Found another gem in the junk pile!

[mdclem 12]

OK. Need help figuring out what year and model this one is. I found it in the same building as the RJ-58 I am restoring ().

Obviously the steering wheel is not original and it is missing a WHOLE LOT.

[smokin joe 31]

Thats a rj 35.My guess is its a 1957.And that brake setup is a rare option.

[wheelhorse 1045 3]

WOW thats a great find

[AMC RULES 37,132]

:scared-eek: Umm, you brought that home too...right? :teasing-poke:

[Jake Kuhn 1,555]

Wow that is one good find! That is a 57 rj 35. jake

[Hydro 131]

What is they say, "One man's junk is another man's treasure" Up here we would never have the used parts available to restore that but somehow I bet we shall see that treasure again in it's restored form.

Neat find!

[mdclem 12]

Thats a rj 35.My guess is its a 1957.And that brake setup is a rare option.

Smokin' Joe, don't know much, if anything about this tractor. What is rare/special about this brake setup?

[TT-(Moderator) 1,131]

It could very well be a later 1956

The brake option was actually pretty popular - once the owners found out there was no other way to stop the machine on anything but a level surface, many of these tractors were fitted with the foot brake kit.

[smokin joe 31]

Ive had a lot of rj 35's run through my shop.I've only ever had one that had the brake band and thats why I consider them rare...

[mdclem 12]

SO, i'm looking for some 2 cents worth here. What's my best plan for this thing. I am currently restoring a RJ-58 (my first resto on anything ever), and I don't know what to do with this thing. Should I sell it whole as it is now, part it out, or is it rare enough that I should hang on to it and collect parts and save it as me next resto job?

[smoreau 658]

Save it ! Find parts when you can. Otherwise you will regret selling it later on. Very nice find!

[AMC RULES 37,132]

Best to just sell it to me instead. :ROTF:

[VinsRJ 721]

As always RJ35s are a very interesting item. Lets take a closer look at this one. First off its either a late 56 or early 57. Its got a sheet metal frame indicating a 56 but the embossed Wheel Horse hood indicating 57. Then its got 55 decals.

Now the brake band on this unit was an add-on for sure and did not come with the tractor originally because... it doesn't have a machined wheel hub. You can make out the casted ridge on the hub and no machined brake surface. I would agree with the statement that the brake set ups are rare based on the fact if your RJ35 did not have one, you'd be hard pressed to find one or even the parts to put a kit together.

Very nice score!

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,332]

Nice find and my suggestion is NOT to part it out. There are many collectors that would love to have it and find the parts to put it back together.

[bowtiebutler956 650]

I'd say she's a keeper!

Matt :flags-texas:

[rydogg 186]

The front axle is very basic so it could be easily made, ebay has the cast iron reproduction steering wheel, drive axles, k90 kohlers are pretty common...you have a lot to start with already there I would put it back together.

[neil 2,409]

Dont sell it . dollars are easier to get hold of than an RJ35 ( some might disagree ) :ROTF:

[COMMANDO6 20]

Keep it! Even if you just toss it in the corner for now, you'll still have it if you ever wish to restore it. It's pretty neat that you found a brake add on kit.

[Coadster32 793]

Dont sell it . dollars are easier to get hold of than an RJ35 ( some might disagree )

Great point!! :handgestures-thumbupright:

[mdclem 12]

I've already cleared a corner for it in the garage. Since parts aren't quite at hard to find as I anticipated, its going to be my next resto. Thanks everyone.

[neil 2,409]

You know it makes sence .

great to hear that you are going to keep it , you wont regret it im sure

[buckrancher 2,679]

It could very well be a later 1956

The brake option was actually pretty popular - once the owners found out there was no other way to stop the machine on anything but a level surface, many of these tractors were fitted with the foot brake kit.

:handgestures-thumbup:

[specialwheelhorse 174]

Don't we all wish we had one just like that to start on next ??????????????

Jim in Texas

[mdclem 12]

Here are the two mower decks I retrieved also. Not sure which one goes with which tractor.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,332]

that tractor should have the square gear boxes but they are on a suburban deck ... i will post pictures of my 55 with mower deck in a few..