Mike'sHorseBarn 2,673 #1 Posted March 4, 2016 Ok guys I finally got my first rj! I almost walked away from it based on how rough it looked but for $125 I think he made me buy it. It's missing so much like the belt shield, original seat, gas tank and push rod on the lift lever. Also the hood has been very hacked up. Question is to you experts is this, is it worth restoring? I'm leaning more toward restoring it because I've always wanted an RJ. Any advice or parts leads would be greatly appreciated. I'll try to get some better pics over the weekend. Sorry about the sideways photos. I have no idea why my phone does that. 16 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 991 #2 Posted March 4, 2016 sure its worth it,paitience to find the parts and lots of elbow grease she could be a nice lookin tractor again 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fireman 1,021 #3 Posted March 4, 2016 That solid seat could be the original as 59' RJs had them! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phatboy 565 #4 Posted March 4, 2016 Nice find buddy !!! Keep us updated on progress ! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 4,886 #5 Posted March 4, 2016 Mike'sHorseBarn it has potential to be something nice and proud of. Enjoy the project. Gary B.. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,954 #6 Posted March 4, 2016 Were you wearing a mask when you stole that little guy? 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike'sHorseBarn 2,673 #7 Posted March 4, 2016 48 minutes ago, AMC RULES said: Were you wearing a mask when you stole that little guy? Lol! He asked me if $125 was too much and I didn't even argue I just gave him money! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
857 horse 2,581 #8 Posted March 4, 2016 Coming from from me,,,this may sound kinna funny.........I think i would get it running...make sure the rear axle fluid is clean again..and i would ride her... and be very proud,,,,,this looks like mine when i found it...clean alll the sheet metal...Wow....if you change your mind...I will give you your investment back...and a real cool crisp $5 ta boot !!!! =).... You done good.. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,515 #9 Posted March 4, 2016 Go for the restoration! One of the great Horses. Definitely $$$ well spent! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,235 #10 Posted March 4, 2016 Nice horse and you have the sticker on it. I managed to turn your pictures for you. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACman 7,555 #11 Posted March 4, 2016 (edited) I would say that's a pretty much original RJ . Great find , it looks almost identical to mine . Here's a blurry pic from the add I bought it from . That hood can be saved . Had an old timer bodyman work on my hood . In fifteen minutes he had the front smoothed out . I asked him how much I owed him , he said nothing , it was a pleasure to work with real metal . Still have some patching and welding to do but it's one more saved . Edited March 4, 2016 by ACman 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 46,840 #12 Posted March 4, 2016 I'd say you did real good Mike, a gem in diguise..... definitiely restorable! Pics and info please once ya get into it!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheelin'theSky 57 #13 Posted March 4, 2016 Just looks a little dusty Should clean up nice. Judging from the photos, it looks like it's been leaking (especially the rear). You can bang that hood out pretty easy. Best of luck with it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TDF5G 2,051 #14 Posted March 4, 2016 (edited) 15 hours ago, can whlvr said: sure its worth it,paitience to find the parts and lots of elbow grease she could be a nice lookin tractor again and all the fun you'll have doing it too! Nice find, yes sir! Edited March 4, 2016 by TDF5G 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wrightorchid 261 #15 Posted March 4, 2016 A great project. The old ones are getting pretty rare in some parts. Much better to restore it than go to the dump, that's for sure. At least the old stuff is restoreable. I can't imagine somebody trying to restore a new car in another 50 years. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HENRYG 34 #16 Posted March 4, 2016 Yea man who doesn't love an RJ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike'sHorseBarn 2,673 #17 Posted March 4, 2016 6 hours ago, stevasaurus said: Nice horse and you have the sticker on it. I managed to turn your pictures for you. Thanks! I can't figure out why my phone posts pics upside down! Lol Thanks for all the encouragement guys! This the first RJ I know of in my area. The only other one I ever saw that was close to this was a 401 and I bought that one too! Definitely going to put this in line for a restoration. Let the parts hunting begin!! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike'sHorseBarn 2,673 #18 Posted March 5, 2016 Took this to see my great uncle tonight. He is a die hard wheel horse guy but he has never owned an RJ. Brought it back home then and took some better pictures.....this phone will probably turn some sideways though...... 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 8,874 #19 Posted March 5, 2016 Get a rope! He stole that Horse. Very nice! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,954 #20 Posted March 5, 2016 Thing is too nice to restore... I'd at least have to visit a pressure washer first. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike'sHorseBarn 2,673 #21 Posted March 5, 2016 I plan on giving it a good degreasing and pressure washing tomorrow since it will be above freezing! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,954 #22 Posted March 5, 2016 Use caution though... easy to do more damage than good. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike'sHorseBarn 2,673 #23 Posted March 5, 2016 I've learned that the hard way. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 15,940 #24 Posted March 5, 2016 The 401 I drive around at the shows kind of looks like that one does. It's character and it's an old tractor that... looks like an old tractor! Thought I might have a rod for that handle but it turned out to be from a 1960 suburban. There is some evidence that the new style handles with the selector arch were factory installed or dealer installed on some late production 1959s. The tractors I've seen like that also had the solid seat pan like yours does. Let me know if you are interested in the complete setup, handle and selector arch. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike'sHorseBarn 2,673 #25 Posted March 5, 2016 Took the engine off this a little bit ago.....not in good shape.....everything is loose especially the rod. The governor bushing is especially wore as it has been leaking it looks like. I think I'm going to take it straight to the rebuilding table. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
