finding Grandads old 70

MSS3020 · Sep 23, 2011

Ive read on here a few places that have found tractors that relatives once had.. So...how do I do that. Grandad had a 70 sold it at auction about 23 years ago in Great Bend Kansas when he passed. Sold for 300.00.. I KNOW I KNOW If only I wasn't chasin skirts and cars back then.. ANY how.. I have no serial number or anything..So how likely is it to find the sucker..

NY 986 · Sep 23, 2011

Do any records of ownership or maintenance exist within the family? Who is the family member likely to have those records? Do you know the auction company that handled the sale of the tractor?
I would check with any auction company within 100 miles of where it was sold. See if their records go that far back and if they are willing to indulge you to find information. Most probably will not want to be bothered but the worst they can tell you is no.
Check with dealers in the area. Some sales people have long memories and with that an ability to tell a story. You may luck out and find such a salesperson has crossed paths with that tractor.
I'm not going to kid you and tell you it is going to be easy. In all honesty you have a better chance of getting struck by lightning but you have nothing to lose by putting forth inquiries. But there is always just that small chance of finding it and the sense of reward and pride when it rolls into your yard regardless of condition. Good luck.

RegulaRog · Sep 23, 2011

It was just by chance that dad found his old ZA. 29 yrs after he sold it, we found it about 40 miles from home already restored. The only way he knew it was his was that it had a gouge in the radiator that he"d had fixed way back when.

Deere Scotty · Sep 23, 2011

Without the the Serial # odds are a lot longer. Lets examine the $300 for a moment. How good of shape was it in? Could it have sold to a junk, or scrap dealer? I have never seen one sell for less than $600. & if memory serves it didnt run! That would have been 1990 by the way. The auction company might still have the records.

Did He buy it new? If so; John Deere still has the records at moline!

Paul Shuler · Sep 23, 2011

I have a friend that found his dads old Moline after many years cause he recongnized a step his dad had welded on it when he was a kid. He is in his 60s now and has his dads tractor.

massey333 · Sep 23, 2011

Not going to disagree with anything you said 986,but we had a tractor bought new and later sold at an estate sale to the present owner 5 mile away in 1978 and haven't been able to find out the serial number yet.When the dealer closed all records were discarded,only one person knows or knew the number and they are gone now because all identification had been changed before it was delivered.This may sound stupid to everybody,but in the 50s-60s a lot of sleeper tractors were made after the fact.Most were done so well dealers and MFG.reps could not tell by looking at them. A little off the 70 post but it took me 30+ yrs.to find my FILs JD and we are still not 100% sure because of no serial number record,even on the bill of sale.

Paul Searl · Sep 23, 2011

I know the feeling, all you can really do is ask around and followup leads. Go to local shows and ask around and you might find someone who knows something.

We are looking for one of the familes old tractors, a Rock Island G2 that was sold in the 1970's to someone in the lower end of the county. It had cutoff fenders and dad recalls it was on rubber by then. Be really neat to have that tractor back so we'll keep looking.

Good luck.

massey333 · Sep 23, 2011

You are right on JDs records,however some of those were falisfied by the dealers.Deere shipped model X to the dealer,but the dealer never sold that model X but sold a model Y instead because the cust. wanted the bill of sale to show that model.You and others may think I'am lying or stupid but a LOT and I mean a LOT of similar sized tractors(all makes) were rebranded back in the 50s-60s and to some extent even today.

Michael Soldan · Sep 23, 2011

Check with the auctioneer if he is still around,he will have records of the sale,likely stored away.
Ask old neighbours who may have been at the sale.
Do any family members remember the tractor leaving..who trucked it,who drove it off.
Check dealers to see if anyone remembers a 70,sells parts for a 70
PLACE AN AD in local papers explaining what you are looing for and why.
Keep asking around,at auctions etc
Good luck,hope you find it!

NY 986 · Sep 23, 2011

In discussing JD Seller's post earlier today I indicated I was searching for my maternal grandfather's 3010. Dad said he never recalled seeing a serial number relative to the bill of sale and that is why I think I am am sunk in terms of really finding it. If it was sold in the area I am very sure dad could have come up with a name so I think it most likely left the area. If nobody knew in the 1970's then I doubt anything will change now but who knows. I can't speak to your point on identification.

just another old geezer · Sep 23, 2011

john deere 70 or Oliver 70??? Any identifying marks, aftermarket add ons or particular welded spots???

lblock · Sep 23, 2011

Place an add is a great Idea . Lookin for our old H still. Good luck

Wayta · Sep 23, 2011

Soldan, you gave a very thorough and succinct list of things to do!

finding Grandads old 70

MSS3020

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NY 986

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RegulaRog

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Deere Scotty

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Paul Shuler

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massey333

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Paul Searl

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massey333

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Michael Soldan

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NY 986

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just another old geezer

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lblock

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Wayta

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