Life lessons.

[Retired Wrencher 4,904]

Of all the tractors I have had I miss this hot rod 1257 the most. The engine was a 10 of 10. Great tractor. I do not have the original pick when I pick it up, but it did not look like this. Hindsight is real.

[ebinmaine 63,428]

I know what you mean.

I haven't sold or given away any Wheelhorse stuff that I regret yet but I've definitely got that feeling for several cars and trucks I've had over the years.

 

Hindsight is most certainly 20/20.

No worries.

Most of us learned something from everything we do.

 

[SPINJIM 1,978]

Sorry about your seller's remorse, but happy to hear your praise of the 1257.   I'm in the midst of restoring a 1257, but wondering if all of my efforts are worth it.  You've encouraged me to keep going.   Just finished rebuilding the steering linkage, and have to finish the K301 rebuild.

   Thanks,  Jim

 

Edited April 27, 2020 by SPINJIM

[ebinmaine 63,428]

46 minutes ago, SPINJIM said:

Sorry about your seller's remorse, but happy to hear your praise of the 1257.   I'm in the midst of restoring a 1257, but wondering if all of my efforts are worth it.  You've encouraged me to keep going.   Just finished rebuilding the steering linkage, and have to finish the K301 rebuild.

   Thanks,  Jim

 

You'll be very happy with that when it's done Jim..

[peter lena 8,125]

spinjim , looks like a thorough refit going on , is there any area that you have improved on ? ,in making it better  ?.  i always look at the tear down    of any area as the opportunity to improve it . pete

[SPINJIM 1,978]

28 minutes ago, peter lena said:

there any area that you have improved on ?

 

When I rebuilt the steering linkage (with lightly used parts), I put a spacer at the front end of the lower steering shaft.  Instead of relying on just washers and a cotter pin at the rear end of the shaft, I took some play out of the steering by putting a 1/8" steel plate under the front shaft bearing to make sure that the fan gear fully engaged. Still left space for oiling the front bearing.   Also, changing the battery box from the over-sized one (that was original) to the smaller one that fits a U1 battery.  Leaves more room for the fan gear, and for air circulation around the engine.  Also, going to put springs under the seat, instead of having it bolted directly to the fender.  Easier on my 77 year old spine.  

   Jim

Edited April 27, 2020 by SPINJIM

[SPINJIM 1,978]

2 hours ago, Retierd Wrencher said:

I miss this hot rod 1257 the most.

 

Hi Retired Wrencher,

I wondered why you called it your "hot rod" 1257.   Did you make changes to the engine or to the pulley ratio ?

Edited April 27, 2020 by SPINJIM

[peter lena 8,125]

spinjim , thank you for the feedback ! i can relate to doing similar modifications , both in steering and seat springs, they both had a difference that you can feel . on my battery tray i used conveyor belt material on the base , and a  spiral wire wrapped coil spring over the top of battery to hold it in place. nice job ,  pete 

[Retired Wrencher 4,904]

6 hours ago, SPINJIM said:

Sorry about your seller's remorse, but happy to hear your praise of the 1257.   I'm in the midst of restoring a 1257, but wondering if all of my efforts are worth it.  You've encouraged me to keep going.   Just finished rebuilding the steering linkage, and have to finish the K301 rebuild.

   Thanks,  Jim

 

SPINJIM  This is such a great hobby. It is up to you what road you take. Enjoy what ever you do.

[Retired Wrencher 4,904]

5 hours ago, SPINJIM said:

 

Hi Retired Wrencher,

I wondered why you called it your "hot rod" 1257.   Did you make changes to the engine or to the pulley ratio ?

Old style moons. Also the rear tires where slick looking from the side.

 

 

Edited April 27, 2020 by Retierd Wrencher

[Sparky-(Admin) 19,673]

10 hours ago, Retierd Wrencher said:

Of all the tractors I have had I miss this hot rod 1257 the most. Hindsight is real.

You were the king of that year of WH’s Gary!

  I never understood why after collecting all the 1967 models you sold em all....and didn’t keep a single one just for fun.

  I agree about the hindsight thing. 

[Zeek 2,284]

That is a beautiful tractor! I sold a fully restored Raider 12  a few years ago for space. I now wish I still had it 

[Retired Wrencher 4,904]

20 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

I know what you mean.

I haven't sold or given away any Wheelhorse stuff that I regret yet but I've definitely got that feeling for several cars and trucks I've had over the years.

 

Hindsight is most certainly 20/20.

No worries.

Most of us learned something from everything we do.

 

Well said Eric

[Retired Wrencher 4,904]

9 hours ago, Sparky said:

You were the king of that year of WH’s Gary!

  I never understood why after collecting all the 1967 models you sold em all....and didn’t keep a single one just for fun.

  I agree about the hindsight thing. 

Thanks Mike. You live and learn.  I just thought I did not need a tractor. Boy was I wrong. I do live in suburbs, but have enough room to have a tractor. I guess I will keep the B-80 8 for a while. Unless a little Commando comes my way. LOL

[Retired Wrencher 4,904]

8 hours ago, Zeek said:

That is a beautiful tractor! I sold a fully restored Raider 12  a few years ago for space. I now wish I still had it 

Zeek hope you can find another one soon.

 

[Zeek 2,284]

On 4/28/2020 at 6:21 AM, Retierd Wrencher said:

Zeek hope you can find another one soon.

 

 

If I didn't have to drive all the way to Indiana, I'd probably offer to buy it back (minus the starter they burned up already).

[Retired Wrencher 4,904]

18 hours ago, Zeek said:

 

If I didn't have to drive all the way to Indiana, I'd probably offer to buy it back (minus the starter they burned up already).

Some times you have to say is it worth time and $$. Enjoy what you have.

[Zeek 2,284]

2 hours ago, Retierd Wrencher said:

Some times you have to say is it worth time and $$. Enjoy what you have.

 

Room and relocation from PA to FL forced the sale of two that I otherwise would have kept. But now I have a bigger garage 

[Retired Wrencher 4,904]

On 4/27/2020 at 9:48 AM, SPINJIM said:

Sorry about your seller's remorse, but happy to hear your praise of the 1257.   I'm in the midst of restoring a 1257, but wondering if all of my efforts are worth it.  You've encouraged me to keep going.   Just finished rebuilding the steering linkage, and have to finish the K301 rebuild.

   Thanks,  Jim

 

Jim did you ever finish that 1257? If so can you post pictures of it?

[SPINJIM 1,978]

Yes, I did finish it.   I had to downsize, so I sold it in favor of a C-120.   

 

Edited February 14 by SPINJIM
wrong picture

[squonk 39,096]

My 1 year newer 1267 (1467 Special)

 

[Retired Wrencher 4,904]

13 hours ago, squonk said:

My 1 year newer 1267 (1467 Special)

 

Mike that is a very nice example of a six speed. I hope you take it out for a ride every now and then. I just feel comfortable on these start /gen tractors. Like riding a horse. I have running bored type tractor but not the same feel. You seem to sit in not on. If you know what I mean.

Edited February 15 by Retired Wrencher