c-175 fenders

[jschmelzle 0]

Hello, just purchased a c-175 that has the plastic fenders. actually have 2 of them now. Reading through the forums i see where ppl are using 300 and 400 series steel fenders. Does the 500 series fenders fit also? the 500 looks the same as the 3 and 4 to me but never found anyone talking about using  fenders off of a 500.. Thanks for any input. Im sure there will be more questions to follow

[pacer 3,177]

I just used the fenders off a C-160 auto on my 175 auto - boy-o-boy that plastic was rotten, coming all to pieces! I had some fenders off a C-100 and set them on for a look see and they would work with a little trimming and the holes bored, so I bet a lot of models would work.

[boovuc 1,090]

500 series fits also. The only differences would be if the steel fenders were off an automatic or an 8 speed. As pacer stated, cut what you need to access.

[AMC RULES 37,196]

My 520 fender pan fit like a glove...

no modifications necessary. 

 

 

[Kelly 1,033]

If you get a C-series fender of a 78 or 79 they are a direct fit no cutting needed, 77 and older will need lots of holes 

[Kelly 1,033]

here is my sons C-145 with the older C series fenders, from the side the shape of the fender matches the shape of the side of the hood, that is why he picked this style, wish I had a side view.

 

[C-85 750]

My C-85 has the plastic fenders and they have a few cracks in them, but they are okay for now, but I may have to replace them sometime in the future. 

 

My C-105 originally had the plastic fenders, but due to being damaged the previous owner switched them with a newer metal one.  When the 2 tractors are sitting next to each other, the C-85 looks bigger because the plastic seat pan is much taller on its sides and makes the whole tractor look bigger.

 

I like the shape of the plastic seat pan, has anyone ever made a steel one the shape of the plastic ones, does anyone know?

 

C-85

[jschmelzle 0]

Awesome.. just bought a used fender off of a 520 should be here next week. Then can start the refurb

[JackC 617]

The plastic fender design was originally intended to coordinate with the new black hood design.  Perhaps, the first picture shows it best. Most of them cracked easily and people liked the looks of the metal ones better anyway. The original 1978 and 1979 plastic fenders on the new design black hood C-161 twin Briggs tractors were much thicker and made from a different plastic.  I thought I read Lexan but not sure about that.  This is my 1979 C-161 twin eight speed with plastic hood and fender. Rumor is Cecil's son was a Corvette fan so maybe that is where the plastic came from?  There is absolutely no rust on the hood or the fender on this tractor and there never will be.  The original owner took very good care of this tractor and I just have it stored for now,  The hood, fender, and seat are flawless.  The engine runs like a top.  The marks on the top of the black hood in the second picture wiped right off.  The back of the 3,4,500 series fender is slightly different than the original C-175 metal fender but only purists like me would know or care.  There is no lip along the bottom edge.

 

 

 

 

 

[jschmelzle 0]

I do like the looks of the plastic. But I definetly like the shallower pan and the durability of the steel. And since I know I will abuse the machine. (Just a little) . Didn't like the thought of $300 plastic every couple years.. thanks for all the opinions!

[AMC RULES 37,196]

FYI...there is a seller who is currently reproducing fiberglass C-series fender pans on Ebay.

Auction listing # 131151032249

[JackC 617]

The very tall lip on the back of the plastic fender does makes it much more difficult to pour fuel into the tank with a standard gas can and requires use of a big wide mouth funnel so you don't miss but the presence of the funnel also makes it difficult to see when the tank is close to full.  That was another draw back of the plastic fender and perhaps an example of where style overtook function.  Filling the tank can be a PITA unless you have a long flexible spout on your fuel can to reach down into the fuel tank opening.  

 

Wheel Horse incorporated some great styling into almost all their tractors which is one reason we all like collecting them.  The plastic fender was not one of their crowning achievements but it is a piece of the Wheel Horse history.

Edited April 11, 2014 by JackC