Sailman 1,294 #1 Posted June 11, 2023 So I found this 701 back in the winter and the PO said it had been in his family as far back as he could remember. Was in a storage building for the last 15 years and he says it ran when parked. I am just now getting around to working on it and REALLY need some recommendations on how to best "preserve" it. Don't want to do a restoration, want to keep it as honest and original as it is. I did use Penetrol on the toolbox, seat stand and v bracket fender support since they had so much rust. Was amazed at how solid they were under the rust! I have done the oil rub down on the fenders (they really soaked it up) but not sure what is best route for the tins. Just the oil rub down, penetrol, others? I don't want to do anything to "ruin" the value of it in its current condition. Ideas from the purists?? I know we all love pictures so.... 6 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,743 #2 Posted June 11, 2023 (edited) I'm wondering if the hood has been painted. The "WheelHorse" letters should be white, unless it just flaked off over time. Also no residuals of the hood decals. Not sure about the shifter. I think the first bent ones were for the HY-2 accessory hydro lift. That being said, she is very nice! Multiples nicer than either of my 701s. It would be hard not to restore it! Edited June 11, 2023 by kpinnc 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,550 #3 Posted June 11, 2023 (edited) 46 minutes ago, kpinnc said: he "WheelHorse" letters should be white, unless it just flaked off over time. Also no residuals of the hood decals. Not sure about the shifter. I think the first bent ones were for the HY-2 accessory hydro lift. Agree on the possible repaint on the hood...1962 was the first year for the bent shifter to clear the HY-2 unit (look at the HY-2 manual - tells you where to bend a 1961 shifter..) IF you want to add value, loose the pepper pot and find a correct 1" Showerhead Muffler...IMHO - money well spent. (Good luck and be prepared to shell out a lot for it) Is the original dash cracked below the ammeter?? Possible wrong choke cable?? Missing small diameter shift knob is rather easy to find... Looks like a good solid start - has the correct pointed rear fenders (701 only)... Edited June 11, 2023 by ri702bill 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sailman 1,294 #4 Posted June 11, 2023 (edited) Sounds like given the missing original parts and repainted hood it might be best to just penetrol it, paint the rims and go with that. Maybe not the original condition I thought. I am not up for a full on restoration. Edited June 11, 2023 by Sailman 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,969 #5 Posted June 12, 2023 Good score on the 701. Sometimes I think about selling mine, but then I think with my luck I'd probably never find another one. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wild Bill in VA 1,453 #6 Posted June 12, 2023 It's amazing to see the plastic dash in as good shape as it is! Most dash panels get broken when the choke or throttle cable get bound up. Not many original model 701 survivor tractors left, due to all the unique parts it's also the hardest Wheel Horse model to restore. Wild Bill in Richmond VA 2 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,535 #7 Posted June 12, 2023 Sail: That is a real nice survivor. Maybe just a clean everything and just enjoy it. I have had good luck with Marvel to bring back the color. Enjoy the ride. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 63,174 #8 Posted June 12, 2023 27 minutes ago, Retired Wrencher said: Maybe just a clean everything and just enjoy it. I appreciate your interest in holding it’s value, but why not enjoy it while you’re at it? The only tractors that seem sacred to me to keep original, are the Senior, Lever Steer and RJ35. Ironically, none of them are original, so that takes the pressure off! Last year at Portage, we purchased a full detail package from a lady here in MI at the auction. The stipulation is that the machine must be original paint. I am pretty sure I have no tractors needing detail that have original paint, so we are just holding the ticket for a rainy day and a survivor worth spit shining. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,550 #9 Posted June 12, 2023 No Prom Queens here, they are all workers and get used as such. Wasn't that what Cecil and Elmer had in mind for these anyway...?? Bill 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,568 #10 Posted June 12, 2023 I truly admire the folks in the world willing and able to preserve significant products from our industrial/commercial past. The research, time, talent, and treasure that go into it are significant and the results inform the rest of us in positive ways. Like many others here, though, I have my stuff to use it. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,706 #11 Posted June 12, 2023 2 hours ago, Wild Bill in VA said: It's amazing to see the plastic dash in as good shape as it is! Most dash panels get broken when the choke or throttle cable get bound up. Not many original model 701 survivor tractors left, due to all the unique parts it's also the hardest Wheel Horse model to restore. Having restored one 701 in 2013 and now completing my second 701, I can't disagree about "hardest to restore". I've been working on the second one for 5 years. The dash on @Sailman 701 does show typical cracks. If the dash needs to be replaced, the ones that @wheelhorsemanis making are much stronger. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,550 #12 Posted June 12, 2023 1 hour ago, Handy Don said: Like many others here, though, I have my stuff to use it. ... said the man with the 854 6 speed. ! Like my 854 8 speed too - Original parts, but not "Original". SOOO much better having the Lo range and a dependable Unidrive.... Bill 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,550 #13 Posted June 12, 2023 1 hour ago, rmaynard said: If the dash needs to be replaced, the ones that @wheelhorsemanis making are much stronger. Bob - Exactly - a more modern fix to address a one year design that did not stand up to the test of time during normal use via a redesign and using a stronger material (the next year, the 702 has a bolt on cast iron dash) Almost indistinguishable from an original.... and no more cracking issues.. WOW - that reeks of a proper fix !!!! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
23 Reo 229 #14 Posted June 12, 2023 Looks to be in great condition. I would clean it up, change all the fluids, make proper adjustments and run it. Congratulations nice tractor. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sailman 1,294 #15 Posted June 12, 2023 2 hours ago, 23 Reo said: Looks to be in great condition. I would clean it up, change all the fluids, make proper adjustments and run it. Congratulations nice tractor. Sounds like what I will be doing. All my tractors are workers. Fix whats needed, maintain and USE 'EM! I am just going to keep this one as is.....cracked dash and all. It is a pretty good survivor. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike in NC 341 #16 Posted June 12, 2023 Very nice 701!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,535 #17 Posted June 13, 2023 18 hours ago, Sailman said: Sounds like what I will be doing. All my tractors are workers. Fix whats needed, maintain and USE 'EM! I am just going to keep this one as is.....cracked dash and all. It is a pretty good survivor. I think we are all glade on your decision. Enjoy the ride. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
