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Member oldnugly (Tom Flynn) passed away in February. I spent some time talking to him about tractors in the past and didn't realize he had left us until today when I was looking on CL and saw his 953 with sicklebar for sale. I didn't know him well, but I know he loved his 953 and talking about Wheel Horses. I contacted his wife and she told me it'd be ok to put a note on here. May he rest in peace.

Looked at the first picture and wondered how the hood got totaled ? Then I saw the second picture and now I understand.... You should operate the tractor with the wheels on the bottom and the hood on the top. Oh, Pardon my manners, .

When I purchased my first Wheel Horse project a few months back, I was a little bummed to find out that a previous owner attempted to repaint the entire tractor with spray cans. It was obvious that there was no care taken to prevent overspray or any regard for taping things off, it was a quick down and dirty paint job. While some of the painted parts I could strip and clean, one problem I ran into was the serial number plate riveted on the dash tower. I completely dissassembled the tractor to have the parts sandblasted back to bare metal, so I removed the serial number tag for safekeeping. Once removed I began my attempt at restoring it. I tried soaking it in a few different solvents with no real success. I combined soaking the plate in solvents and gently scrubbing with fine steel wool, but still little to no success. Only with some fine grit sandpaper did I start to get through the layer of red paint. Unfortunatley the coat of paint was uneven and required more sanding in some areas than others, partially removing the underlying black printed part of the tag. As I thought about how to restore this I first considered using waterslide decal paper as it was thin and I could easily recreate the graphic for on the serial plate (I am already setup to make waterslide decals as I do it frequently for custom model cars and fire trucks). My only concern was that the waterslide decal film was very thin and could scratch easily, so I concluded that the durability just wouldn't be there. Then I got an idea to try making a dry transfer. I had never tried this before, but I found a kit online that only required an inkjet printer (most kits require a lamination machine which I didn't have). After ordering a starter kit to try this out, I designed the graphic with some imaging software and then followed the directions provided with the kit. Suprisingly the dry transfers came out very well, though I will admit I probably went through about a half a dozen before I finally perfected the placement and was satisfied with how it looked. The transfer paper isn't much thicker than the decal film, but I think that it seems a little more durable and shouldn't come off it I ever spray the tractor with water to clean it. I did attempt clear coating the plate, but didn't like how it looked, so this final version is just the dry transfer on top of the original serial number plate that I had sanded down to bare metal and polished to a nice shine. The grainy look of the tag in the last picture is exacerbated quite a bit by the flash from the camera (it looks much better in person), but I am well pleased and think it looks as good as new. The only downfall to the dry transfer kit is that seems you can't just make the transfers and let them sit. I tried using one that had sat for a day and it didn't work out as well as the freshly made ones did; therefore I think offering to make some for other people and shipping them is not really an option. I do have the original artwork that I came up with and if someone wants to try this I would be more than happy to share my files. Hopefully this post can help someone else out who is looking to restore their original serial number plate and if there are any questions feel free to contact me. - Seth

My wife's mother stopped in to visit with the patient yesterday. So I took advantage of the relief nurse and went on a bread and milk run. This followed me home. Now, what do I do with it .... Full restore, redo , keep original rust and unique throttle lock ?? It runs and sounds good, but needs some attention. What Ya think ?

My Thought's are with the families and friends ,including there extended Wheel Horse Family here at the Red Square. As we all grow older we seem to learn how short the time it that we are here on this earth. Enjoy your families and the little things that we all seem to take for granted until it's gone I haven't been part of the Red Square Family but I wish we all lived closer, so we could share more. Have a Good evening All.

My condolences to the family. I think it would be proper and a nice gesture to establish a separate member section for the ones that have left us. It would be a little memorial to them and at the same time inform other members of their passing.

if the alum push rods wear out so fast how come sixty year old motors are still running good with the original one in them change your oil once a year with a good grade 30wt and yours will last that long too Brian

Daughter-in-law went to a party. At the party, kids made tractors.

I did a "dry run" with my fender idea. I think it turned out ~ok. I think/know they need to be positioned lower, but I am also going to run taller tires...probably in the 28" range. They actually worked out pretty good this way, I removed the seat pan, bent 2 of the tabs in and the remaining one used the original seat mount bolt. Once I get the bigger tires on I will add more, so maybe consider this a teaser(??) Thoughts/opinions welcome. Ps, this is my daughter's tractor, I modified the clutch pedal to be used with the deck lift rod.

Sooooooooo.................you pulled out of the house in a pickup WITH a trailer attached on just a milk and bread run???? That's a lot of milk and bread. You are a sneaky devil

I AM SOMEWHAT NEW TO THE RED ROUND HOODS,,,AFTER READING THIS POST IT DAWNED ON ME,,,,,I HAVE MADE IT TO 3 BIG SHOWS THE LAST 3 YEARS,,I HAVE ALREADY RESERVED MY ROOM FOR NEXT YEAR....I LOOK FORWARD TO THE BIG PA SHOW NOW...... BUT YEAH KNOW......... I HAVE NOT HAD A FAMILY REUNION COOK OUT IN 10 YEARS..... IM NOT SAYING "THAT,S SAD",,,,ADJUSTING PRIORITIES MAY BE IN ORDER.......... MY TRACTOR PASSION $$$ ........... FAMILY: PRICLESS 857HORSE HOWARD IN VIRGINIA GONNA GO FOR NOW... MAYBE CALL 1 OF MY KIDS

The poor old ('68 ?) Horse just followed you home? Likely story. I'm sure the Stallion'll be fine with a wash 'n oil. Just don't lose the throttle lock!

Ah, you are wrong, I use a vise grip on my 875 to keep the throttle open! Red-neck at it's best, but it works! Nice find, but how do you find something like this on a "milk & bread" run? Let me know your secret

You would know if it was only running on one cylinder so rule that out. Does the engine hunt when running? It could just be an adjustment on the governor of the carb. It will bog down a bit when the PTO is engaged. What size mower does it have? Using a 518xi with more than a 48" is pushing it. Could be bad spindles on the mower as well. What year is this 518xi tractor? If it is a 518xi, it does not have power steering so don't look for the filter and screen. If you do buy it, replace all the fluids and spin-on filters (there are two, engine and transmission) to extend the life. The Smart-Steer was because of the Cruise Control that the 520xi and up have. I guess Toro figured that owners would engage the cruise and make a 180 at full speed! This prevents that from happening.

The gear looks good to me, it fits the input gear solidly without any loose so I figure it's OK... I added some pictures of the engine. Working on the trany and waiting for the carb and fuel pump kit. I will try to polish both of them, it should look nice. To answer the question about the use of my 701, I will not do any exposition or hard work, just running around in the wood and haul the grand kids in an wagon that I will make next, looking for blueberries, raspberries and other good little fruits . This little guy is 53 years old and I will give him an easy retirement

Another member (toolman) Ronnie from Warsaw MO died a few months ago..he was "one of a kind" and loved his Wheel Horse...think it was a 73 model but he had it looking good and loved to talk tractors....not sure what his wife will do with the ole WH and sulkey...RIP Ronnie

I'm gonna go with the "quality" vs. "quantity" on this one. I'm not sure, and photos can lie, but I did not see any that needed anything done to them. I could be wrong, but I think that makes for a quality herd. Not that you do not have some quality horses, but I think, IMHO, he has us all on that one!

The wife asked me to clean the bathroom, so I used the WH to get the pressure washer up to the balcony.

hauling people and everything i can (seat moves up and down with 3 point) dragging dragging driveway and green tractors.

