wheel horse with no name

[Tjf 18]

MY BOY HAS DECIDED TO BRING THIS HORSE BACK TO LIFE FOR A 4H PROJECT. WE FOUND IT IN A BARN WITH NO PRIOR HISTORY OR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT IT. CAN ANYONE HELP ME WITH YEAR, MODEL,  ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT? I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE TO START. WAS THERE A SPECIFIC COLOR FOR BODY AND WHEELS? WE WOULD LIKE TO PUT IT BACK TO ORIGIONAL IF WE CAN. ANY HELP AT ALL WOULD BE GREATLY APRECIATED!!

[953 nut 56,379]

         From the picture I can tel you it is a 1961 Suburban. Not sure of the model (401 or 551) would need the see the transmission to know.   

[Wishin4a416 2,191]

Welcome to RS. Nice machine!!

[Racinbob 11,378]

Welcome to Red square. I agree with Richard. There's been some modifications. You came to the right place for help. Best of luck with your project. Make sure you post lots of pics as you go. 

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,498]

welcome to red square. what a great project your son wants to do. i will be following along. by nights end you will know plenty on it. good luck.

glenn

[KC9KAS 4,741]

@Tjf 

Nice 4-H project!
A couple of years ago, someone brought a Wheel Horse to our 4-H County Fair as a project. I didn't realize there were garden tractor restoration projects in 4-H.

Keep us posted with pictures!

[evanloock 221]

It's a 1961 551 as evident by the throttle/choke controls type/location and the angle iron hood stand.

[Digger 66 3,488]

I thought you were going to be enlisting the help of the members to "name" this pony .

Nice tractor !

[953 nut 56,379]

Here are the manual and other information you may find helpful.

http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/file/1074-tractor-1961-401-551-701-da-om-ipl-wiring-snpdf/

[Tjf 18]

I want to thank everyone of you for helping me! I've learned more in the last hour than the last 6 months of owning!  Couple more question: what's not factory on it? I had to replace the starter, cables, and key switch so I know those. What colors are factory? I've seen white tires and cream. Would it be bad to change frame color to black? Red frame and nice "car finish" red paint with clear coat? Any idea on value of tractor? Where should the key switch go? What goes in the hole that is in the "dash"? I know some of these questions might be like asking what company made a better pickup but I value your opinions. Where there any "demo" models that came out in different colors?
again THANK you all!

Edited October 27, 2015 by Tjf

[RedRanger 1,468]

Definitely a 1961 suburban.
Agree it's a 551 if electric start and it does look to have a battery, so it probably is.
Current value-depends on location and buyer and condition...$300-$400 as is?

Is the engine original?
Missing correct exhaust and heat shield, hood has minor mods to it, foot pads are incorrect.  All minor changes.
Looks to have original tires.
Post up some better pictures of all sides.  

Nice tractor.

It's your ride, do it up how you like.
Nothing wrong with changing colors.

Would have had off-white rims and seat with red everything else from the factory.
IH/Case red and antique white work well if your spraying with a gun.  
If you're using rattle cans, a lot of people like regal red from rustoleum.

It's future is in your hands.  

Edited October 27, 2015 by RedRanger

[Tjf 18]

Yes engine is factory lauson. Do you have any idea on where to purchase heat shield? I would like him to have that so he doesn't burn his leg

[DennisThornton 4,769]

I was going to comment, offer my 2 cents, but, gosh!  You got all the high powered help you need already!  This sure ain't Walmart!  Lord, can't get this kind of service anywhere!  Including where I work!

I'm going to set back and pay close attention....

[RedRanger 1,468]

Yes engine is factory lauson. Do you have any idea on where to purchase heat shield? I would like him to have that so he doesn't burn his leg

Originals are hard to find, but repops can be had on Ebay for under $50.  Average person would never know the difference.
First thing I'd do is change the exhaust.  Agree.

[953 nut 56,379]

If you do a search under "Suburban" or "551" on this site you will find lots of listings and pictures of restorations. The ignition switch would have been located in an insert in the big hole in the dash near the steering wheel. I wish I had a project like that when I was in 4H!

[953 nut 56,379]

If you do a search under "Suburban" or "551" on this site you will find lots of listings and pictures of restorations. The ignition switch would have been located in an insert in the big hole in the dash near the steering wheel. I wish I had a project like that when I was in 4H!

[Racinbob 11,378]

While I love these little tractors being original keep in mind we aren't dealing with a numbers matching 1970 Hemi Cuda vs a slant 6 cloned to a Hemi. Besides, if you ask things like what was the original (whatever part) to 10 people you'll likely get 12 answers. Some parts have numbers cast into them so they can be verified from the parts list. Like others have said, the exhaust needs to be worked, the hood has some extra holes and the key put back where it belongs. The footrests are very functional but nothing like the originals. It looks like they are held in place like originals so it will be an easy fix. Decals are available from a vendor here, redoyourhorse.com. Don't forget the mechanical stuff. I'd drain the transmission and it it needs it, flush it out. Make sure the seals are good. Service the engine. A reproduction belt guard and exhaust shield will be perfectly fine. Most importantly, just have fun.

[Pullstart 63,291]

So because these fellas all know way more than me about suburbans and I want to say welcome, I have to ask...  Was your son hollering at you, or did he get a bug in the eye?

[stevasaurus 22,956]

Looks like you have a lot of room to run it.  I'll bet you pick up another horse just so the two of you can ride together.  Welcome to Red Square 
The Motto here is the same as with Jays potato chips...you just can't have one. 

[Tjf 18]

So because these fellas all know way more than me about suburbans and I want to say welcome, I have to ask...  Was your son hollering at you, or did he get a bug in the eye?

no bugs. this was his first time riding it. he was yelling at me to take a picture and send it to the guy we got it from. hes very excited about it

[Pullstart 63,291]

It's good to see his excitement!  Enjoy, I love riding around with my girls, they have a hydrostat transmission simplicity to play with.

[AMC RULES 37,143]

Talk about retro?       Like a time warp...     
looks like that pict is straight outta the 1950's  ad campaign. 






  Edited October 28, 2015 by AMC RULES

[SylvanLakeWH 26,308]

Great find and a great project!

You won't find better advice than here - these guys know everything!!!