dmoore 773 #1 Posted November 4 Just picked this up today. I believe it to be an RJ-59. You RJ gurus will have to chime in. It is complete with original tires, guards and almost all decals. And it runs although the fuel tank needs replacing if I can't get it clean. It is rusty top down about 1/4 way. Lots of sediment in bowl. Looks like the fuel valve is getting clogged. I have a few questions since this is my first RJ model. Need to confirm it is in fact a 59. I will post several pics along with trans #. The oil bath air cleaner is present with a partial orange maintenance decal. Thinking about restoring all 4 wheels and seat. Maybe linseed oil everything else. Opinions? 4 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TonyToro Jr. 1,387 #6 Posted November 4 @peter lena would be the the guy to talk to with your oiling! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmoore 773 #7 Posted November 4 Anyone know what the J1-8 signify on trans? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmoore 773 #8 Posted November 4 Thanks Tony, I'm on the fence. Not sure about going all out or preservation. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TonyToro Jr. 1,387 #10 Posted November 4 2 minutes ago, dmoore said: Thanks Tony, I'm on the fence. Not sure about going all out or preservation. I would preserve it. It would clean up good and have a nice patina. My 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmoore 773 #13 Posted November 4 I really want to correct what little is incorrect such as what holds the lift cable jacket in place so you can actuate the hitch? It will actuate it all moves together. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmoore 773 #16 Posted November 4 (edited) . Edited November 4 by dmoore Not correct Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmoore 773 #17 Posted November 4 (edited) What would that hole below throttle be used for? Edited November 4 by dmoore Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 11,881 #19 Posted November 4 Somebody really took care of that little RJ. Very nice! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,980 #20 Posted November 4 Very NICE find! J 1 8 = Sept 1 1958 Rust can be cleaned out of the gas tank by using vinegar The lift cable is held with a simple metal tab by one of the bolts holding the seat spring to the trans There are no tractors actually badged 1959. They all had RJ-58 but were assembled in 59. There are some indicators of 59's but I don't see any on that one. Why do you think it's a 59? The only way to know for sure would be having the sales slip and the serial number on the tractor. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmoore 773 #21 Posted November 4 Thanks Wallfish...So using the alphabet it wouldn't be an I? I believe I read here in another forum that Wheel Horse did not use the I? The foil model sticker is long gone left side of frame forward. The fella I purchased it from thought it a 59. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 11,348 #22 Posted November 4 That's what you should do in my opinion is paint the wheels and seat and save the rest of the tractor the way it is. It looks from the pictures to be in really nice condition overall. It's only original once and that one is a beauty. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,701 #23 Posted November 4 In this case, the date code is correct. The I is not used as a month, so J is Sept. That means that the trans case was cast on that date, but the horse could have been assembled in 1959. The only way I know to identify a 1959, without the paperwork, is if the date code has the 9 instead of the 8...if the trans is original to that horse. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmoore 773 #24 Posted November 5 12 hours ago, wallfish said: Very NICE find! J 1 8 = Sept 1 1958 Rust can be cleaned out of the gas tank by using vinegar The lift cable is held with a simple metal tab by one of the bolts holding the seat spring to the trans There are no tractors actually badged 1959. They all had RJ-58 but were assembled in 59. There are some indicators of 59's but I don't see any on that one. Why do you think it's a 59? The only way to know for sure would be having the sales slip and the serial number on the tractor. Which type of Vinegar and method please Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,980 #25 Posted November 5 1 hour ago, dmoore said: Which type of Vinegar and method please Regular household vinegar or go up to higher acid content vinegar. The acid in it will eat the rust. Put a handful or 2 of screws or nuts or both in the tank and shake them around to scrape off and remove the bigger stuff. Empty them out afterwards Fill with vinegar and let it sit over night, pour it out back into the container because it can be reused if needed. Check the tank and if it still needs more repeat the vinegar bath. When it's good, rinse it out with a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 cups of water in order to neutralize the acid. Shake that around in the tank for a bit. Pour out, rinse with regular water. Then blow dry with compressed air or even a blow dryer. Getting it dry quickly will stop the fast flash rust from the water being on cleaned metal. 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
