[AT] Need some help

[John Hall]

Boy did you ever ask  for a wide range of opinions!!!

To me, a rare machine I'd want is any very early tractor up to around 1930 
that you just can't pick up the phone and order parts from any of 3-4 
different suppliers. Rare also to me is some of the companies that sprang up 
in the late 40's-50's with nice looking tractors built along the lines of a 
Framll M. Most of the time these companies went belly up or went on to other 
ventures. For parade driving I'd like to have something along those lines. 
Problem with those is they can get expensive. There is a fellow not far from 
me with a Corbitt tractor--I've been told there are less than a half dozen 
in existence. These were built about 45 miles form me and all were destined 
for export.

A couple years ago we rebuilt the engine in a Gibson--not the little ones 
with a Wisconsin, this one has a 6 cylinder Hercules. It's a rare machine, 
in at least my neck of the woods.

I guess rare also could be determined by your geographic area. For example 
where I live, Farmall Super-A's are as common as dirt. I would imagine they 
are scarce as hens teeth in the midwest. Maybe something like that would be 
a machine that wouldn't break the bank, be easy to get any part you need. 
and still turn heads at local shows.

One other thought is a machine with lots of options. For example we all know 
Farmall M's are pretty common. At the Freeman auction this past fall There 
was a high clearance, diesel powered, torque amplifier equipped Super M that 
sold. I beleive less than 100 were built. Some parts for it would be easy to 
get, others would be a challenge. Turning heads and getting blinded by 
flashbulbs come standard.

Something I have seen done also is to have a nice standard tractor with as 
many aftermarket add-ons as could be done. Kind of like all the stuff M&W 
used to make for Farmall tractors----power steering, friction disc throttles 
etc.

Got you eye on anything already?

John Hall
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lyle Myles" <lyle45859 at roadrunner.com>
To: <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 31, 2006 2:03 AM
Subject: [AT] Need some help


> Guys
> I need some help from the members of the list. For years I have mostly
> restored old Ford tractors and this was only done for resale to help
> supplement my Social Security. Now that my wife has passed away I want to
> restore a tractor but this time I want to keep it and show it in parades 
> and
> maybe go on some tractor tours. I have hundreds of photos of old tractors
> but this time I want the unusual to restore and I have all the time in the
> world to make parts if needed and do lots of research on the tractor. Can
> any one give me ideas on what they think would be an unusual tractor to
> restore. The color does not matter as the make of tractor is unimportant
> only the rarity of the tractor. I welcome all input that any one can give 
> me
> If you like you can contact me off list at lyle45859 at roadrunner.com. Again
> guys thanks for any help you can give me.
> Lyle Myles
>
>