission before much disassembly. 
Share some pictures of rusted out areas to help us guide you. 

Edited 1 hour ago by oliver2-44

[Ed Kennell 46,367]

to the         Thet's a really nice looking 800.   The tin looks nice and straight with a beautiful patina.   Please consider saving the finish.

 

Just let us know what parts you need.

[SylvanLakeWH 31,621]

[Natejc_98 3]

1 hour ago, oliver2-44 said:

@Natejc_98 

Tell us a little about your self and your use/plans for your Horse.
Are you planning a complete nut and bolt frame on the ground restoration, or just a cosmetic one?  
Some like the patina look and use Flood Penetrol to give it a mat finish. 
Does it run?  It not you might want to get it running to Ck out engine and transmission before much disassembly. 
Share some pictures of rusted out areas to help us guide you. 

Okay I’ll attach more pictures later. My plan is a full top to bottom restoration. I’ll probably have to go through the engine/wiring because one of the battery leads was completely ripped out. Carb is probably all junk as well.

[Natejc_98 3]

1 minute ago, Natejc_98 said:

Okay I’ll attach more pictures later. My plan is a full top to bottom restoration. I’ll probably have to go through the engine/wiring because one of the battery leads was completely ripped out. Carb is probably all junk as well.

I’m considering leaving the patina look but want the wheels gloss white again.

[ebinmaine 79,310]

1 minute ago, Natejc_98 said:

Okay I’ll attach more pictures later. My plan is a full top to bottom restoration. I’ll probably have to go through the engine/wiring because one of the battery leads was completely ripped out.

 

I make my own battery cables. 

Also done a few wiring harnesses but we don't replace safety switches. I do NOT advocate that the general public does so.  

 

 

 

1 minute ago, Natejc_98 said:

Carb is probably all junk as well.

 

Seriously consider rebuilding your own carburetor. 

The aftermarket carbs are....questionable sometimes. 

 

 

[Natejc_98 3]

45 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said:

to the         Thet's a really nice looking 800.   The tin looks nice and straight with a beautiful patina.   Please consider saving the finish.

 

Just let us know what parts you need.

I have a feeling I’m going to need a lot but need more eyes on to help figure out what exactly I need

[ebinmaine 79,310]

1 minute ago, Natejc_98 said:

I’m considering leaving the patina look but want the wheels gloss white again.

 

It is a slightly off white. We use Rust-Oleum 2X Cottage White. 

Some folks prefer a bit more "tan"

[ebinmaine 79,310]

Just now, Natejc_98 said:

I have a feeling I’m going to need a lot but need more eyes on to help figure out what exactly I need

 

 

IMHO your best bet is to get the machine running and driving FIRST.  

 

Then see how it feels and what actual repairs are needed.  

 

 

1 hour ago, AlexR said:

Besides members on here having parts for you.

The common places we buy parts from are 

-Wheelhorsepartsandmore (they have a website)

-A-ztractor (I believe they are only by calling or eBay anymore)

-redoyourhorse (website for decals) 

-k-b horse parts (they have classifieds on this site or you can call) 

 

 

I use these 3 but @76c12091520h Brian Badman -  K & B has become my first contact.  

 

I also use a place called billsplaceshop.com. 

 

I keep our own Parts Department of sorts here.  

 

There is nothing you can't get. 

[clueless 3,417]

3 minutes ago, Natejc_98 said:

Okay I’ll attach more pictures later. My plan is a full top to bottom restoration. I’ll probably have to go through the engine/wiring because one of the battery leads was completely ripped out. Carb is probably all junk as well.

Welcome, If that's you plan, plan on spending a fair amount of money, I'm talking many hundred of dollars and that's if you do most of the work. Is it worth it, no, not money wise, but for many of use here it's not about the money

[ri702bill 12,313]

1 minute ago, ebinmaine said:

5 minutes ago, Natejc_98 said:

I have a feeling I’m going to need a lot but need more eyes on to help figure out what exactly I need

 

 

IMHO your best bet is to get the machine running and driving FIRST.  

 

Then see how it feels and what actual repairs are needed.  

IMHO too - get it running & driving before doing any cosmetic work. Pretty much anything on these is available - but - it can run into more money than you think really quick.

Set yourself a realistic budget once it is drivable - an overbudget "not quite there yet" project can easily become a donor tractor if a better "almost there" version comes along for the right price.

A word of caution - so many WH parts are physically interchangable over many years & models that what looks "original" is functional, but not restoration correct. A Franken Horse.

[AlexR 3,024]

Here is an example of what I did with a horse that was in similar shape as yours with the help of all all these fine gents on here. 

 

[Natejc_98 3]

1 minute ago, AlexR said:

Here is an example of what I did with a horse that was in similar shape as yours with the help of all all these fine gents on here. 

 

Wow that’s a beauty!

[Natejc_98 3]

Just now, Natejc_98 said:

Wow that’s a beauty!

 

2 minutes ago, AlexR said:

Here is an example of what I did with a horse that was in similar shape as yours with the help of all all these fine gents on here. 

 

Were this all the original parts restored? Or did you purchase aftermarket?