I bought this tractor last year, and it was really neglected. It was sitting out in the yard where it had stopped running.I don't know how long it sat there,but the gas had just started to gel in the carb.It was fortunate that it died or the engine would have been toast. Anyway I got it running,put a kit in the carb,new fuel line and filter.I changed the oil which was barely touching the stick. The engine smoked,but sounded good, no haunting noises.I used it to push snow last winter,and if I ran it for two hours it would use about a half quart of oil. I had in mind to ring it this year,but I used it to push some rock,and to my surprise the smoking has all but disappeared.It smokes lightly when I let off the throttle, but that's about it.The machine has plenty of power and I love operating it. So now I can get to work on the 48" deck which needs a lot of work,a couple big holes in the common areas.

Good you jumped on that, it looked like a nice tractor for the price and I was planning on making room for that. You have some nice straight sheet metal there. I agree with the others, that would make a good "natural refurbish" I call it.

It has already found itself in some pretty tough orchard grass ~ I mow 4 acres all with Wheel Horse of coarse ~

Already done ~ Safe in the barn ~

Well Dan, looks like it should serve you for a long time

Geno That also strikes me a bit weird with no locks or holes for them ~ I have fooled around with old red iron for quite awhile and haven't seen one like it ~ Was thinking about doing a little fabrication and mount a trailer receiver for moving some trailers around, about the right height.

Hey Rusty One thing that strikes me is that it has the recess like the plow hitch for a rod but there are no locks or holes to mount the locks on it. I have a belt drive trac-vac blower attachment but it mounts to the standard plow hitch.

Actually It was listed in the RS classified by the owners Son ,RS member aclark. His Dad was only 4 mile from me and we made a deal by phone. The bread and milk run was just an excuse to get a relief nurse for my wife so I could sneak away to pick up the WH. On the clean up, has anyone ever used a LOOFAH to scrub it and then rub on a generous layer of OIL of OLEY ? Mrs. K swears this stuff will remove wrinkles and bring out a nice glow on the body. It's pretty pricey, but I could probably take a gallon of it from Her closet without it being missed.

rustyedge1,

Absolutely wonderful Idea!!

Who's that Dino with the clean fresh breath? You know who...

Looks like the same hitch my trac vac motor attached too. Dale

My prayers for both passed forum members. Their presence will be missed but not forgotten, RIP guys!

Yes thats the one. We couldnt reach an agreement at the show, but after he posted it on the classifieds we both compromised a bit and i got it. He actually delivered it to me on his way back from NY. What a great guy he is.

Old nugley and I shared the passion for the 953 and the Wheel Horse sickle bar mower. We traded quite a few pictures , messages and laughs! He loved his Wheel Horse tractors and what they could do. My condolences to his family and friends. !

Back home from the beautiful Indiana weather. I've got my plan for a frame mounted gas tank stand in my little head. One thing bugs me. Once I mount the stand and tank what about taking the hood off and on? It has to move to the rear to run up the steering column. I'm thinking maybe I can turn it to the side and get it off that way. Dunno. I'm going to build a mock-up and try it out. Here's the hood straps. I was hoping to grind them off today but a couple other projects came up. The rear strap looks like it's got some JB Weld on it and it's cracked loose. From the top I'd say I've got a lot better hood to work with than a lot of folks. There's some bondo on it and one small drilled hole has been patched. I'll know more once it's stripped. Even with my limited body work abilities I think I can get this looking nice. When taking the pictures I started having second thoughts about needing a tank stand. I kinda want to build one (fun) but that rear strap could be saved and I might be better off.

Also, check the wiring to the ammeter.

Nice looking BEE-Hind!

JK - List it in the classified... ALso, need to have a price. Welcome to RS Rob

Free is always good Nate.

Back in the late 80's, my father wanted a mower with a bigger deck. we were mowing with our b 80 it's got a 36" deck. He picked up something from one of the farm stores. I was using the horse and he on the new one, after 2 seasons, the farm store mower deck was shot and the old horse just kept on mowing! I still have the little b 80 and treated it to bigger re power and restoration in the mid 90's. Now I just picked up it's bigger brother to restore this winter, it's a 1973 16 auto. 02' DL never finished

I'll need to keep the sidewalk-superintendent away so that it doesn't live up to its name! Close inspection of my work.

I don't think that the brand of wire is important, the metallurgy is what you need to look at, the E71T-GS specifies the alloy and strength/hardness of the wire, With that being said I usually take all of my welding supply business to my local welding supplier as I feel that although his prices are a little higher his advice and better quality inventory and accessory products are worth the extra $ upfront and save $ in the long run due to longer lasting abrasives and other consumables. I think that trying to build up or hard face a lawnmower blade penny wise and pound foolish, The time and amount of material spent trying to weld up ma blade and then grind it back to proper dimensions, sharpness and balance would not be cost effective and I would also be concerned about the added weld being to hard and or brittle and failing under impact and becoming an unguided missle moving at somewhere near the speed of sound (recommended blade tip speed)

How is this one?

Setting up a RJ35 is not that difficult but you do have to fiddle with it to get it to run smooth. First off your belt size is determined by the diameter of your rear jack-shaft pulley. I run a 20" belt from the motor to the veri-drive, now if you have the larger rear puley I would start with a 37" belt from the veri-drive to the rear pulley and a 36" belt if you have the later or smaller style pulley. Keep in mind you may have to run back and forth to the auto parts place and play with lengths in order to dial it in. As for the adjustment this is what I have found to be the best way for me... 1) Make sure the adjustment rod from the speed selector to the veri-drive pivit is straight and not bent up. 2) Make sure the center chive of the veri-drive slides smoothly side to side and that there is no excessive slop. 3) Install belts 4) Lift the rear wheels off the groung (I use jack stands) 5) Place the speed selector arm in the center position (neutral position) 6) Pull the spark plug 7) Now with your left hand spin the very-drive... its should spin semi-freely except for some slight belt drag... the rear tires may spin but there should be no resistance in reference to the engine pulley. If it dosn't feel right or doesn't look right make an adjustment to your adjustment rod. 8) Now while spinning the veri-drive with your left hand, actuate the speed selector with your right, moving the lever forward... this should engage both the engine pulley (this is why I pull the spark plug) and rear pulley... The belt from the engine should be driven into the veri-drive and the rear pulley belt should be brought to the top of the veri-drive. 9) Now if it does not look like you are getting full motion of the belts into and out of the veri-drive you will have to pull the adjustment arm, screw the adjusted in or out to adjust the engine pulley's depth into the very drive. 10) When you think you have it close its time for a ride... there should not be an excessive belt slop or bouncing.. there will be some but it should run fairly smooth... if there is a lot of bounce in the belts check the v-groves and make sure they are clean of any paint and/or rust... this includes the veri-drive. 11) You may have to go back and forth with the adjustment rod in order to dial it in. Now a tid bit I should tell you... I do not use the reverse discs... they're stupid... and take up adjustment room. I like to set up my RJ35s so when the speed selector is pulled all the way back it totally disengages the belt system. This also allows you to engage the drive system in much smoother mannor because you slowly bring the power on over a greater belt range/adjustment... intead of just from the center neutral position. I may add to this as things come to my mind, LOL!

As I go to about a dozen shows a year,the $5 fee is way too low.This year I have paid between $15 Jones,MI and $170 Greenville,OH.Most are $25 to $50.This been said I will donate at least $25 plus something for the fund raiser.I don't want to see this great show disapear because of funding.I think we can help can all help Gene and Richard out by making a little bigger donation.It takes a lot of work to put this on ,lets show them our appreation.

Wow! What a herd.

Lately, I have been using the 314 to cut grass and the 416(20) to cultivate the garden and sweep the lawn. It's kind of cool only using 2 tractors for everything. Makes me think that I could get by with only 3, not 6.

Thanks for all of the comments. This is the first time I have lived out in the country and am glad the family was able to make the switch. So far so good. Everything is just about organized and put away. Now remembering where it is will be the tough part. Ken---we only own about 1 1/2 acres but are completely surrounded by farm land. None of the neighbors are close at all except for the grain elevator across the street. Here is the new place.....