Internationalcub67 9 #1 Posted November 15 I bought my very first wheel horse and I dont know much about them. I collect the old cub cadets of this era and no a lot of cubs. I am hoping someone can help me out identifying this tractor. The family I bought it from bought it in 1972 and its always been indoors. They believe it is a 1957 but there is no serial number tag. They lost all the manuals as well. The engine tag is still on there. Looks like kohler k91. I believe the tractor is a 1958 or 1959 from comparing pictures. What do you guys think? Should I attempt to restore this, just have fun with it the way it is, or stick to cub cadets? The inside of gas tank is spotless. Appears the machine was taken care of. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,041 #2 Posted November 15 Welcome to Red Square That engine was used on the 1960 model 400. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
parsonsponyz 112 #3 Posted November 15 Welcome to Red Square. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,318 #4 Posted November 15 Welcome - I agree that it is an RJ, probably a 1958. It has the 3 piece transmission - it should have raised letters / numbers on the center trans casting that will identify the year - or at least narrow it down to 2... Engine might be from a later 1960 400... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,218 #5 Posted November 15 2 hours ago, Internationalcub67 said: Should I attempt to restore this, just have fun with it the way it is, or stick to cub cadets It is you Wheel Horse and your choice. In my opinion a real nice survivor like that should be enjoyed as is. Restoration wouldn't improve it and would remove sixty six years of character. 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,041 #6 Posted November 15 Will not be a model 400 because of the front axle. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,996 #7 Posted November 15 It's an RJ-58. Same tractor as a1959 and none of them were ever badged 59, but they were built in 1959. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Internationalcub67 9 #8 Posted November 15 Thanks for the replies. So I guess it could be a 1958 or 1959? Next question is did I overpay for it? I paid $500. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eriks Red horse herd 106 #9 Posted November 15 I Think you did alright on the price. Especially with the mower deck and the machine not molested. Very nice looking machine. And Welcome ! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ML3 1,203 #10 Posted November 15 At $500 especially including mower deck I think you did fine. I look at it like if you are happy with the purchase price that's all that matters. As far as deciding to restore it or preserve it you are gonna get a lot of different opinions. I bought my RJ from @buckeyes as a restored tractor but thats what I wanted. He was so gracious to sell it at what I considered to be a more than fair price. In fact he made me another deal I couldn't refuse on a 753 & 953 which both were restored by R&B Wheel Horse Stables. I like having some really nice show quality tractors. I did end up with a really rough Suburban that I turned into a rat rod, lowered with a slightly built Predator 212. Turns out I really like it now. Now I'm wanting a RJ or Suburban similar to how yours looks with maybe some kinda creative power plant?? I did a RJ with a 3hp diesel & it came out really cool. Oh & by the way........I must admit I've been looking at some older Cubs at the shows. I kinda like them 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,218 #11 Posted November 16 5 minutes ago, ML3 said: I must admit I've been looking at some older Cubs at the shows. I kinda like them your penance is to say three Wheel Horses and four Cecil Ponds; go and sin no more. 1 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,815 #12 Posted November 16 (edited) 12 hours ago, Internationalcub67 said: or stick to cub cadets? NO ... most of us have at least one oddball in the herd ... looks like that one is your odd ball. You might have to find a belt guard for it. It aids in clutching for shifting. I believe there are repops out there. RJ's are favorites around here & you did good on the price ... you don't wanna know what I paid for this one. Ollie @oliver2-44 I thought you said RJs are hen's teeth in TX?? Edited November 16 by WHX?? 2 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Internationalcub67 9 #13 Posted November 16 36 minutes ago, WHX?? said: NO ... most of us have at least one oddball in the herd ... looks like that one is your odd ball. You might have to find a belt guard for it. It aids in clutching for shifting. I believe there are repops out there. RJ's are favorites around here & you did good on the price ... you don't wanna know what I paid for this one. Ollie @oliver2-44 I thought you said RJs are hen's teeth in TX?? Wow that is a nice tractor. 1 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,850 #14 Posted November 16 @Internationalcub67 ! Nice RJ great patina! I love the two tone wheels! Maybe the family would be able to locate the belt guard if you gave the, a picture of one… it’s quite hard to find originals. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,454 #15 Posted November 16 @Internationalcub67 As you can see lots of help here. Enjoy the RJ and the site. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,076 #16 Posted November 16 @WHX?? Jim!!!! What the heck is in your pocket???? I saw that and had to do a super zoom. I even called Nancy in and she agreed with me. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,218 #17 Posted November 16 (edited) 1 hour ago, Racinbob said: What the heck is in your pocket???? Good eye Bob. Never figured Jim @WHX?? was a Hello Kitty follower. . Edited November 16 by 953 nut 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,815 #18 Posted November 16 (edited) 2 hours ago, Racinbob said: @WHX?? Jim!!!! What the heck is in your pocket???? I saw that and had to do a super zoom. I even called Nancy in and she agreed with me. Lol ...I forgot I had that pic and didn't realize it either till after I posted it!. good eye tho Bob ... Back when the flame was actually a worker ... good thing I didn't finish hauling stuff ! I had to put it in a safe place. RJ was supposed to be a trailer queen tho but had to earn it's keep pulling bushes. Edited November 16 by WHX?? 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,743 #19 Posted November 16 (edited) 12 hours ago, WHX?? said: Ollie @oliver2-44 I thought you said RJs are hen's teeth in TX?? So you're the one that bought Bob's RJ. Their even closer to hen's teeth now that you imported that one across the border. Sadly, my barns so full of every color I wouldn't know where to put one that looked that nice! How did you get it to Cheese Land, he's about an hour South of me! Edited November 16 by oliver2-44 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,743 #20 Posted November 16 On 11/15/2024 at 8:46 AM, Internationalcub67 said: Paint on the edges of the nameplate suggest its an older restoration. But it has worn back to a nice used look. Clean it up and keep it as is, or restore as your preference! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,815 #21 Posted November 17 11 hours ago, oliver2-44 said: So you're the one that bought Bob's RJ. Your mistaken Jim ... I got that one from the Squonky in 2016 at the Big Show. Must be a look alike... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Internationalcub67 9 #22 Posted November 17 I tried getting it running today but no luck. I was hoping it would fire right up because the inside of the gas tank is spotless. No spark at the points so I assume it needs a new magneto. Im not going to spend anymore time or money on the tractor. The front tires leak becaus the rims are rusty. Too much of a project for me. Im going to put it for sale and let it go if I can get my money back. Im in north texas near dallas. Hopefully it will go to a good home. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,218 #23 Posted November 17 6 hours ago, Internationalcub67 said: No spark at the points so I assume it needs a new magneto A bad condenser will cause the spark to go away too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,815 #24 Posted November 17 An old tractor show git her running trick is to run a dollar bill thru the points. Removes any residue from just sitting. @Achto and I used this many times with good luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,100 #25 Posted November 17 On 11/15/2024 at 10:32 PM, WHX?? said: I thought that lawn in the bottom pic looked familiar! Notice the difference in the quality of the grass! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
