c-series don 8,711 #1 Posted February 20, 2023 About 10-15 years ago I was driving down the road and saw a gentleman mowing with a C-81. I knew he was relatively new to the area so of course I stopped to introduce myself and ask him about his tractor. Well don’t you know that even though he’s old enough to be my dad we became good friends. A couple of years ago he bought a new green tractor because it was easier to for him and his wife to get on and off. Well the C-81 was just sitting for a few years so he called me recently and said he wanted me to have it! It definitely needs some love but now it’s home in the Wheel Horse hospital (that’s what my friend calls it!) I’m going to repair whatever is necessary, then do a complete service on it. After that will be a light sanding and a @peter lena bath in WD-40 or whatever he recommends. 9 16 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moparfanforever 849 #2 Posted February 20, 2023 Free is good !! 👍 Take him to his favorite restaurant for some dinner . 7 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,318 #3 Posted February 20, 2023 Good for you! I love the little 8hp tractors, always amazed at what they can do. 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,497 #4 Posted February 20, 2023 Great story. Great tractor. I had one, it was sweet. Best of luck. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrc 812 #5 Posted February 20, 2023 it is a shame that the shift tunnel on the wh's make it hard to get on/off especially as we age. i know it is harder for me now than 25-30 years ago! 3 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,136 #6 Posted February 20, 2023 Common theme here. The Horses are given up due to the owners capability to get on and off. 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,905 #7 Posted February 20, 2023 (edited) I’m gonna build a horse getter onner! Having difficulties with the tunnel? Get a Horse Getter Onner! Oh yeah, congrats Don! Edited February 20, 2023 by Pullstart 5 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sailman 1,291 #8 Posted February 20, 2023 (edited) 2 hours ago, squonk said: Common theme here. The Horses are given up due to the owners capability to get on and off. I’m gonna build a horse getter onner! Having difficulties with the tunnel? Get a Horse Getter Onner! There.....fixed it for ya! Edited February 20, 2023 by Sailman 4 2 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,553 #9 Posted February 20, 2023 @Sailman Excellent!! @c-series don Congratulations Sir. Glad to see that rig in great hands. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c-series don 8,711 #10 Posted February 20, 2023 @Sailman @Pullstartthat’s perfect because I already have that winch. I could use my bailout harness from the fire department and I’m all set. Hopefully I’ll have many more years before I need it. 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,594 #11 Posted February 20, 2023 @Sailman with your concept @Pullstart should have that designed and built by lunch break today... 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brockport Bill 1,664 #12 Posted February 21, 2023 Don - how about telling us about that sweet lift table that WH is on in the background of that one photo ? NICE !!!!!! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,459 #13 Posted February 21, 2023 Congratulations Don. That should serve you well. May be drive to your neighbor's house and do ride together. Stay in contact. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c-series don 8,711 #14 Posted February 21, 2023 @Brockport Bill Now that I have the C-81 up and running I’m going to drive it onto the table so I can stand up and work on it. Lots more to do! The table I purchased from Harbor Freight and widened the top with two sheets of 3/4” plywood. Of course I had to get a large decal from Terry! I waited until it went on sale, I think it was around $500 bucks. Honestly one of my better purchases as I have a bad back. I would definitely recommend getting one, as it makes working on them much easier. 3 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c-series don 8,711 #15 Posted February 21, 2023 @Retired Wrencher As soon as I have it turn key and cosmetically fixed up I’m going to have him over to take it for a ride! Probably just a good rub down to save the patina, maybe paint the wheels as they aren’t in the best shape. I will still see him as we are both involved in the continued preservation of our local one room school house. 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blasterdad 2,692 #16 Posted February 21, 2023 I remember from a post of yours a while ago you knew where a 420 LSE was for sale but you were afraid of the Mrs. killing you.... Now I see that beauty on your lift table.... Is that the one? 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c-series don 8,711 #17 Posted February 21, 2023 @Blasterdad That’s the one! And I’m still married! Not sure how but I am 😜😂 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,632 #18 Posted February 21, 2023 @c-series don would not use any sandpaper on the finish , at first , just the lubricant soak to feed the paint , let it sit a day or 2 , see how it reacts to a drying wipe down. if its taken on a deeper color ,and wipes into a dull shene that will come back , with another soak down , and rub out . after that second oil soak , rub out . I use 6" ELECTRIC PALM BUFFER , with a cleaner wax . that flat hood would be a good test bed for results . pete 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brockport Bill 1,664 #19 Posted February 21, 2023 6 hours ago, c-series don said: @Brockport Bill Now that I have the C-81 up and running I’m going to drive it onto the table so I can stand up and work on it. Lots more to do! The table I purchased from Harbor Freight and widened the top with two sheets of 3/4” plywood. Of course I had to get a large decal from Terry! I waited until it went on sale, I think it was around $500 bucks. Honestly one of my better purchases as I have a bad back. I would definitely recommend getting one, as it makes working on them much easier. lift table is awesome -- ( plus of course the LSE ) like many of us i know about the back aches -- YUK !! Table looks like would make the work much easier 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites