What is it?

[Bow_Extreme 550]

This is for sale locally and I am thinking about picking it up but I'm a little inept to the specifics on these older models.  I know the motor is not original, the hood appears to be cut in the back, the original muffler appears to be missing and heat shield, but I may be wrong on some of those items.

 

And approximate value would be appreciated.  I know it needs restored.

 

All help is appreciated!!  

 

Thanks

 

 

 

Edited March 28, 2016 by Bow_Extreme

[Achto 29,405]

Judging by the hood and the foot pads, I would say it is a 1960 400 or 500 suburban. The difference between the two being engine size.

[Bow_Extreme 550]

Thanks Achto!!  I am awaiting a response from the owner on price.

[Achto 29,405]

Mower deck also looks correct for 1960, 61's had wheels on the deck. Hope the front rims aren't rotted out, a lot of them are because they were filled with fluid from the factory. The rest of the sheet metal will take some welding but looks repairable to me. As for a price, I've seen them from $500 to $1000+ restored. These were asking prices.

Edited March 28, 2016 by achto

[ol550 830]

From what I can see from the pictures a 400.  Whoul take a good look at the front wheels as to how deep the rust goes.  The hood cutout was made for function

with the transplanted engine.  The front of the hood is shifted over, possibly due to rust or just a missing bolt.  It is also missing the belt guard for the deck drive

belt.  As for price... whatever keeps everybody happy, I've given as much as 350 for less than what is there though.

[Bow_Extreme 550]

I think it's repairable as well.  But I think he may want too much for it.  I know I've seen restored suburbans for $600-800.  It almost makes it not worth the money to pick this up even if he does sell it at a reasonable price.

[Achto 29,405]

I paid $50 for this one. Stuck $ 150 in the transmission alone.

[Bow_Extreme 550]

Thanks for the input!!  I will see what I can acquire this one for.

[wallfish 18,149]

7 minutes ago, Bow_Extreme said:

I think it's repairable as well.  But I think he may want too much for it.  I know I've seen restored suburbans for $600-800.  It almost makes it not worth the money to pick this up even if he does sell it at a reasonable price.

Too bad the hood and stand are cut but you don't necessarily have to restore it and dump tons of money into it. I drive and display a tractor which kind of looks like that at every show I attend. Only has a better hood. Gets as much attention as the trailer queens do because there's nothing wrong with an old tractor that looks like an old tractor and still has it's own character. Of coarse it costs money to go through the mechanicals but at least you would be starting with one that isn't missing all the expensive little parts like the controls and belt guard. If you're just in it to make money or break even then it's worth more as parts before sinking a dime into it.  I'd say go grab it and enjoy the ride!

[RedRanger 1,469]

Does it run and drive?  The little things will nickel and dime you.

Based on condition=wrong engine, rusty front rims (look rotted in pictures), cut hood, rusty controls=I'd assume the mechanicals are just as bad.

I wouldn't give more than $200 as is. Looks like a $100 tractor to me.  It's a 1960 400, not an RJ. It's not exactly rare.  

 

Don't get in over your head.  Nicer burbs are out there for reasonable amounts.  I gave $600 for a restored 401 with correct engine, solid gas tank, nice tires, solid rims, good steering wheel, and good sheet metal.

[Achto 29,405]

One other thing to mention. The hole to the right of the steering column was on all the 500's. It was for a kill switch for the Clinton engine. Some 400's will also have this hole (mine does not), but they would simply put a plug in it. 

[953 nut 60,096]

  Given the cosmetic issues and wrong engine if it runs and the transmission works without any issues I would say grab it for $200 or less. Non running I wouldn't go over $100 because the transmission could have problems you won't know about until it is too late. 

[WHX?? 51,787]

be a good parts tractor if in the 1-2 range if nothing else, spend no more then 2 unless you fall in love with it! I would give 50 - 75 for the fenders alone with that patina..

Edited March 28, 2016 by WHX61/3

[Bow_Extreme 550]

Well, he thought the tractor was coated in gold.  So I will not proceed with it.  Thanks again for the input!!

[RedRanger 1,469]

3 hours ago, Bow_Extreme said:

Well, he thought the tractor was coated in gold.  So I will not proceed with it.  Thanks again for the input!!

Based on his CL ad, I agree.  Good decision.

All good suggestions in this thread as well.

[WHX?? 51,787]

Yeah not much you can do with a seller like that....I just hope it doesn't end up in a scrap pile to get shredded, turns my gut to think of that...