when i got married in 1962 i bought an 8-N ford tractor, still have it, i am cleaning out the barn, i want to sell it, $1200.00
I went and did a thing a couple weeks ago. I purchased a bucket list collectible tractor for me. A 1924 John Deere D. John Deere started producing the iconic D in 1923 with just 50 tractors produced that first year, in 1924 they produced 829 tractors making lots of little changes along the way as they tweaked the design and ramped up production. 1925 saw some significant design changes that made these earlier tractors even more unique. I've been working on tuning it up to drive it in the local Labor Day parade and have it running good enough now, that its time to wash and scrub, fix a little paint on the engine block below the carb, and give it a good wax. If all goes according to plan - I'll polish the brass work (carb, mag, priming cups, fuel lines, grease cups) over the winter and find some field lugs and doing a little plowing with it next summer.
You should have given us a little bit more, 500 ci two cylinder. A buddy has one, has 2 1/2 inch valves with 5/8 stems in it. You did good. Go to Internet Craftsman Museum, there one about 13 inches long. The guy restored his grandfather's tractor and took dimensions of every part and scaled it down. It runs, steers, drives through the trans, forward and reverse, hand clutch works. I have seen it run. He even has the Campbell's soup can for the stack.
Yeah - I probably should have given a bit more specs like that on a car site. lol I didn't even think to. Actually this one is closer to 465ci - they were in production for a couple of years before they got the larger displacement that most of them had. This one also has a transmission with 2 forward speeds. Top speed in High gear at the operating speed of 800rpms is only like 4mph. You get no where and you don't do it very quickly. lol I'm a little familiar with the Jerry Kieffer tractor that you mention. I've been fascinated with working scale models every since I saw my first one as a young boy in the early 1990s. It was also a working scale model John Deere D tractor - the gentleman that built it also built a small remote controlled man that sat on the seat of the tractor - one arm operated the clutch, the other the steering wheel, and the little farmer's head could swivel and tilt. As a young guy that loved vintage iron as well as new technology - it made quite an impression. I don't recall exactly, but I think it was between an 1/8 and a 1/4 scale.
WOW......you went and did it !! When I got your PM mentioning that the Oliver and Massey deals fell thru.....and you were looking at the Case VAC, I didn't get a chance to reply and say DO IT ! That is a great looking rig......with lots of accessories. What hitch is that ?? Parts of a Stockton ?.....something else ? That should be a very handy tractor and a welcome addition to any show or activity you decide to participate in......how about a nice two bottom plow for some Spring or Fall plow days ? The first and only Case our dad had years ago was a Case VC which preceded the VAC. I have had several 300's, 430's, 530's, but never a VAC......all my Case stuff is gone except for my 1968 Case 530 with a loader.......(OK and another 530 that I just picked up in Texas in case my working tractor gets a little weak). I really am still kinda looking for just the right 1949 VAC with Eagle hitch and a plow.......maybe. Do you have any manuals yet ? Let me know if you don't .......may have one in the basement. Have fun
Thanks, I really wanted the Oliver but I’m happy with the Case. I’m not sure about the hitch, some of it was home made but it works great. It came with a rear blade, single row plow, cultivator, owners manuals, service manual and a truck load of odds and ends. Changed the fluids and started doing some body work to get it ready for paint.Runs great!
Thanks for the heads up. Terrific show! I’ve never seen so many steam tractors in one spot. Traffic around York and on 30 sucked but it was well worth it!
Threshing show season is starting to heat up here in Minnesota. The Nowthen show started yesterday and I'll be attending another show today in Forest City.
You could start by checking at the high school for ffa, maybe the fairboard for 4-h. There are still some kids out there with ambition.