C-195 - restore or use as is?

[Matt Lemanski 20]

Hello all,

 

I recently acquired this C-195 for not a whole lot and am trying to decide what to do with it. It has sat in the elements for a couple years and that is evident but the looks of it, but I got it home, all 4 tires hold air, it runs and drives, and the hydraulic lift works. The kt-19 purrs and has great compression. It also has a deck that is complete but needs work.   I am aware these are relatively sought after and I was wondering  if I am best served Leaving it original so it’s all original if I sell it, or tear it down, rewrite, repaint, new decals, and do a real restoration. I will probably sell it regardless, I’m just trying to decide if fixing it up isn’t worth what it would go for, or if the bad shape means I have to fix it up to sell it for a reasonable price. I am located in central Mi. Thanks. 

[Ed Kennell 38,225]

12 minutes ago, Matt Lemanski said:

. I will probably sell it regardless

Tough to recoup your money on a restored tractor.    Impossible unless you work for free.

[Gregor 4,846]

6 hours ago, Ed Kennell said:

Tough to recoup your money on a restored tractor.    Impossible unless you work for free.

Ditto

[peter lena 8,634]

@MATT LEMANSKI , looks pretty rough , what would benefit you the most ? we all know what's involved to get one looking and operating well , think if you can recover your money , that might be the best , just my own opinion , hope it works out for you , pete  

[Zeek 2,286]

Depends on how handy you are. If you are good at that kind of thing and like doing it, then I'd fix it up. If you are not mechanically inclined and relatively good at painting and refinishing I'd sell it. You mentioned a lot of good things, but the things I see that make it more difficult is 1) it doesn't have a three-point hitch, and two 2) it has a lot of rust here and there, meaning you can't just polish that (or wet sand and clear).

 

I did a full restoration on three tractors and I mean down to every bolt and wire. All were in good condition to begin with, but it still takes A LOT of time and patience.

Edited August 18, 2021 by Zeek

[953 nut 55,316]

9 hours ago, Matt Lemanski said:

acquired this C-195 for not a whole lot and am trying to decide what to do with it

I think your best bet would be to post it for sale in our classified section and ask a bit more than you have in it. As others said, doing a restoration is unlikely to yield a profit.  https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/classifieds/for-sale/?do=form&d=2

[OutdoorEnvy 1,522]

That is a cool find.  I don't recall seeing one on here.  I would just thoroughly clean it, try to revive the paint and protect the metal with something oil based to rub it down good.  Make sure it runs solid and then sell it to someone who wants a C-195.  Not just someone looking to buy a tractor.  Posting it here or taking it to tractor shows might be your best bet to find that buyer where you could get more for it possibly.

[Handy Don 12,235]

55 minutes ago, OutdoorEnvy said:

That is a cool find.  I don't recall seeing one on here.  I would just thoroughly clean it, try to revive the paint and protect the metal with something oil based to rub it down good.  Make sure it runs solid and then sell it to someone who wants a C-195.  Not just someone looking to buy a tractor.  Posting it here or taking it to tractor shows might be your best bet to find that buyer where you could get more for it possibly.

[SPINJIM 1,981]

If you definitely going to sell it, I'd pressure wash everything, mask off the decals, sand some rust, prime and paint the rusty sheet metal, then advertise it.   You won't get much interest with its current appearance.   You'll never get your money's worth from a complete tear down and restoration, but you can approve the appearance some.  The fact that the engine and trans both run well is a plus.  I can't believe that the plastic fender is not all broken up;  I know that Rustoleum paint adheres to it.   Good luck,   Jim

[Gregor 4,846]

I would be very careful of that plastic fender. It's old and brittle. If you sneeze on it wrong it might break. With that fuel tank spout sticking up through the rear, I'm guessing it's not easily replaced with another C series metal fender.

[Jeff-C175 7,202]

7 minutes ago, Gregor said:

careful of that plastic fender.

 

I wonder if it's feasible to strengthen it by laying up fibreglas on the underside?  (of course only if you plan to keep it!)

[Matt Lemanski 20]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the input. When I saw it, I didn’t even know they made the model and I have worked on and owned several C series tractors in the past. And by me quick research it does seem quite collectible. I would certainly field offers for it as it is, but it was about to be scrapped and I didn’t want to let that happen so I brought it home and I’m just worried about having the time to work on it. I’m not necessarily looking for top dollar, I’d just like to make a few bucks to cover the gas of getting it and a little extra to put at other projects. Maybe a middle ground is best. Clean up And paint the hood and fenders, tidy the wiring, and include

a few extra attachments and make a package. If anyone is interested feel free to make an offer. Just trying to save a cool machine and I’d rather it go to someone who has the time to fix it up right. Thanks again for all the input. 

[WHX?? 48,828]

The down fall of any Super- C is the KT series one. Not the best engine Kohler ever made but still a beast of a GT. Even with running it on flat ground I have a suspicion these motors have a definite life span and not worth rebuilding. 

I would say a 195 is more desirable than collectible. I someday hope to repo mine with a Predator or even better a well tuned Onan 20. 

Good luck with yours Matt. 

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

I restored my 84’ a few years ago with 3 point and rear pto. That was the most difficult and time consuming restoration I have done. 

[520HC 208]

Yep I restored one years ago I agree with Stevebo. They are a lot of work to restore correctly.

[buckrancher 2,679]

better drop it off  at my house

[DoctorHfuhruhurr 137]

I like em dirty and dank the same as my tractors. 

[AMC RULES 37,130]

 I gravitate towards the clean ones that 

aren't complaining.

Just like my tractors.

 

Edited August 28, 2021 by AMC RULES