[AJD] 39 Styled "B" in a Box

[E. Thatcher]

It looks like I'm going to be calling on everyone a lot for advice pretty 
soon. I'm picking up a complete early 39 styled B in the next couple of 
weeks. My brother-in-law obtained the tractor a few years ago just for 
hauling it away. He tore it down to the engine case and transmission/rear 
end assembley but lost interest. He offered it to me so what could I say. 
The tractor suffered more from neglect than use it seems. The transmission 
and lower engine (crank, cam) and governor unit appear to be OK and in good 
shape. The cylinder bores are not the best though, thoroughly and too deeply 
pitted for rebore and the tin is rusted through in several places although 
it is straight. I don't know about the radiator or the cylinder head for 
that matter. Any thoughts on the tin... replace with used, any good sources 
for new reproductions??  What's your best advice for the cylinder 
bores...have the original block sleeved, find another block with good 
bores??? I think this one is beyond reboring. I'm considering puting this 
little guy back to original or close to condition since it does appear to be 
an early styled B. Another problem, the serial number tag is in place but 
badly weathered. My brother-in-law was able to carefully clean it but 
couldn't make out all of the numbers. Any suggestions on picking up the 
faint remnants of the number stampings?? I'd like to determin its actual 
production date. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks.

Eric Thatcher
Carrollton, IL

52 JD A