mels 174 #1 Posted June 2, 2016 So, sometime last year (I think, maybe two years ago?) long time ago friend and former colleague of mine Jeff (Fireman here) was selling his C-120 which I ended up swinging a deal (thank-you Jeff) and heck I think he even delivered it for me but again I've got the dreaded CRS so I'm not even going to frustrate myself by trying to remember, lol Anyway, the Kohler in that old tractor ran good but man would it keep the mosquito's away with that good old time-tested straight 30 weight oil smoke. Jeff knew she needed some love, probably why he gave me a deal on her, and was kind enough to include a new-in-the-box OEM slug with rings and a complete OEM engine gasket kit. Tractor came with a snow blade, tire chains and a deck. Deck needed some work but I figured I'd find a decent replacement and maybe use this one for parts if I needed, or pass it along to someone who needed it more than I do. Plan was to get it all straightened out and cleaned up in its' working clothes last year and bring it down to where we're living part-time in Tennessee where the living is easier, the grass just seems greener, and where there's an old craftsman lawn tractor that needs to be moved along... Well, neither of those things happened last year, but if I don't find work up here soon (my company closed its doors back in October) then we'll be putting our place up on the market and moving down there mos tic. With that in mind, I figured it was time to siht or get off the pot (as Grandma used to say, lol) with this tractor and get it ready for duty. Didn't take any pictures, but the engine was in incredible shape internally except for the connecting rod which was worn down at the crank, and a roached exhaust valve. Although the engine smoked like Grandma towards the end, the bore was unbelievably clean. Ball honed the jug, ordered a new connecting rod and exh valve from the boys down at http://www.newtownpowerequipment.com/ and while I waited the week for those to come in I gave her a good soaking and flush in the parts washer. Put her back together, new ignition parts, bumped the key and dang man does this old Kohler sound like she's ready for another 40 years! Anyway, here's a few pics I just took a few minutes ago. She's a little crusty-er than when Jeff had her but that's only because I ran out of indoor storage options after losing my job and having to empty my shop out from there into what room I had left at Home here in CT. Plan is to rub her down and oil her up to keep the metal in good shape until I can dedicate the time to do a proper tear-down and repaint in Tennessee. In the meantime, I'm in the market for a sweetheart of a 42 or 48" rear discharge deck for this old girl if anyone has a line on one. I've included a few shots of the place in Tennessee as well. My '73 F250 truck that we brought out from Clovis New Mexico where it lived since new until February of this year, and the shop building that eventually the '120 will be living in. First truck pic was taken in February, second pic in April, and the remaining four pics were just taken last week before we split to come back up here. Thanks for reading through another one of my rambles, enjoy the pics PS: Jeff, thanks man. Tractor's in good hands and will be well cared-for, my friend. 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amcwheel85 2,059 #2 Posted June 2, 2016 That ford is awesome!! The horse is beautiful too! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcamino/wheelhorse 9,362 #3 Posted June 2, 2016 Both units are very nice looking. Like the picture of the house. Nice old brick house with a metal room. Love the sound of rain on a metal roof in spring. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phatboy 565 #4 Posted June 2, 2016 Nice rides buddy !! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,638 #5 Posted June 2, 2016 mels, Nice horse.The 73-79 Ford trucks in my opinion are the best Ford ever produced.I own a 1978 F150 4wd that I bought in new Dec1977 .Still have it and a half dozen more.Broncos and F250s.Love them all.All 4wds.Luck,JAinVA 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mels 174 #6 Posted June 2, 2016 (edited) Thanks Gents. The house is pre-war, early 1800's. There's another brick building just behind the house which pre-dates that even. Metal shop building, big 'ol horse barn, and a split cabin for the help. Plenty of tin everywhere overhead to get lost under during a rain, you're right though, nothing like it. Close to 30 acres, 3/4 of that is pasture, the rest is good wooded get-away. I'm glad to have this tractor from Jeff, she's just got a good feel about her you know? Just need a worthy deck. Jim, Bumpside and Dentsides are where it's at. If you're not already on there, find your way over to FTE http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/index.php I'm gemutlich over there. Also, if you haven't seen the spread in Hagerty magazine this month they did a real nice write-up on the blazers and broncos. PM me your email and I'll send you some pics of it. Edited June 2, 2016 by mels Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,534 #7 Posted June 2, 2016 Looking good Mel. I am not a Ford guy but that one looks "right" 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mels 174 #8 Posted June 2, 2016 (edited) Thanks Steve, not a fan of the wheels but they're round and go down the road smooth for now. Has a good running 360 and a solid C6 with a DANA 60 behind it so it'll do pretty much whatever my Wife needs it to do, lol... Me? Ever since I was a kid I've wanted a '57 GMC Pickup. One day... Edited June 2, 2016 by mels 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amcwheel85 2,059 #9 Posted June 2, 2016 Mel's I hope to pick up a nice ford similar to that once I get moved to Tennessee. Up here they just get destroyed even if you don't drive it In The winter. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mels 174 #10 Posted June 2, 2016 'AMC, man I'm telling you where we are in Sparta you can't swing a cat without hitting an old Ford truck. This one's a New Mexico desert truck. Tennessee trucks are far and away better than anything we find up here but they can't hold a candle to desert trucks. THAT's where you gotta look. Where in Tennessee are you looking to land? I've lived out in the NW end while I was in the Army, and grew up hiking the mountains on the East while growing up in North Carolina. Man, I want to tell you, the whole state is just beautiful. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amcwheel85 2,059 #11 Posted June 2, 2016 Milan, bruceton, Mckenzie, Paris area 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jay bee 914 #12 Posted June 2, 2016 NICE C-120...NICE Ranger XLT Jim 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
