stevebo-(Moderator) 8,040 #1 Posted June 16, 2016 So ever since I saw the NOS 420 at the Danbury dealer and then again when Kenb bought his I have wanted a 420 LSE to complete my collection. It was a bucket list and typically if/when they come up for sale they are priced way too high. A member here posted that there was one on a local internet ad for sale and reasonably priced so I found the ad, called the owner and struck a deal. He is a member here on RS but not sure how active he is. Anyhow, turns out this was his uncle's tractor who was the owner of a Wheel Horse dealer in Michigan. He passed about 5 years ago and his nephew took ownership of it. The tractor was used as a daily mower to but 3 acres of grass and has 1500+ hours on it. It is not perfect but mechanically it is in very good condition. The owner was a stand up guy and was willing to ship it through fastenal. I could not be happier with this purchase. I picked it up a few days ago and yesterday took it apart, pressure washed, cleaned, scrubbed, buffed, waxed etc. I still have some tinkering to do to get it right. When I bought it I was not sure if I was going to tear it down and do a proper restoration on it but after cleaning and buffing it I decided it is acceptable to leave it in it's original clothes. Here are a few before and afters. 31 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jake Kuhn 1,547 #2 Posted June 16, 2016 Nice Score! Looks like it cleaned up nicely. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 46,803 #3 Posted June 16, 2016 Nice Steve.... looks good with that Sr. ... you have that early/late model thing going fer sure! An LSE is on every fanatic's bucket list for sure! I take it the Fasenal thing went smooth?? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
312Hydro 473 #4 Posted June 16, 2016 That's great! Always nice to see a dream come true.Many years of enjoyment to you. Really looks good. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,345 #5 Posted June 16, 2016 Great story, Steve. I'm glad it found a new home and I'm sure it will be well took care of. Congrats! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elliot ness 1,916 #6 Posted June 16, 2016 Wow nice score, and great collection. Lucky man you are. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fun Engineer 859 #7 Posted June 16, 2016 Looks great Steve. Glad to see it arrived so quickly. Sorry I couldn't help with shipping. But hey, you got it a week earlier 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,487 #8 Posted June 16, 2016 Looks great Steve, might have to add on to the barn, she's getting full. Lol. Glenn 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACman 7,510 #9 Posted June 16, 2016 Enjoy , glad to see everything worked out . Wish I could've helped more . 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
russellmc301 600 #10 Posted June 16, 2016 nice, that is what you call a stable 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Irv 115 #11 Posted June 16, 2016 Very nice! Congrats! Try some wd40 on the steering wheel. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 4,984 #12 Posted June 16, 2016 I cleaned up my hubcaps with chrome polish rubbed in with aluminum foil. Buff that off well then apply more chrome polish to inset areas and clean with a nylon brush in a dremel tool. Buff that off then apply a coat or two of good wax (I used Mothers). They look like new, your steering wheel may as well. If the outer rim on your steering wheel is leather, I would get some saddle soap and massage it in with a brush then apply a coat of leather conditioner. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,116 #13 Posted June 16, 2016 (edited) Nothing really got the leather on my 420's steering wheel to look good, that is until I busted out some black shoe polish. I applied it and hand buffed it. When done it left no residue on my hands. (With all them fine shoes I see you in you gots to have some layin around.) I have some of the best leather cleaner and conditioner you can buy. (not available at stores) I might be able to spare a few squirts... You really want some on the seat to replenish the natural oils in the leather. If the leather is dried out it will crack. Looking good. Edited June 16, 2016 by Ken B 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,487 #14 Posted June 16, 2016 (edited) I just got this chrome cleaner polish last month. This is hands down the best chrome rust cleaner polish I have EVER used. period. Trust me that I have tried them all. Every trick. My brothers bike the passenger footboard cover was rust like you never saw. applied this. barley rubbed it in and off. super amazing results. I just wish I took before shots. trust me on this. Glenn Edited June 16, 2016 by JERSEYHAWG / Glenn forgot picture. lol 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,040 #15 Posted June 16, 2016 I did some more clean up on this machine. I fixed the dent in the flywheel screen and changed the front wheel bearings. I need a new set of tie rods. Anyone have an NOS set they can bring to the show? If not, I will buy a set there and install them when I return. Here she is cleaned up a little more and a picture of the tie rod I need. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 16,943 #16 Posted June 16, 2016 Very nice Steve! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #17 Posted June 16, 2016 Nice score Steve. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phatboy 565 #18 Posted June 16, 2016 2 hours ago, stevebo said: I did some more clean up on this machine. I fixed the dent in the flywheel screen and changed the front wheel bearings. I need a new set of tie rods. Anyone have an NOS set they can bring to the show? If not, I will buy a set there and install them when I return. Here she is cleaned up a little more and a picture of the tie rod I need. Hey Steve BEAUTIFUL TRACTOR !!! Hey wheelhorseman1000.com buddy for the tie rod end ,, he makes really good ones... Im sure you know who he is,, i got a new set of tie rods and ends for my 310-8 and they are alot more heavy duty than the original... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACman 7,510 #19 Posted June 16, 2016 Two questions? #1 Is this tractor accounted for in the LSE registry. #2 Is the original owner's dealership listed in the dealer registry 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,040 #20 Posted June 16, 2016 13 minutes ago, ACman said: Two questions? #1 Is this tractor accounted for in the LSE registry. #2 Is the original owner's dealership listed in the dealer registry Don't know either one... Where do you find the number? It is not on the hood plate and the serial number behind the shifter is pretty well faded 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aldon 4,826 #21 Posted June 17, 2016 That cleaned up great. Nice tractor to add to an excellent collection. Congrats! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACman 7,510 #22 Posted June 17, 2016 (edited) @USAFPJ has a count going and current owners , and may have other ways to identify. @Shaner has it in the registry , it's the last tractor listed so you may want to update UASFPJ on ownership change . Could you contact shaner about his uncle's dealership information. Edited June 17, 2016 by ACman 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcamino/wheelhorse 9,052 #23 Posted June 17, 2016 Stevebo , Very nice score. Try the following on the steering wheel. Get some Black Shoe dye. Coat leather real go , let dry for about an hour. Then apply black scuff coat . Let that dry and then coat with black shoe polish. Let it dry for an hour , then buff with an old white tee shirt. For extra shine split on rag works great, or warm water. You will have a spit shine steering wheel. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muz123 1,191 #24 Posted June 17, 2016 Awesome score Steve!!! Someday ill get me one... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c-series don 7,818 #25 Posted June 17, 2016 Please stop posting these pics, they are making me Super Jealous!!!! I want one so bad! I would have had enough money to buy one if kids didn't have to eat EVERYDAY and go to college, jees the nerve of the kids these days..... 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites