WheelHorse79 271 #1 Posted March 5, 2014 I was wondering if anyone on this forum has or has seen an RJ59 with an actual RJ59 serial number? I read several old threads on this subject, and it seems that no one has seen one. Is that true? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,196 #2 Posted March 5, 2014 I've read this too...have one to show us? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelHorse79 271 #3 Posted March 5, 2014 I wish I did. My grandparents had an RJ-59 (supposedly) up until the late 1960's. I remember sitting on it a few times (I was too young to mow with it) but never saw the serial number. It almost seems like an RJ-59 with a RJ-59 serial number is a mythological beast (or horse). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,196 #4 Posted March 5, 2014 (edited) This one came to me with no serial#/ID tag, but the trans says it's a '59. Edited March 7, 2014 by AMC RULES Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VinsRJ 723 #5 Posted March 5, 2014 There are no known original RJ59 serial tags... there are a number of documented RJs which were clearly put togerther in 1959 but no known RJ59 tags... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
64s 83 #6 Posted March 5, 2014 Craig, I also brought one years ago without a tag, but it has the '59 tranny, the 400 solid seat and 400 engine. But I've been told that the best way to guess was to split the tranny and look at the bearings (I think) . It's been a while and I forget exactly what it was. But even with that, its still speculation. An original tag is the best way to be sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,812 #7 Posted March 5, 2014 Mine had the 59 trans and solid seat. No serial # Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woodchuckfarmer 333 #8 Posted March 5, 2014 My trans has D15-9 cast on it, Is that a 1959 ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,196 #9 Posted March 5, 2014 My trans has D15-9 cast on it, Is that a 1959 ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cruisnblue48 856 #10 Posted March 6, 2014 I would think the date code D15-9 would have been a replaceable tag on a wooden pattern on April 15, 1959 and dozens or hundreds of castings were made on that date. Taking into consideration that time would be needed to machine the castings and actually build the tractors, I would assume a tractor with a date code D15-9 (April 15th) would probably have been built in June 1959 give or take a month or so. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VinsRJ 723 #11 Posted March 6, 2014 Craig, I also brought one years ago without a tag, but it has the '59 tranny, the 400 solid seat and 400 engine. But I've been told that the best way to guess was to split the tranny and look at the bearings (I think) . It's been a while and I forget exactly what it was. But even with that, its still speculation. An original tag is the best way to be sure. The transition to the different brake shaft bearing was more due to the transition to a the 60 Suburban platform than indicating a RJ59. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
64s 83 #12 Posted March 6, 2014 The transition to the different brake shaft bearing was more due to the transition to a the 60 Suburban platform than indicating a RJ59. Vin, Unless I am misunderstanding you, that's why it could be an indication to a RJ59. If they put out the 59 late in the year, and were in the process of making the 400/550, they could have used the "new" tranny for the late 59's (assuming they ran out of the original trannys). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelHorse79 271 #13 Posted March 6, 2014 Thanks for your replies everyone. So, are we saying that all of the RJ-59's were built with RJ-58 serial numbers then, since no RJ-59 serial numbers seem to exist? Did Cecil Pond ever shed any light on the issue? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,694 #14 Posted March 7, 2014 (edited) Thanks for your replies everyone. So, are we saying that all of the RJ-59's were built with RJ-58 serial numbers then, since no RJ-59 serial numbers seem to exist? Did Cecil Pond ever shed any light on the issue? No the jury is still out on that what we are saying is no one has ever produced a picture of a original RJ59 serial plate with numbers at this point. So that means a RJ59 with a original RJ59 serial tag they may or may not exist . The theory is that the ponds had a box full of RJ58 serial tags left over and used them up in 1959 instead of printing new RJ59 tags Brian Edited March 7, 2014 by buckrancher Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NJhorses 12 #15 Posted March 7, 2014 So you could have an RJ 58 serial number and a trans with a 59 build code? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
64s 83 #16 Posted March 7, 2014 I'm pretty sure I saw a picture of a RJ59 Serial Tag many many moons ago, so I do believe they did exist. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,694 #17 Posted March 7, 2014 So you could have an RJ 58 serial number and a trans with a 59 build code? and I have one of those Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
