Paul D. 26 #1 Posted December 10, 2011 Hi, I am new to here and to Wheel Horses(sort of). When I was a kid (about 5) my Dad got a Wheel Horse. A 1979 C141. When I was little I used to ride on it with him while he mowed our lawn. When I got a little older I used to use the horse to make some extra money mowing and snow blowing the neighbors lawns and driveways. It was always a great and very reliable machine. About a year and a half ago My dad tells me that he was mowing the lawn and the motor siezed up!! Apparently he let the oil get a little low and was mowing a ditch and that was it. He told me of his plans to scrap the old Horse and buy a New John Deere. He was pretty set on getting his Deere but I just couldn't take the idea of the Horse that I had had so many great times and memory's on as a kid be taking in for scrap metal. I told him I would take it and try to bring it back to life. After a full tear down. Having the block bored the crank turned and the valve seats recut the Horse is running like new. I am hoping in another 30 years or so I can pass it on to my son(Hopefully running). Its not just about having a tractor. Its about keeping memories of My Dad and I alive. (although it is a REALLY COOL tractor). 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,339 #3 Posted December 10, 2011 :WRS: Thanks for a great story. I assume your dad didn't end up with a Deere? Mike......... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul D. 26 #4 Posted December 10, 2011 Actually. He did end up with a very nice Deere. I on the other hand am the proud owner of a 1979 C141. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeremy Watson 22 #5 Posted December 10, 2011 Welcome to RedSquare! You got the better end of that deal. I'm not sure if any mowers being built today will still be running in 32 years. Jeremy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,132 #6 Posted December 10, 2011 Welcome to RedSquare Paul, good call keeping that old Wheelhorse alive to see another generation. Remember your Dads mistake, check that oil often. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,029 #7 Posted December 10, 2011 :WRS: And JD makes some nice machines, but you picked up a family keep sake, I'm in MI, if you need parts or attachments. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SousaKerry 501 #8 Posted December 11, 2011 :WRS: always nice to hear of another survivor here in Michigan... we do a show in Charlotte MI every year love to see you and your horse there :handgestures-thumbupright: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VinsRJ 721 #9 Posted December 11, 2011 Lots of great people herw, Welcome! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunahead72 2,424 #10 Posted December 12, 2011 ... Remember your Dads mistake, check that oil often ... Especially if you're going to be using it on slopes a lot. :WRS: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,408 #12 Posted December 12, 2011 :WRS: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH854 44 #13 Posted December 12, 2011 :WRS: Them C,ss are a nice tractor Chas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul D. 26 #15 Posted December 13, 2011 Thanks guys. Glad to be here. And trust me. As much time as I have into rebuilding that engine. The oil WILL be checked often. Now I just need some SNOW! Does anyone know if you can get replacement head light assembly's. Mine is looking a little rough and yellowed from thirty years of use Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,029 #16 Posted December 13, 2011 You can buy new headlight lens from Toro, under $30 or try Ebay, or post a wanted ad for a used one, but most used ones are cracked, have you tried cleaning it, use rubbing compound on it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul D. 26 #17 Posted December 14, 2011 Thanks Kelly. I'll try those options. I would ideally like to get the enclosures as well as they are kind of rough but if need be I will do some work on those to make them work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rollerman 290 #19 Posted December 15, 2011 Welcome to RS Paul. Some good wineries up in your neighborhood. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul D. 26 #20 Posted December 16, 2011 Welcome to RS Paul. Some good wineries up in your neighborhood. Your right, There are about 6 wineries within about 2 miles of us. My favorite is Round Barn. They have some Mighty Fine Beer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rollerman 290 #21 Posted December 16, 2011 Your right, There are about 6 wineries within about 2 miles of us. My favorite is Round Barn. They have some Mighty Fine Beer.[/CODE] Yes they do, still holding on to some of my wooden tokens for a return trip. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HorseFixer 2,012 #23 Posted January 3, 2012 :WRS: Paul Cheers ~Duke :beer: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
