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My 2nd Wheel Horse in 3 days

By DownHome, in Wheel Horse Tractors

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DownHome    40

DownHome
Posted

So as I previously mentioned I purchased a 1965 855 this past Saturday. I've begun the tune up on the 8hp Kohler. This little tractor seems to be in good shape, came with a mower deck and a plow. The metal is in great shape, no rust and only 1 modification that I can tell. The addition of goofy plowing head lights. The transmission is a Uni-drive 3 speed and seems to be in good working order. As mentioned I have begun the tune up on the engine. I believe I can have this up and running in fairly short order.  After hearing about my recent purchase my Grandfather has given me his 1964 1054 10Hp. It is a bit rougher but this has sentimental value as it was the tractor I remember from my childhood. Right now nothing is working on it. He parked it once the transmission failed. I just started on the 855 restoration and now I'm torn as to what to do with the 1054? The engine work doesn't concern me as much as the bad tranny on the 1054. I've started down this road because I have 6 young children who like to do things with their hands and I thought this would make an excellent project. Do i juggle both? Focus on the 855? Sell the 1054? What to do what to do? I've attached pictures of both.

WH855.jpg

WH1054.jpg

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grine_22    145

grine_22
Posted

You can never have enough projects.  Maybe someday down the road the kids will remember working on it with you. 

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ronhatch    410

ronhatch
Posted

I'm a big believer in finishing one project before starting another. I've seen guys have so many things started but nothing is ever finished and they end up with a garage and/or a yard full of junk.. I would do the 855 project first because it is easier and then tackle the more difficult and time consuming 1054

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Pollack Pete    2,273

Pollack Pete
Posted

Keep 'em both.The 1054 is pricless due to the sentimental value.I have a tranny out of a 1054 or 953.A year ago I had a guy interested in buying it.I pulled it out of the tractor and he must have been kidnapped or abducted by aliens.Never heard from him since.It's on the scrap pile right now.I'll sell it cheap,but ya gotta come get it. 

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AMC RULES    37,260

AMC RULES
Posted

Can never have too many :wh: projects...

keep 'em both, of course.      :handgestures-thumbsup:

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SPINJIM    1,997

SPINJIM
Posted

I like to have at least two projects working.  That way, while I'm waiting for parts for one project, I can switch over to the other.  Sometimes you have to wait months for a rare part to show up on ebay or somewhere else.   No sense in not working on another WH while you're waiting.   

 

Looks like you have two very worthwhile projects.  Good luck.

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WHX??    58,306

WHX??
Posted

No brainer...keep them both!

5 hours ago, Pollack Pete said:

It's on the scrap pile right now

I'd thought swearing and blasphemy were against the rules here Pete.... shame on you:angry-nono:....one man's scrap is another man's horse!!!:ychain: awfull nice of you to offer him it!

 

BTW DownHome..... :text-welcomeconfetti:to :rs:

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Wheelin'theSky    57

Wheelin'theSky
Posted

It would be fun to work on "great" Grandpa's machine with the kids. Looks like the 855 is closer though.

As long as you have space for them, I'd keep them both as well.

Looks like you are already finding parts for the restos!

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Phil854    130

Phil854
Posted

You gotta keep the one from you grandpa  I would keep them both you have 6 kids gotta have six tractors  wait I have 2 kids and 5 tractors don't tell my wife!!!!

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stevasaurus    23,857

stevasaurus
Posted

That trans on the 1054 is no big deal.  If you can do engine work, you can either fix this trans, or put another one on.  the 1054 has a 5047 trans on it.  This is the infamous bevel gear differential.  I think RacinFool40 (Mike) has the parts for this trans...if not...replace it with a regular 3 speed uni-dive.  Odds are it is the differential that needs rebuilding.  :)

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SylvanLakeWH    32,703

SylvanLakeWH
Posted

Six helpers - "Free"

Two WH's - "Chump Change"

Memories....Priceless!

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can whlvr    994

can whlvr
Posted

I willchime in too,you would never be able to replace your grandpa machine,if it were me id never get rid of iy,what ever it takes,and maybe stick with one rebuild at a time,the tranny is no problem to repair or replace,as you see you already have an offer for one,and theres tonsof expertice here,steveasauras has some great videos on how to open them up and rebuild them,id keep it you wont regret it

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Martin    2,134

Martin
Posted

Just make sure if you do replace the 1054 trans with a regular 3 speed unidrive, that you swap the 1054 specific axles and hubs, (and whatever else inside that is different). The 953, 1054 (5047 trans) is an animal almost all of its own, compared to the considerable amount of other 3 speed unidrive models.

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Aldon    4,833

Aldon
Posted

Well I am headed to big show in June. If you want to take Pete up on his offer of a tranny, I believe Pete is in my neck of the woods and I can slide over and grab it and bring it to the show. 

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