I was just looking around a neighbor's property and discovered 2 model A tractors. Both have had frame shortened but what is left is in good condition. Only the cowls are left of the body. Front suspensions are there and what appear to be original motors. No idea what there worth but could probably get them for 100-200 each.
Sounds very fair on price. In most areas of the country these are referred to as "doodlebugs". They were modified and used in place of tractors in the 20's.....30's ...... 40's when tractors were too expensive or in short supply due to the war. Normally they would have larger rear axles out of 2 ton trucks and double transmissions for better gear reduction. When these do come up for sale on farm auctions, if done right they are easily $1000-$1500. Good luck
If both serial numbers come up clear, and you can get ***les for them, I see two hot rods in your future.
Definitely doodlebugs and definitely missing a lot, even for a doodlebug. $200 for the pair wouldn't be bad.
One is a late 31 cowl (cut down Sedan/Coupe), looks to have a decent cowl band stainless trim. The other has a 28-29 Roadster Cowl. Also an interesting Banjo wheel on one. Good for parts or revitalize as a Doodlebug.
A number of possibly interesting and usable parts and pieces there but I'd say that they have been stripped of too many parts to be of much interest to the doodlebug brigade. Like a lot of things on a farm once they weren't used on the farm anymore they probably became a parts source for other stuff on the farm.
Those shortened frames are still rod material considering a lot of guys only use the frame horns and crossmember anyway. And having newer steering wheels on them (the one appears to be 56-59 Ford car, the Banjo looks like 40's Buick or Chevy) I have to wonder what axles and spindles are under the front end, clearly these aren't 100% Model A based. I'd scoop them up for $100 each if I could, and part out all the good pieces, I think you'd do real well.
Dig the tandem transmissions on the one. I've seen those roadster or phaeton cowls go for bug bucks in my neighbourhood.
I've shopped around up your way for Doodlebugs. $100 to $200 is a good price, especially if the cowls are in nice condition. The 28 looks like it's on a AA heavy frame. It looks like there may be enough left to make a pretty stout little Modified. If you have to choose, buy this one. The 31 cowl is in nice shape for up that way and looks like an easy patch job. I'd be interested to see what they have for rear ends. They may be out of heavy trucks. Depending on what they are, you might be able to use them or sell them to a heavy truck restorer. Hopefully the motors turn, but if not, NBD IMO. You might be able to un-stick them or part them out. You can easily make your $2-$400 back selling off the parts you don't have an interest in if you are patient and find the right place to advertise them. You could probably get $50 for just the tractor seat. I would jump all over these if I were you. If I had a trailer and knew where these were I'd be there waving cash at the owner already Go check the state of Maine's DMV site and make sure you get your bills of sale written up in such a way that you can turn them both back into cars.
Thanks for all the advice/info guys. I'll probably go over there tomorrow to make an offer. They're probably frozen in the ground so who knows when I could get them home.
It doesn't look like they're going anywhere anytime soon and I didn't see them listed on Craigslist But you should definitely ****** them up. That's a good load of parts to start your pile and at least one project with.
Hell I'm looking for one for a project.....pulling trucks in and out of my shop....shipping my just ****...
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