Walker becoming a rider

[jbumgarner 12]

This is my final fit up before I finish this little project. The walker was mechanically great when I got it a month or so back, so I sandblasted everthing and repainted everything except the engine (It was original and after nearly 60 years it had not been painted, so I decided to leave it as is). I know the wheels aren't the correct color, but I thought they looked good in linen. I then had a donated Gravely sulky that was completely shot, so I fabed one up with a few of the original parts and now all I need to do is finish the brakes. I used a WH seat, foot rests and brake pedal. I think it turned out pretty slick. I hope you all like it. I am waiting on one more decal before I put the finishing touches on, then I will post my final pics.

[kpinnc 16,236]

Looks really nice!

Not many Walk-away tractors down here for sure!

[SousaKerry 503]

Nice, what's the pedal for on the foot rests?

Oh and is that a K-90 on there?

Not sure but it looks like someone built their own handles for it at some point the original ones for the 54' should be made out of tube steel with a piece of angle iron welded across the top and a wedge shaped piece of flat stock welded about 1/3 of the way up.

[jbumgarner 12]

The pedal is for the brakes, I plan to put a rod going back and two brake blocks to press against the sulky's tires. I was driving it around at my place and have a small hill in the back yard and it didn't take long to figuire out it needed some kind of brakes. The engine is a 700N Clinton. I am not sure of the handle bars, when I bought the tractor the PO told me it was a 53, but I was told by someone here that the belt engagement made it a 54. I was then told by someone at a show that the handle bars were similar to a 53, so I don't know if they are add on's or was it some kind of late year 53' model. If anyone could clarify, I would like to know. I do get some strange looks from my neighbors while driving up and down the street.

[312Hydro 474]

Very neat project! I can see it now...... nice sunny day,cool breeze,crank 'er up and mow with "Born to be Wild" playing in the background! :banghead:

[jay in nc 210]

the tractor looks wonderful. i also wouldn't have painted the engine its only original once! looking forward to meeting you and seeing your walk behind at the roxboro show. still planning to attend?

[earlleecliffton 38]

thats kool :thumbs2:

[jbumgarner 12]

the tractor looks wonderful. i also wouldn't have painted the engine its only original once! looking forward to meeting you and seeing your walk behind at the roxboro show. still planning to attend?

Jay, I sent an email to the guys putting the Roxboro show on and it has been cancelled. I am thinking of putting on a meet and greet sometime in October if there is any interest.

[Don1977 605]

I think a meet and greet for NC would be great. I am located 12 miles south of Salisbury.

[jay in nc 210]

im up for a meet an greet any weekend in oct. but the 14 15 16 we have plans that one. can we bring tractors? jay in selma johnston county nc. :thumbs2:

[Red Horse 34]

the tractor looks wonderful. i also wouldn't have painted the engine its only original once! looking forward to meeting you and seeing your walk behind at the roxboro show. still planning to attend?

Jay, I sent an email to the guys putting the Roxboro show on and it has been cancelled. I am thinking of putting on a meet and greet sometime in October if there is any interest.

Sounds good to me . I know KPINNC would likely be interested as well. Bout time we had southern meet!

[jbumgarner 12]

For you fellow tarheels, I have posted a thread about a meet and greet. I need some suggestions on location and weekend. The weekend of Oct. 1st and 14th are out, but post your preference and lets set this up. We have had two options for location so let me know where you are and we can plan a central location. I think we can all bring our tractors out and have a good time. Let me know what you all think.

Thanks

[Eriks Red horse herd 122]

Jeff i do believe you have a very early 54- WHY? Well in 53 it was really the first year for the belt and idler pulley engagement before that year and all previous years it was the sliding engine engagement. My 53 the frame and handle bars are made of 3/4 round stock and the handles and frame are one piece. In 54 they went to the handle bars and frame being seperated, I think for ease of shipping. Now most 54's I have seen the handle bars are made of round tubeing and are smashed flat at the ends were they bolt to the frame, they also have a flat plate welded between the handle bars down toward the frame where they had a decal that said pond wheel horse. My 53 dosen't have that plate welded between the handle bars.

Now heres why I think it could be a early 54. In the conversion of making the handle bars seperate for ease of shipping. Why couldn't they have made the handle bars out of flat stock its already flat for bolting to the frame only draw back is that they are not that sturdy from side to side (my early walkers made of flat stock the handle bars do move from side to side). So to make them sturdy why not go to round tubing there lighter and stronger. It was not on common for the Ponds (wheel horse) to change things in mid production and go a different way they shown us this in other tractors. So i think that your model is all original ! This weekend I'll get pics of my 53 and i'll post them so you can judge for your self.