Opinions on 16 Automatic refresh

[Bar Nuthin 2,967]

Probably going to do some refreshing on this '73 that I picked up from @davidtmercer - Paint the rims, maybe some front tires, and a little paint work.

The Chassis is a 16 Automatic, but at some point the engine was replaced with a 14 HP. It has turned out to be an excellent running engine!

 

Question: Would you swap out the tower decals to "14 Automatic"?  -or- Would you leave them alone?

 

 

Edited 4 hours ago by Bar Nuthin

[ri702bill 12,746]

IMHO - leave them as is. IF you ever come across a good running correct vintage 16 HP Kohler to swap in, it's one less thing to deal with.

[peter lena 10,000]

@Bar Nuthin  looks good to me , opportunity time ? while you are thinking about  what you are going to do . get a penetrating  oil spray down going  on that paint , they really like  time / and heat to osorb the penetrant  . literally forget about it  . this is my  baseline for  vintage matching paint . also run in any  unknown engine on a seperate gallon of heavily treated fresh fuel , clean out  bowl , also add a  filter just before carb . done a number at that stage , clean out gas tank , good project , pete 

 

[Bar Nuthin 2,967]

2 minutes ago, peter lena said:

get a penetrating  oil spray down going  on that paint

I've found penetrating oil (like PB Blaster) and a red Scotch-Brite pad (or some areas with 600 grit wet sandpaper) to be an excellent method for removing the grime and bringing back some color.

After I have the surface rust and black mildew removed, I wash it down, then give it a fresh application of PB Blaster and let it soak in the sun. Then another bath and I'm left with a smooth patina finish that repels water and wipes clean easily. Recoat as needed over time.

I've found other treatments leave too much gloss for my liking.

 

I'm really just hung up on wether or not to swap the tower decals.

 

Here is my C-160 after the PB Blaster treatment. (and a drunken decal application )

[ebinmaine 80,166]

3 hours ago, Bar Nuthin said:

Question: Would you swap out the tower decals to "14 Automatic"?  -or- Would you leave them alone?

 

Definitely maybe I would or wouldn't. Probably. 

[Goldnboy 1,141]

No one will know it's not a K341 unless you can see an engine sticker or count the number of Head bolts. The engine patina matches the rest of the tractor from the photos.