Is it still Dad's first tractor

37chief · Jan 6, 2017

In the 40's sometime, probably after the war. Dad bought his first Allis Chalmers Model M crawler, a orchard model. About all that is left is the transmission, and final drive. I have enough parts to put it together again, with all different parts. So if I get together will still be Dad's first tractor? Stan

Philip d · Jan 6, 2017

If it makes you think of your Dad than it is in my books.

David G · Jan 6, 2017

Yes, I would say it is

centash · Jan 6, 2017

Put it together and use it. One trip and I think you will have your answer......as a lot of good memories come flooding back. Ben

Mike M · Jan 6, 2017

Where did allis put their serial numbers ? and do you have that part ?
But like the others say it won't matter as once it is back up and running any memories will come back. Not like you can find something like that everyday either.
I have to ask what happened to it that most all of it disappeared ? and how did you come by all the parts it needs ? That seems like it might be a very interesting tale of it's own. Might make even better memories ? or bring back nightmares ?

steve706 · Jan 6, 2017

When rebuilding warbirds as little as 5% of the original aircraft can be used as a base for an original rebuild. The rebuilt model will carry on the lineage as long as the missing parts are not found and built up as another plane. There is even a p-51 flying today that was just a data plate and a tail fin 10 years ago. You have part of the original heart of the crawler so to me it would be just replacing missing parts to get it back to being your dads.

rrlund · Jan 6, 2017

I've had that thought myself. I know where the rear end,transmission and frame from Dad's first Oliver 66 is. When I was restoring the one that he bought later,then decided he didn't want to restore,I thought about going and buying the remains of the first one and swapping all the parts over,but I decided it was a whole lot of work just to get a serial number for something that probably wouldn't mean anything to anybody but me.

ADB-Ia · Jan 6, 2017

I've had a few parts replaced and I'm still me. I don't know at what point I would stop being me. Dogone it, now I'm starting to have an identity crisis.

jeffcat · Jan 6, 2017

Most have said what I would think. Serial plate or one original nut and bolt would do it. I do like the story about the Mustang. The money those guys spend is insanity. The P-38 from The Goast Squadron. Rebuiling it almost put three companys out of busines. Now steam locomotives when they have needed to replace boilers and the Correct Original Police jump all over them. If you are happy then so be it. Make sure you give us a story up date.

37chief · Jan 6, 2017

Good answers thanks. The transmission top has the serial number, and the final drive has the date it was made. Most of the original parts Dad removed for his other tractors, he used for farming. This tractor is a narrow gage with fenders, not real desirable. I don't know why he bought it. I have the fenders also from another tractor. The fenders are hard to come by. I have a lot of parts, and six or so parts tractors, and one good running tractor I use in my disking business. My spare tractor's engine is being repaired from water damage. Stan

4wdtom · Jan 6, 2017

Go for it! You are also saving another "old iron".

blue water massey · Jan 6, 2017

Sounds like the story of the old logger when he was asked about his axe
his reply was
I bought this axe 40 yrs ago when I started logging
Has been with me since day one
I've replaced the handle 15 times and the head twice
it's been a great axe all these yrs

JD Seller · Jan 6, 2017

Since you have the serial number location and the date of manufacture I would say it would clearly still be the tractor you Dad bought.,

C. Amick · Jan 6, 2017

I have my dad's first tractor. It's a 1949 Farmall Cub that he bought in 1950.

RandyB(MI) · Jan 6, 2017

To me it would need seat / control levers / sheet metal or combination of any to be "dad's " tractor. (or steering wheel on wheeled tractor)

Old Bob · Jan 6, 2017

It don't matter what any of us think, if you feel in your heart it is your Dad's tractor, then it is your Dad's tractor.

Have fun and enjoy the challenge of resurrecting this heirloom.

47fivewindow · Jan 6, 2017

I saw a show on TV where someone found a body from a Charger that once had a hemi 426. they replaced the floors, roof, drive line,and everything else except the section of the dash with the coveted X code. They sold it as a restored car.

showcrop · Jan 6, 2017

They say that the USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides" has an original piece of wood way down in the keel. It is undergoing a major refit right now, but they still keep it open and just certain parts are off limits to visitors.

TomA in CA · Jan 7, 2017

Just keep it as is and treasure and maintain the ones that run. I have never seen an orchard M. They may be rare but I would not want to use one. Think of it as a monument to your dad and go visit it once in a while. Don't scrap any of your M parts, they were one of the best tractors ever made.

Dave Westlund · Jan 7, 2017

To me is sure would be Dad's.

Mike M · Jan 7, 2017

Well many an expensive muscle car are built starting with a vin plate and title so I say you have the original parts to rebuild it as original to your family.

wisbaker · Jan 8, 2017

I would go with the idea that it's not as dad used it, it's not the same seat he sat on, not the same levers he pulled. But you know what it's an awful lot like dad's tractor and when you use it you're facing the same challenges and limitations he did, by using it you're bringing your self closer to understanding what he did to feed and raise his family and that is not a bad thing. Say your dad's first tractor was an early unstyled JD B, hand start no electrics and minimal everything else, spend a day working one of those and you'll appreciate the path he walked even if it wasn't his original tractor.

Is it still Dad's first tractor

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Similar threads