Picked up this CLUNKER today

[neil 2,410]

The suspence is killing me , to hear  the story

[Coadster32 793]

That's quite a find indeed. Perhaps two on the way??   Let the good deals roll!!

Can't wait to hear this story either. (BTW---I like old rusty clunkers too.)

[Ken B 3,189]

Nice score Duke and congrats! I bet that will clean up real nice..

[HorseFixer 2,013]

Thanks Steve,

 

The Tires are like really FOOOOO BARRRED Sorry to say and the Rims arent much better. Question are there Tubes?   I'm with you guys on the clean it up thing this thing is filthy and I think alot of the good Petina will be lost in the clean up process and being the rims are so rusty they will need sand blasting and possible repair. Anyway to tell the year on these? I heard best you can tell is by engine Serial # is that Correct. The guy told me he thought it was a 53. Was looking at Tire Prices last night! and Jeesh   Thats enough to make a grown man cry!  Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks ~Duke

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,534]

You need to get a mirror up under the hood and look at the top of the motor for the serial number then look it up on line to date the motor. Your tractor does not have the flexible brake lines so I would say it is either a 54 or 55 and NOT a 56 but then again ..... who knows??

Be VERY careful when you clean the hood. I would not use any strong cleaners, especially on those hood decals as they look really good. Mine were good and then after cleaning it up...... I damaged them a little...

[octfst 378]

I needed one tire for my SR. I put a add on CL and found a pair that came off a Economy tractor.

[oneroadkingman 53]

nice fine but the suspense is killing me what is it lol

[stevasaurus 23,281]

Bob, that is great find indeed.  Enjoy the winter my friend.  If MJ is in a baking mood, and you have a place for me to stay...I can be there is 3 hours to help...

[HorseFixer 2,013]

Thanks Guys,   Yep she is defiantly a different beast. well I'm gonna show some closer Pics of the tractors condition. It looks like someone down the road did a lil painting on the hood. Also the hood has 3  holes drilled in the top of Hood,   The tires are dusted and the rims look mucked up and I'm not sure  they can be saved. Can A Guy get these rear rims?  The tractor is filthy with grease and I would think the whole thing should be cleaned wherever Grease or oil is seeping should I replace seals and gaskets? I am also thinking of cleaning up the brakes (Should I Install New?) My Muff is awful RUFF   So I need to find one of them. Any leads on Parts? Rims, Brakes Prolly can get bearings and seals and so forth from Motion Industries. How far would you guys go on this?

 

Thanks ~Duke

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[octfst 378]

The brakes are ford model A. there's parts suppliers on line for model A parts. but may need to tear down to know what you need. the rims were 16" car rims with no centers & tabs welded on. could probably find some David Bradley rims or other tractors or old car rims that are 16" & cut center out & weld tabs on. or I think Miller tire sells new ones with out centers. don't think you will find anything to just bolt on. I  would go used for visible parts so you can keep the patina. the stuffs out there. put  want ads on CL & other web sites. go to junk yards, car & tractor swap meets. I found a Model A rear end at a local junk yard with brake drums. bought it cause I need the drums.

[flyovrcntry 115]

I think I would try to save the rims.Maybe electrolisys or vinegar,not too much sanding or wire wheel.Shoot them with a couple coats of filler primer.Even if you have to patch a little,it would be worth it.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,534]

The rear rim on my 953 was rusted really bad (rotted through) around the valve stem. I repaired it with a quarter and epoxy on the inside and just moved the location of the valve stem, drilled new hole in the solid part. I would etank the rims or sandblast and see how bad they are. If just really pitted then fill them with bondo and paint them. If too far gone then go with Derek's suggestion of new rims...

I would do a deep cleaning on everything, check fluid levels and fill to correct level and see if they leak prior to changing any seals etc. I am very much looking forward to watching the progress you make in this thread.

[Jeremy Watson 22]

Congrats on the find. I'm going to go against the crowd here and say restore it make it look new again. When people go to tractor and car shows they eh and ah over the shinny ones. Just my option.

Good luck and have fun with it.

