Help Identifying

[Rjmjr69 14]

I recently purchased this cool little machine which is sorely not complete however I would love to bring her back to it's former glory. Problem from the start is I am unsure what model etc I actually have. I can only find one badge/stamp under the seat on the right side which is labeled L12-8. It has clearly been repainted and missing a good deal of components I will be researching and doing as much reading as possible. 

 Can anyone point me in the right direction in procurement of parts such as the proper engine and a belly mower etc etc. Attached are pictures of the tractor. 

 

Thank you all and thank you for hosting such an informative site. 

 

Robert

Edited September 17, 2021 by Rjmjr69

[AMC RULES 37,130]

'58 Ride-Away Jr.

[8ntruck 7,016]

to the forum.  You have found a good place for information.  Lots of good folks here willing to help and advise.

 

Looks like one of the late 50's or early 60's RJ models.  I am not an expert on these, but somebody who is will be along soon.

 

Have fun with it.

[kasey54 305]

Nice little tractor.Probably had a K-91 Kohler power plant in it with that long exhaust pipe and heat shield originally.

[Achto 27,601]

 

Very sweet find for your first , or your 2nd or 3rd or 4th......

 

What you have is either a 1958 or 1959 RJ 58. Originally it would have had a 4hp Kohler K91 (most common) or possibly a Clinton 4hp.

[Pullstart 62,906]

 

Thanks in advance for painting the yellow stuff red, black or white!  

[Achto 27,601]

Here is a picture of one done up properly.

[Daddy Don 905]

[kpinnc 12,088]

49 minutes ago, Achto said:

Here is a picture of one done up properly.

 

One thing to note- rear fenders were not standard in 58 and 59. They were an option. So if you don't have them, it doesn't mean the tractor is not complete.

[SylvanLakeWH 25,600]

[rjg854 11,384]

  nice tractor 

[953 nut 55,310]

The RJ-58 was the first four wheel  garden tractor to use a geared transmission. Yours looks great (with the exception of the yellow ) but that can be cured. Many people use engines other than the K-91 it was born with and that is fine. This is your tractor and as long as you are enjoying it that is the main thing. 

[J854D 137]

The L12-8 is the casting date code for the transmission case. It means that the trans case was cast on Nov. 12, 1958 which would lime up with it being a RJ58/59. That’s not to say the tranny could not have been swapped out sometime, but it appears to be from that time period. -JD-

13 hours ago, Rjmjr69 said:

I recently purchased this cool little machine which is sorely not complete however I would love to bring her back to it's former glory. Problem from the start is I am unsure what model etc I actually have. I can only find one badge/stamp under the seat on the right side which is labeled L12-8. It has clearly been repainted and missing a good deal of components I will be researching and doing as much reading as possible. 

 Can anyone point me in the right direction in procurement of parts such as the proper engine and a belly mower etc etc. Attached are pictures of the tractor. 

 

Thank you all and thank you for hosting such an informative site. 

 

Robert

 

[Rjmjr69 14]

Wow! I am just amazed at all the awesome informative responses and so damn quick!! I'm a member of many forum and I have to say the welcome I've received here and the level of knowledge is top notch. 

 Thank you all so much for the help 

 

 Now where do I find parts? 😁 Not sure about a 58 engine but if one can not be found what is the next best thing? 4hp seems to little for me any upgrade? 

I'm so excited about this tractor it's sort of funny  

 

And I promise there will be no YELLOW on it 🤣😉

[Rjmjr69 14]

14 hours ago, pullstart said:

 

Thanks in advance for painting the yellow stuff red, black or white!  

 

I promise that JD yellow is gone asap!! 

After my short research efforts I can see that's a no no😂

[Achto 27,601]

2 hours ago, Rjmjr69 said:

4hp seems to little for me any upgrade?

 

Some have put bigger engines in these lil "nut roaster's". One thing to be conscious of is that they are very front end light. My 400 Suburban (real similar to your tractor only a 1960) has a revved up 6.5 Predator engine in it. I installed wheelie bars after the first time the gas cap touched my nose.  

Edited September 17, 2021 by Achto

[Rjmjr69 14]

1 minute ago, Achto said:

 

Some have put bigger engines in these lil "nut roaster's". One thing to be couscous of is that they are very front end light. My 400 Suburban (real similar to your tractor only a 1960) has a revved up 6.5 Predator engine in it. I installed wheelie bars after the first time the gas cap touched my nose.  

That's exactly what I prefer!! 😂😂

Those predator engines are the ones they sell at Harbor Freight tools? I'll be purchasing one this weekend. Any tips on a good install? 

 

What implements are available for this unit? 

I feel like a kid in a candy store. It's so joyful to see my son excited about something we can both enjoy doing. 

[stevasaurus 22,764]

When looking for parts, first post in our "Wanted, Classifieds".  Then check our vendor's list on the main page.  A-Z Tractors may have what you need.  Welcome to Red Square.  You may also want to do a Search in the "Restoration's" Section for RJ-58 or RJ-59...lots of material there.    Here is a chart for what fits on what horse...

 

 

[Achto 27,601]

14 minutes ago, Rjmjr69 said:

Those predator engines are the ones they sell at Harbor Freight tools? I'll be purchasing one this weekend. Any tips on a good install? 

 

I removed the gas tank from the engine and used the one supplied with the tractor. Removed the air cleaner and replaced it with a smaller set up. Also removed the muffler and made my own pipe. All of this was done to avoid cutting any sheet metal on the tractor. The bolt pattern to mount the predator to the frame should be a direct fit. Other alteration may be the belt guard, the belt guard will be needed in to stop the belt while the clutch is pushed in.

 

A pic of my Suburban 400 "Rat Rod" with a Predator engine.

 

 

Edited September 17, 2021 by Achto

[Rjmjr69 14]

22 minutes ago, Achto said:

 

I removed the gas tank from the engine and used the one supplied with the tractor. Removed the air cleaner and replaced it with a smaller set up. Also removed the muffler and made my own pipe. All of this was done to avoid cutting any sheet metal on the tractor. The bolt pattern to mount the predator to the frame should be a direct fit. Other alteration may be the belt guard, the belt guard will be needed in to stop the belt while the clutch is pushed in.

 

A pic of my Suburban 400 "Rat Rod" with a Predator engine.

 

That is pretty! I love the patena "not spelled right I'm sure lol" 

Just ordered the engine there was non in stock locally. 

Now off to find a shield and other various parts. 

What are the proper factory colors for this year? Any paint codes available? 

 

 

 

[Achto 27,601]

8 minutes ago, Rjmjr69 said:

What are the proper factory colors for this year? Any paint codes available? 

 

Rustoleum "Regal Red" and "Linen White" seem to be popular.

 

Case IH Red and Off White are also a popular colors.

 

Color here is a little more like throwing hand grenade's, as long as it's close it's good. 

 

 

Edited September 17, 2021 by Achto

[WHX?? 48,828]

Sounds like the fellas have you covered so I'll just 

You did good tho a RJ is a rare find in your area. 

The one with the hubcaps is a '59. 

[AMC RULES 37,130]

To my knowledge they're all '58's.

No factory original '59 serial/ID tag has ever surfaced here on RedSquare.

[Lane Ranger 10,968]

You have to love ❤️ the RJ and she will

love you back!  I have been riding one since 1961!

 

 

[Retired Wrencher 5,465]

On 9/17/2021 at 12:04 PM, Rjmjr69 said:

 

I promise that JD yellow is gone asap!! 

After my short research efforts I can see that's a no no😂

JD makes good tractor on the upper scale. But! The colors does not fit on a wheel horse.