First ever restoration, did I go over my head?

[AlexR 3,035]

3 minutes ago, clueless said:

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

Yes this!! Be aware its not far fetched for a restoration not including if a engine needs rebuilt can easily end up being close $1000 even doing the work yourself. The total cost will depend on the condition of things as you get into the tractor, the deals you get, and what you are willing to let be. Or if you have access to a mill or lathe and make some of your own parts or repair some of the parts, can save some money as well. 

[AlexR 3,035]

10 minutes ago, Natejc_98 said:

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

No not all the parts are restored. That is a very hard thing to accomplish when tractors are well used and in rough shape.

 

Get better original used parts if you need them, use the original carb if possible. @ebinmaine can help you with the carb when you get there. 

 

A lot of times when restoring these old tractors, a lot of us like to make some things better one example would be the tierods, making some using heim joints which is what I did. Another upgrade I did that was not model/year correct was put different front axle pivot plate that allows the newer mower decks and snowblowers using the attach-o-matic system to be installed. 

Your tractor already has that as it's a 73' which is the first year for that. 

 

In the end what we most like seeing is a tractor running and driving again and being used preferably with a Kohler engine.

 

Don't be afraid not to keep it 100% original, especially if it's your first go at it. 

 

Your biggest hurdles in disassembly if you are taking it all the way apart will be- rear hitch pin, rear hubs, and separating the steering wheel from the steering shaft. 

 

Things to check for high wear- front axle spindles, the main pivot on the axle, tierods, check the steering block the steering wheel shaft goes to right behind the battery for cracks and wear, the f-plate of the frame to the transmission for cracks around the 4 bolts from that plate to the transmission, and the rear axles/hubs keyways.

 

Other areas that will often have cracks is the seat pan around the bolts and the steering tower where it's bolted to the frame. 

[ebinmaine 79,362]

@AlexR  Heckova transition there. Love those before n after pics!

 

 

@Natejc_98

 

I have a ummmmm..... good amount..... of Wheelhorse tractors, parts, projects etc here. 

Also, my S/O Trina is a very unusual woman lady female person. She does a LOT of the work on our restorations.  

She has 6 of her own Wheelhorses. 

 

I have maybe twice that.  

 

We've done half a dozen full frame off nut n bolt restorations. Several others mechanical only.  

 

Wheelhorses do have some very challenging things to change, as noted above. But if you can tell the smashing end of a hammah 🔨  from an open end 🔧 wrench .... you'll do fine.  

[Brockport Bill 2,398]

we all started somewhere with our tractor projects  --- if you are not yet experienced, remember one of life's most important sayings -- the definition of "EXPERIENCE" is "LIFE'S ACCUMULATED MISTAKES"

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,747]

 

@Natejc_98 here’s another example for you, again with help from the members on here. I bought a bunch of parts from @ebinmaine which was a big help. Yours looks more complete. Possibly, a cleanup and a look over and you’ll be in business. These are very simple to work on. If there’s an issue, 99.9% of the time it’s something simple.

[Natejc_98 14]

16 minutes ago, MainelyWheelhorse said:

 

@Natejc_98 here’s another example for you, again with help from the members on here. I bought a bunch of parts from @ebinmaine which was a big help. Yours looks more complete. Possibly, a cleanup and a look over and you’ll be in business. These are very simple to work on. If there’s an issue, 99.9% of the time it’s something simple.

Wow that looks great thanks. Looking forward to being apart of the community 

[Bill D 2,963]

4 minutes ago, Natejc_98 said:

Wow that looks great thanks. Looking forward to being apart of the community

Welcome!  We're happy you're here.

[parsonsponyz 364]

[Retired Wrencher 6,750]

On 6/29/2026 at 5:09 PM, 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.

When you can become a supporter. It is only $20.0 a year. This will give you unlimited posting picks and to preserve this site.

[Retired Wrencher 6,750]

On 6/29/2026 at 3:27 PM, 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.

Thanks for helping a fellow Mainer Eric.

[953 nut 67,010]

On 6/29/2026 at 8:45 PM, Brockport Bill said:

"EXPERIENCE" is "LIFE'S ACCUMULATED MISTAKES"

 

 

As you go through this project please keep in mind that we have all learned from other members of Red Square. Ask your questions BEFORE you make a valiant attempt that ends up poorly. We are here to help and most of us have already made the mistake before so you don't have to repeat it.

Use a generous amount of penetrating oil (not WD-40) on anything you plan to remove, several applications over several days should be your plan of action.