Jeremy

[Hammerhead 817]

Well I think it would be a shame to restore that tractor. People at tractor shows flock to the old original condition machines. The more I look at your tractor, the more I think it should be left dirty and in as found condition. I see a lot of original condition WH's that people tear into and restore them right away, rather than just backing off and letting it be. You do lose a lot of patina when you clean up such a time capsule. To me, it takes away the history of the tractor. Like Stevebo said, if you clean up the hood, you may take some color off the decals and that would suck since they are so original. I would try to get it running though and I would fix the rims or replace them if they are fried. A descent welder guy could probably fix them without charging you as much as a new set. I'd even keep them old raggedy rear tires for history's sake, just throw them in the barn, there ain't none around! But it is your machine so do what you like to it, we are all behind you on this one. Good luck with it, she is a beautiful old lady! KJ 

[neil 2,410]

Whatever you choose to do it is your preference , the main thing is that you saved it .

If the rims would hold a tyre ,then i would try & get as much life out of them as i could  and then leave them as they are .

by putting new boots on this beauty would only enhanse the the rest of the originality

 

good luck with this

I

[Coadster32 793]

My vote is to keep it like you have it...unrestored. (although your pretty darn good at that as well)  . Get it running, fix the leaks if you want...(I would), I think I'd un-bead the tire, and get out any calcium chloride that may be left in it, and I actually think the rim is salvageable. Even if the bead is bad, you could tube it maybe. Either way, It's an awesome piece of machinery!!

 

I recall a few years back at the big show, MJ saying she wanted a senior next.....Perhaps she'll be cooking good for you thru the fixing up process. (maybe you should take your time then  )

[Ken B 3,189]

Good question, restore or leave it. Like most guys said, I'd leave it but I'd clean it so you can see how bad the seals leak. Besides, I doubt your wife will like sitting on the tractor if she is going to get greasy from 50 yr old grease. Leakage might be pretty minimal. I'd try to save the rims also, I've seen your welding work and its top notch. If anyone can fix em, you can. I think I'd fix the small holes someone drilled in the hood as they'd bother me. That can be done real easy without effecting the patina. At the end of the day that big sexy mama is all yours and ya gotta do what makes you and the wife happy. I know if you do decide to restore it she will be done right and be one of the best looking and running Seniors out there. Ain't no shame in that! I too look forward to the process of you bringing this back to life, your threads are always real interesting and motivate me.

[Hodge71 665]

Its all opinion and conjecture Duke and you need to do what you feel is right. My input is patina all the way. I would get a heavy duty degreaser and soak everything but the hood and decals, pressure wash the heck out of the engine, frame and axles etc to rid it of grease and then see what you have. Leaks should show up pretty easily once she is clean. Fix the rims if you can and paint them or replace if necessary. No matter what though you got a great looking machine Bob 

[boovuc 1,090]

Hey Duke,

You could always give our in-house decal creators the skinny on those original decals.

The colors on them are incredible considering their age. Take measurements and close up pictures in good lighting without the flash and see if they can be recreated.

I don't think I have seen those decals on the web sites of the decal guys.

It's your RS, Duke! As was said before, aged or showroom, it will be saved and that is the only thing that matters!

Great find and thanks for sharing it with all of us!

[AMC RULES 37,196]

They look the same as Terry's RJ-35 decals shown here on his site.

 

http://www.redoyourhorse.com/rj35-hood-decals/

[fireman 1,022]

Hey Duke,

I just happen to have an NOS engine for your Senior if your interested! Runs fantastic! Not cheap though!

[HorseFixer 2,013]

Thanks Gents? Lots of good thoughts advice and Info!    Well to determine the age as mentioned you have to take the hood off. Well That means you have to take the rope starter off and trim ring and Flywheel Screen in order to do that. I HAVE A QUESTION?? I have removed set screw from rope starter pulley thingy up front and Douched it with sea foam does it pull off with a flywheel wheel puller??? Anyways I took off the oilbath and no filter inside. I Was able to raise the hood enough to get the Engine Serial # and I was a little disappointed  when I ran it.   I guess everyone would like that Late 40's real early 50's  date but it is what it is.   I plant to leave the patina and do a clean up and make sure the Ole girl is mechanically sound bearings seals and all new brakes leak free. Get some good rubber or new rubber after fixing (hopefully)  / replacing rims   I will fix the Holes in the Hood and see if I can blend in to match. here is the date.

 

Thanks ~Duke

 

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,534]

Duke-

Since the motor is a 1955 and the brakes are NOT for a 1956 I would think that your SR is a 1955.

[boovuc 1,090]

The motor is still two years older than I am. A "55" is a classic!

[HorseFixer 2,013]

Duke-

Since the motor is a 1955 and the brakes are NOT for a 1956 I would think that your SR

 

Yep 55 it is.  Hey Boo, 10-dash 4 on the 2 year age thingy I'm gonna start calling you DAD as you are 9 months older than ME!