"Manic-Mechanic" 1,194 #1 Posted February 21, 2019 (edited) Hello, I found a Sears David Bradley missing a hood and pretty rusted up. The hood I have on hand, however, I am leary about buying the tractor. There are a couple of implements, disc, blade, but those don't interest me too much. The tractor looks to be in fair shape but I haven't gone to see it yet. Can anyone give me a price on such a piece in the condition it's in? I know it's hard to guess, but I would enjoy the restoration on this one. The seller expects me to just meet half way and buy it, just like that? Well, I don't think that is too smart, especially if the rear end is all locked up or something. I believe the seller will be putting the tractor on blocks to see if the rear is freed up, or the clutch anyhow. Problem is the distance, it's at least 4 hours one way........Asking.500? Oldman Edited February 21, 2019 by oldman text 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,177 #2 Posted February 21, 2019 (edited) Looks like a cool project, but $500 seem too high for a Questionable roller. Having said that, I have no experience with the value or rarity of the DBs. I do like that manual 3 point. https://gardentractortalk.com/forums/topic/35379-help-w-1959-david-bradley-suburban/ You may find some help here. Edited February 21, 2019 by Ed Kennell 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #3 Posted February 21, 2019 if you want to pm me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,169 #4 Posted February 21, 2019 Way too many unknowns at $500 -- -- My thinking is even running/driving thats just barely in the ball park. I had one of these and it was a worker, that little blade set-up on the back was better than a hyd 3pt in a lot of ways. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,883 #5 Posted February 22, 2019 I won a DB two wheeled tractor at the local auction for about 1/10 that price... but that’s comparing apples to oranges kind of. But we both knew the same amount about them 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #6 Posted February 22, 2019 17 minutes ago, pullstart said: I won a DB two wheeled tractor at the local auction for about 1/10 that price... but that’s comparing apples to oranges kind of. But we both knew the same amount about them I redid a 2 wheeled one they are neat and look cool, they really have little to no value out by me mine I picked up for free, I had attachments that I didn't want, I hard time giving them away some I just stuck in the woods for future generations to find 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #7 Posted February 22, 2019 mine was in similar condition but no where near that price. I doubt the trans is locked up unless the chain broke. I am sure the clutch is seized up. Mine took 3 months of pb blaster to free up i guess let's break it down this way guessing on the prices but I think they would be close manual 3 pt. 100 to 150 wheel weights. 100 ag 6-12s if good. 50 2 part front rims. 100 maybe more belt guard. 75 to 100 clutch parts. 50 to 100? implements 50 a piece briggs engine 50 in parts engine pulley 50 seat 25 spindles/front end. 50 trans axle and rear hubs 75 to 100 still have some other odds and ends +/- 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #8 Posted February 22, 2019 now let's look at the other way, again I am guessing. purchase price. x$$! missing hood. ?$?$?$? correct engine 75 to 125 correct air filter offset who knows? misc engine parts. 50 to 100 4 tires tubes. 250 prep metal for paint 200 to 500 paint/primer 100 sticker kit. 50 clutch parts if able to find. 100 cables 40 the unknown issues. ???? labor. lots of hours! it's an involved project, most of the tractor is roll pined together. I would say it's not a first timer project and it's not getting done in a weekend. I think it's very restorable since you have the hood already which would be your biggest hurdle. finding a 143302 or 402 engine shouldn't be horrible. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
"Manic-Mechanic" 1,194 #9 Posted February 22, 2019 It'll have to be another labor of love. I don't usually resell, and if I do, usually get taken! Thanks for the comments, didn't expect too much fuss over a non-Wheel Horse. The tag on this makes it a 1961,this model had no turn brakes like the other's. Last year of Gold & Blue. I'd prefer the 62, it is blue on blue. They are getting extremely rare too. Oldman which is blue Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,883 #10 Posted February 22, 2019 Let us know how it all works out... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
"Manic-Mechanic" 1,194 #11 Posted February 22, 2019 I will. Not for nothing, I told the seller, he could deliver it for that price. (3hrs away). Never know until ya ask........ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
"Manic-Mechanic" 1,194 #12 Posted February 23, 2019 Well, It's a go! The seller thought it over after my reminding him of the condition and value of the remains. Once again, another rust bucket to blast and return from the past! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #13 Posted February 23, 2019 6 hours ago, oldman said: Well, It's a go! The seller thought it over after my reminding him of the condition and value of the remains. Once again, another rust bucket to blast and return from the past! if you need any help along the way feel free to contact me 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
"Manic-Mechanic" 1,194 #14 Posted February 23, 2019 2 hours ago, jabelman said: if you need any help along the way feel free to contact me I really appreciate that. I have never been behind the wheel and the shifting, etc is all new to me. I know the wheels turn in opposite directions while the tractor is off the ground? Stuck or frozen clutch maybe? Not in proper neutral? Regards, Oldman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites