First Wheel Horse restoration

[RJ59 17]

Hi guys my name is Zac, I'm new to the forum and currently restoring my first Wheel Horse, I believe it is one of the late RJ models, (RJ-58 or 59) the serial tag is missing so I'm not sure (let me know what you think).

Before it was given to me it was my great grandfather's and he was the original owner and he died before he could restore it, my grandmother had someone els work on the tractor but they lost most of the parts one the engine and never finished the job, thankfully didn't touch the rest of the tractor and she gave it to me and I am restoring it for her.

The engine like I said was missing parts like the serial tag and flywheel guard and recoil and I can't tell what kind of engine it is, I know an original engine for a 58 or 59 is a Kohler K90 or

Clinton B-1290 or the 498 Clinton, but my engine look nothing like either engines, the crankcase is a different style, I looked at other engines that came on Wheel Horses and I think it looks like a Lauson/Tecumseh H55B or D, take a look at the photos and if you can verify the model it would be great, it's probably not original so I am looking for an original Kohler or Clinton engine and if you have any suggestions on where to get one please let me know, Thanks for looking!

 

 

[953 nut 55,230]

           Always like to hear of a  that has been passed down through the generations in a family. If you post a "Wanted: ad in the classified section on here you might be able to find a K-90 or B-1290. As for the engine you have I am not sure what it is, but it wasn't unusual for replacement engines to be placed in service to keep the horse running.            Glad to see you will be showing it a little love.    

[KC9KAS 4,741]

@Zac  to

Glad to hear a story of a tractor that has been handed down in the family!

I am not well versed on the early Wheel Horse tractors, so I am of no help!

Good luck (and send photos) of your restoration!

[Mike'sHorseBarn 2,998]

Probably a replacement engine. Always good to see a tractor stay in the family, it just makes it that much more special! Post a wanted ad as said before and someone here will be able to hook you up with a k90 or k91 (pretty much the same thing). Keep us updated on your progress!!

 

Mike

[Chris G 3,296]

Well ya definitely  got a nice rj there! Again its awesome to see it stay in the family. The motor pictured I'm not sure of exactly. But it almost looks like a tecumseh.  Regardless I would definitely place a add in the wanted section of the classifieds for everything you need. And don't be afraid to ask questions, we all do. 

Edited July 11, 2017 by Chris G

[12 hp Kohler 1,014]

That is a very nice little Rj you have there, seems to be complete other than the engine and also in good shape, the engine is defiantly a tecumseh but I am not sure of the model. Good luck with the resto and make sure to keep us posted with the progress. 

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,497]

Hey Zac ,                         

 

Best of luck.

 

Glenn

[Achto 27,577]

 Great project with a great back ground. If you need more info let us know.

[TDF5G 2,069]

That's a great looking  you have there.  That is an awesome story of the tractor staying in your family.  You should be able find everything you need to know right here on Red Square.  Good luck with your project and have fun with it!

 

[Tgtack 779]

Welcome and best of luck with the restore!

[RJ59 17]

Thanks for looking, I have been working on the tractor, I have gotten most of it torn down, got new tires and hope to have it sand blasted soon, 

I do have another question, I found a serial or model number on the transmission next to the gear shifter, if it is a serial number can it give me some sort of clue what model year the tractor is?

The numbers on the tag looks like D24-9, Thanks for looking again!

 

[Johndeereelfman 309]

Year of manufacture is April 24, 1959. Since the letter "D" is the fourth letter of the alphabet, this "D" represents the 4th month of the year (April). The "24" represents the day of that month, and the "9" means the year such as 1959. 

Edited July 15, 2017 by Johndeereelfman

[RJ59 17]

Thanks thats awesome.