Ken B 3,164 #1 Posted November 30, 2014 (edited) Well, I have wanted one of these for a LONG time and now I finally have one. This 420 was used. It seems like it was at least taken care of mechanically. The oil was full and pretty clean and the air filter was pretty clean as well. The 20 hp Kohler runs excellent with 250 hrs. on it and its pretty friggin fast!. Cosmetically it could be better.. The paint has some chips and scratches here and there as well as the decals being a little scratched and marked up. The seat has a few tears where you sit. Thankfully I work for a leather company with a 60,000 square foot buiding full of leather so matching it up shouldn't be too difficult. The chrome isn't too bad other than the steering wheel. having EVERYTHING rechromed is pretty much out of the question because I'm pretty sure that will put me in the poor house. I'm not too sure on whether to fully restore it or leave it as a survivor.. I know I won't be able to do it this year as I'm hoping to sell my house this spring if all goes well. There just enough enough room in my current garage to properly restore this tractor. Anyway, here is how it has cleaned up since yesterday... Edited November 30, 2014 by Ken B 22 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,537 #2 Posted November 30, 2014 Looks pretty dang nice to me. I would leave that one a survivor. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Martin 2,133 #3 Posted November 30, 2014 Ken, that 420 cleaned up well in the pics. i know its a different story in person and pics can disguise a lot of things, but i think you have a very nice looking tractor there. its a shame that it was let go in the past, but i think you have done well and like you said the mechanicals have been looked after somewhat. i would leave it as a survivor, that chrome redo alone would have you putting major cash into a restore. I'm sure there are a bunch of 'small' details you still want to sort out. as a matter of interest, what method did you use on the chrome to clean it up? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,164 #4 Posted November 30, 2014 I used lots of aluminum foil and in some spots I had to use ultra fine steel wool in extra soapy water. I then put a coat of wax on the chrome.. Nothing got scratched... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,567 #5 Posted November 30, 2014 Did you get the mowing deck? Didn't the deck have chrome wheels?? And maybe the mule drive was chrome? Mike........... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wishin4a416 2,191 #6 Posted November 30, 2014 Beautiful Ken! It looks good enough to leave as is. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cable 179 #7 Posted November 30, 2014 Your 420 is gorgeous. My recommendation would be to leave it as a survivor. You have done an excellent job cleaning it up. I hope you can bring it to the WHCC show as I sure would like to see it. What is the serial number? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,164 #8 Posted November 30, 2014 Did you get the mowing deck? Didn't the deck have chrome wheels?? And maybe the mule drive was chrome? Mike........... I did get the mower deck, its in real nice condition. It does have the chrome mule drive and ONE chrome deck wheel. one must have been replaced..Like a FOOL I sold a mower deck to someone here on Redsquare with two CHROME mower deck wheels.. FOOL! I can't remember who the person was but I'll GLADLY buy them two new deck wheels should they see this thread... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,498 #9 Posted November 30, 2014 Ken. You allways do a superb job. No matter what route you choose it will be right for you. Keep us posted. Glenn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,141 #10 Posted November 30, 2014 Chrome cleaned up nicely Ken. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woodchuckfarmer 333 #11 Posted November 30, 2014 Good clean up on it ,looks almost new. Nice save. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaulC 342 #12 Posted November 30, 2014 Ken u have that thing looking a ton better in no time kudos man!! It's a really cool tractor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jake Kuhn 1,556 #13 Posted November 30, 2014 Looks great after the clean up ken! Nice work! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,164 #14 Posted November 30, 2014 Your 420 is gorgeous. My recommendation would be to leave it as a survivor. You have done an excellent job cleaning it up. I hope you can bring it to the WHCC show as I sure would like to see it. What is the serial number? The plaque on the hood only has the original owners name on it. The tag on the fender is hard too read from sun fade. It looks like the last three numbers on it are 022 but I can't be sure, Tomm I will look at it with a magnifying glass. My plans are to bring it to the BIG SHOW. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fireman 1,022 #15 Posted November 30, 2014 That looks sweet Ken! Put me first in line if you decide to sell or trade it!!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,364 #16 Posted December 1, 2014 Jeff calling "dibs".... If he should pass I want to be second.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,969 #17 Posted December 1, 2014 Yep, thats a good one to have Ken! The big leather seat looks really comfortable too. Enjoy this one, I know I would Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,164 #18 Posted December 1, 2014 Jeff calling "dibs".... If he should pass I want to be second.... I have yearned for a 420 for a long time, this is the tractor I keep along with a few others on the NFS list..In a roundabout way all of my recent Block Buster deals led up to this one... Who knew? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,694 #19 Posted December 1, 2014 looks good Ken you can take all the time you need to have some parts re-chromed there's no hurry Brian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,364 #20 Posted December 1, 2014 You have to have the chips to play poker.... You had the chips and were willing to go all in! You are the right guy for that pimp daddy ride. I can see you now at the big show with the hat on and a freshly lit cigar cruising through the vendor sections. Life is good for you pal. I am real happy you ended up with that one. I am pretty sure that one will not be up for sale anytime soon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KyBlue 655 #21 Posted December 1, 2014 Those are so nice .... looks like you have a outstanding tractor and It's in a great home ... with somebody who'll take care of it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fireman 1,022 #22 Posted December 1, 2014 I have yearned for a 420 for a long time, this is the tractor I keep along with a few others on the NFS list..In a roundabout way all of my recent Block Buster deals led up to this one... Who knew? I think I may of heard this before. Heck I even have said it, specially about my Senior. But we all know how that goes. Here today, gone tomorrow. I still want first crack at it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Irv 115 #23 Posted December 1, 2014 Glad you got the "one" you've been waiting for Ken. You only go around once, might as well enjoy. I almost got one a couple years ago. A guy was going to trade it in on a Deere where a friend of mine is the service manager, but changed his mind at the last minute. Good luck with your "early Christmas present" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyZ 176 #24 Posted December 1, 2014 Hey Bro leave it as a survivor. It'll be much easier on the wallet. I'm glad the 417 you traded me for provided a path to the 420 LSE. Now if I can only get that 417 back! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Terry M-(Moderator) 2,177 #25 Posted December 1, 2014 I agree with the others, Looks really nice just the way it is . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites