Wheelhorse84 87 #1 Posted March 16, 2013 I'm thinking I want a really nice original blackhood. I can't find one in all my searches over the years. Did they only make them a couple years? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH854 45 #2 Posted March 16, 2013 I'm thinking I want a really nice original blackhood. I can't find one in all my searches over the years. Did they only make them a couple years? 1980,81,82,83,84. Chas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whfan74 2,072 #3 Posted March 16, 2013 They were also made in 1979........C-161 twin with a Briggs. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH854 45 #4 Posted March 16, 2013 (edited) They were also made in 1979........C-161 twin with a Briggs. Missed that year Here is a picture of one in the picture gallery Chas Edited March 16, 2013 by WH854 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,976 #5 Posted March 17, 2013 I really like my C-125. The steering feels tighter than all but my 312-8. Thats probably because I've kept it (the 312) well greased and the steering shaft bushing oiled since new. Also the rubber mounted engine keeps vibration from the chassis, so it feels different through the steering wheel than a solid mounted engine Wheel Horse. I noticed the same thing with Jay-in NC's C-165 when I drove it too, so it must be like that in the BlackHood line of Wheel Horses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,247 #6 Posted March 17, 2013 Steve, theres a C-161 on Craigslist in Connecticut with a snow-blower. Looks original and unmolested. Would that suit ya? Mike............ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
6wheeler 669 #7 Posted March 17, 2013 I have an 84 C-165 8 spd. This tractor is my ultimate working tractor. Now it is my base project tractor as well, as I am going to put live hydraulics and a 3 point hitch on it. The steering doesn't feel "tight" as was stated earlier. I keep it well greased also. I know I will get some grief from this. But, all in all? It will give my 520h a serious run for the money. This tractor is the one tractor I have had that I will not part with. For mowing? It probably isn't the best, because it is not a tight turning tractor. But, for shear power and stamina? It cannot be beat. That 8 spd. and 16hp engine would be hard to beat. I would like to try a 500 series in the similar combo though. Then, maybe I might(not a chance) change my mind. I would rather make some of the chassis/steering modifications to this particular tractor to make it better (If it is at all possible) . 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheelhorse84 87 #8 Posted March 17, 2013 Complete repaint says the ad plus can't you get them with a metal rear pan? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MalMac 1,332 #9 Posted March 17, 2013 They originally did not come with a metal seat pan. Everybody replace the plastic when when it broke with the metal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,247 #10 Posted March 17, 2013 Complete repaint says the ad plus can't you get them with a metal rear pan? I think the last year of the Black Hoods production came with metal fenders. My 84 C-165 has metal fenders that should be original. But any metal fenders from 1978 right up to 2007 will bolt right on with no mods. I think the metal ones off the 300/400 series look best on the Black Hoods Mike............. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
6wheeler 669 #11 Posted March 17, 2013 They originally did not come with a metal seat pan. Everybody replace the plastic when when it broke with the metal. I don't know if that is right. I bought my C-165 from the original owner and it has a metal seat pan/fender. I don't think he would have changed that as he didn't seem too worried about other scratches and dings it had. Maybe you could order them either way? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Whmaverick 54 #12 Posted March 17, 2013 I have an original dealer brochure showing both metal and plastic throughout the same brochure. So??? Not sure what decided which got which. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MalMac 1,332 #13 Posted March 17, 2013 Well I'll be darned. I thought they all came with the junk plastic fenders. I stand corrected. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH854 45 #14 Posted March 17, 2013 I own a 1981 C105 and a 1981 C165 8 Speed (Was An Auto) the C 105 fenders were in good shape had a couple of splits in it. The C 165 fenders was junk! So I replaced Both with metal fenders. At the time the both cost me $40.00 plus shipping I doubt you can get one for $40.00 now Chas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,033 #15 Posted March 17, 2013 84 was the only year they had metal fenders Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
refracman 167 #16 Posted March 17, 2013 Gee don't understand the dislike for either the blackhoods nor the rear fender. I rather prefer these years as it sets them apart from the rest and IMO they have a robust look about them. When you set the 65-79 and 85-97 together they all look alike, very borish And don't get me started on the roundhoods 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
papaglide 542 #17 Posted March 17, 2013 Gee don't understand the dislike for either the blackhoods nor the rear fender. I rather prefer these years as it sets them apart from the rest and IMO they have a robust look about them. When you set the 65-79 and 85-97 together they all look alike, very borish And don't get me started on the roundhoods I agree, to me the black hoods look beefier. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #18 Posted March 17, 2013 Yep - those tupperware fenders with chunks broken out of them sure look beefier. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JackC 617 #19 Posted March 18, 2013 The plastic fenders on the 1979s were thicker and much stronger than the ones that followed. They were probably too expensive to continue using them. Check out the rear end on my 1979 C-161 (tractor porno). The black hood is all plastic also. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,976 #20 Posted March 18, 2013 Its taking a long time but I'm finally starting to like the look of the plastic fenders. Thank you Kelly for narrowning down the time line that the steel fender pan was installed from the factory. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Whmaverick 54 #21 Posted March 19, 2013 Here are some pics of an original 1982 dealer brochure. hope this helps. opened up front and back flat page two showing the line up close up of the super "C" notice the hydraulic controls pretty sure the controls were not moved up on the fender until '84 page 4 showing a C-175 with the plastics and a C-125 with metals(front cover shows C-175 with metals) back cover shows issue dated 1982 you guys decide. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shuboxlover 481 #22 Posted March 19, 2013 That's interesting....the 2 C-195's that I just picked up have the levers on the fender, and the tag on both of them indicate that they are 1982 models.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,033 #23 Posted March 19, 2013 Picture in the dealer paper work does not mean it went in to production, We have been through that before with other brochures. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Whmaverick 54 #24 Posted March 19, 2013 you would think the marketing department would at least get the front cover correct.LOL OK this could drive me crazy, the brochure aside, although it was given to him at the time of the sale of the one and only wheel horse he ever bought, which is still in his garage and is all original and never changed in any way. he bought it the spring of 83. the numbers are as reads; 1112k801 26340 2365 as i understand it and correct me if i'm wrong. the first 1 is for 1981 the second 1 i dont know 12k is for 12hp kohler 8 is for 8 speed 0 is for made in usa 1 i don't know 26340 is for production number 2365 which was hand written in the white box on the id plate is; 2 model year 1982 365 julian build date- Friday, December 31 looks to me like the the id plates were made up in advance, in 1981, and then when it was built the julian build date was hand written in, then it went out to the dealer. and dad was pretty sure he got it in 83. ???? fun to investigate, if i read it right, always room for error. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
refracman 167 #25 Posted March 19, 2013 Shubox, The levers on the 82-83 are behind your knee and the 84 are up on the front top of the fender 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites