[Robert Basselman]

New to the forum. Robert here. Came across a barn find. 1966 round fender with lights, tiller, original rubber, head gasket is leaking, belts are shot. It ran when it was put in the barn 25 years ago.
Metal is straight, no cracks in the hood. They are asking $950.00.
Serial # SNT 1031058704 M
I was wondering if that was a reasonable price.
Thanks.

 

[johndeereelfman]

Personally, the price is high. As a collector of round fenders, the tractor package isn't worth more than $550-$600. Appears to be in good shape. Don't know that I agree with them that the rubber is original. If the rears are original, they should be Good-year's. Doesn't hurt the pricing any, however still not worth the asking price. Location depends on pricing also, where do you call home?

 

[Robert Basselman]

Personally, the price is high. As a collector of round fenders, the tractor package isn't worth more than $550-$600. Appears to be in good shape. Don't know that I agree with them that the rubber is original. If the rears are original, they should be Good-year's. Doesn't hurt the pricing any, however still not worth the asking price. Location depends on pricing also, where do you call home?

Thanks Elfman.
I'm located in St. Joseph, Michigan. This would be my first collectable John Deere garden tractor. I have a Wheel Horse 520H original, 2006 JD GX 335, 1957 JD 420C restored, 1958 JD 420U restored and a 1955 JD 50 original. It would be nice to add this to the barn.
Also in your opinion, if I can make a deal, should I leave it original or do a full restoration?

 

[Kster526]

Think I’d leave it original and clean it up. Looks good.
But then it’s all preference on restoration or original work clothes. Welcome to the sight

 

[Robert Basselman]

Think I’d leave it original and clean it up. Looks good.
But then it’s all preference on restoration or original work clothes. Welcome to the sight

Thanks Kster,
Do you agree with Elfman that I should offer around $600.00.
Robert

 

[Kster526]

I’d be happy for that cost. With the tiller that sounds right. I wouldn’t go much higher. You can do research to see what stuff is going for. You could always use the line”That’s the running price”!!!
Good luck . Keep us posted.

 

[Robert Basselman]

I’d be happy for that cost. With the tiller that sounds right. I wouldn’t go much higher. You can do research to see what stuff is going for. You could always use the line”That’s the running price”!!!
Good luck . Keep us posted.

Will do, thanks.

 

[Robert Basselman]

Will do, thanks.

Elfman,
Thanks for your advice. I was able to get it for $600. I check the rear tires and they are Firestone, so you were correct on their originality. Based on your post showing how you were able to bring the shine back on a hood, I plan on keeping it original, and hopefully very shiny.
Thanks again!
Robert

 

[Kster526]

You know we want pictures.
Congrats on the new edition to the family.

 

[Robert Basselman]

Thanks Kster626,
I plan on airing up the tires and pulling it out of the small barn into the seller's work shop. There I'll replace the head gasket, change the oils and install a new battery. I'm assuming I'll need to replace all of the drive belts, but we'll wait and see.
My wife isn't too crazy about the purchase. She does doesn't have the fever. I've wanted this tractor since 1966. Even had a picture of it on my bedroom wall. My parents couldn't afford the John Deere so we purchased a 6hp Sears Custom. So I've only waited 52 years, not too bad, I guess.
I will send pictures in the next couple of weeks.
Thanks again for your knowledge, Elfman also, thanks.

 

[Kster526]

Yes agreed my wife just doesn’t understand why I need “tractors” when I only use one for the yard work.
Funny she hated going somewhere every weekend in the Streetrod when I had it too but now misses that.

 

[Chaser]

Sell ya a 79 Chevy Malibu Kyle.
Ueah, my wife doesn't get the "collecting" thing either.

 

[Kster526]

So it looks like you’ve decided to go all green. It happens. Tractors are more fun

Come up with a number on the cart?

 

[Chaser]

Not yet. Don't really want to sell it, but not sure when I am going to get the time to finish it.
Girls won't let me sell the hot rod.

 

[johndeereelfman]

Thanks Elfman.
Also in your opinion, if I can make a deal, should I leave it original or do a full restoration?

I think I'd keep it original. It looks to be in good shape, so as long as it runs, I would just wash and polish it up.

 

[johndeereelfman]

Elfman,
Thanks for your advice. I was able to get it for $600. I check the rear tires and they are Firestone, so you were correct on their originality. Based on your post showing how you were able to bring the shine back on a hood, I plan on keeping it original, and hopefully very shiny.
Thanks again!
Robert

Very cool, Congratulations! They are fun to have but beware. They are very addicting. Once you get one, they seem to reproduce quickly!!

 

[Robert Basselman]

Yes, I know what you mean. I just bulit a 36×48 pole barn and it's starting to get crowded.

 

[Kster526]

Nice variety, jealous of the storage space!!

 

[Robert Basselman]

The only problem is it's 300 miles from my home. I'm lucky to get up there 10 times a year.
Didn't know if you noticed the CAST tractor. It's Italian made. About 500 were imported to the U.S. in the 70's. 2 cylinder diesel, air cooled about 28 hp.
It was made for the hills of Italy. The really cool thing is you can run it both directions. You just rotate the seat around the steering wheel. There are 2 clutchs and brakes. Crab stear, all wheel drive with differential lock. Independent suspension, pto and 3pt. I was able to buy it from the same collector that I got the 110. Also bought the two 420s from him. The 50 was purchased new in 1955 by my grandfather. Still in the family.

 

[Chaser]

That's pretty cool. Very unique