Forsaken

[D_Mac 8,618]

So couple years ago I purchased 2 Wheel Horses from a guy. He had them " stored " outside in the woods. I couldn't stand to see them just rot away. We dragged them out and loaded them on a trailer and I brought them home. One was a 500 Special the other was an 856. The 856 was really in bad shape. I decided it would be yard art and I would work on the 500 Special. Didn't take much to bring it back. Came out nice and I sold it along with a Lawn Ranger I had to a collector. So for a year I sat and looked at the 856 parked in my yard. Finally I said why not let's see if it could be saved. Well here it is. Just drove it up and down my street for 45 minutes. Runs terrific. I am so surprised that it runs and drives as smooth as it does. Sat 20 plus years outside. Wheels half way buried in the dirt. Weeds and trees growing through it. Truly " "FORSAKEN". Well now it's finished. Left it rough but with a little rat rod flare. I might change the tires and wheels but that's all that's left to do. Is it perfect ?? No. Does it have a good story ? Yes.

Edited July 12, 2022 by D_Mac

[The Freightliner Guy 1,327]

Yo those things are cool love the flames on it you should leave the paint and flames as it is

[D_Mac 8,618]

I added the flames and pinstripes. Thank you.

[The Freightliner Guy 1,327]

I think it’s super cool but I’d never do that to my rj though 

[Pullstart 62,852]

Looks great Don!  Glad it’s a runner again!

[The Freightliner Guy 1,327]

Adding those flames added at least 5hp to that thing 😂 

[D_Mac 8,618]

[The Freightliner Guy 1,327]

Are those from like a Plymouth firebird or something 

[sjoemie himself 3,068]

8 hours ago, D_Mac said:

Sat 20 plus years outside

I'm amazed something metal surviving that long outside. If something was left outside for that long overhere there would be nothing left but iron ore or powder, no chance.

 

You did a great job of fixing it up and getting it running again.

[D_Mac 8,618]

The 856's tires and wheels were buried half way in the dirt. So when we pulled it out the rims were designated. I replaced them with what you see in the pictures. The 500 Special were able to be saved. Fresh paint and new tires on it. I have a set for the 856 I most likely will put on.

[Retired Wrencher 5,454]

1 hour ago, sjoemie himself said:

I'm amazed something metal surviving that long outside. If something was left outside for that long overhere there would be nothing left but iron ore or powder, no chance.

 

You did a great job of fixing it up and getting it running again.

I`m amazed something metal surviving that long outside:    Because that is how this country did things back in the day. Value.  Not $$ today

[Retired Wrencher 5,454]

D-Mac you did great job brining that old tractor back to life.  

[sjoemie himself 3,068]

@Retierd Wrencher I was referring to climate but yes, quality certainly has something to do with it.

Then again, lots of people don't want to spend the cash needed to buy quality these days.

Whole other discussion I guess 

[953 nut 55,223]

10 hours ago, The Freightliner Guy said:

Plymouth firebird

Pontiac mad the Firebird and the rims were like this one. 

[ri702bill 8,319]

10 hours ago, The Freightliner Guy said:

Are those from like a Plymouth firebird or something 

Those "Turbine" wheels and those big meats look like they came from a 1970's hippie van....

Edited July 13, 2022 by ri702bill

[D_Mac 8,618]

2 hours ago, ri702bill said:

Those "Turbine" wheels and those big meats look like they came from a 1970's hippie van....

They are huge. 50's I believe

[The Freightliner Guy 1,327]

How heavy is one of those tires 

[The Freightliner Guy 1,327]

You say it was sitting for twenty years but how does it still have red my rj has only been outside for 14 years and it’s mainly orange now with specks of red

[The Freightliner Guy 1,327]

[The Freightliner Guy 1,327]

There’s some red still there but not much mainly orange now I guess it’s trying to look like a allis chalmers

 

[D_Mac 8,618]

Clean it well and rub it down with some boiled linseed oil. It will come back. The 500 Special only the wheels were painted. The rest just got a good cleaning and a rub down with boiled linseed and polished.

[The Freightliner Guy 1,327]

Oh ok thanks but I think it makes it unique I think I’ll keep it how it is but I was just wondering how it didn’t fade to orange 

[The Freightliner Guy 1,327]

Here’s grandpa Reese on my rj in Kansas 

[The Freightliner Guy 1,327]

I had my grandma send me the pics 

[Retired Wrencher 5,454]

23 hours ago, sjoemie himself said:

@Retierd Wrencher I was referring to climate but yes, quality certainly has something to do with it.

Then again, lots of people don't want to spend the cash needed to buy quality these days.

Whole other discussion I guess 

A definite yes on that.