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mp38b 
Silver Level
Joined: 04 Nov 2009
Location: WI
Points: 54
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 Topic: "B" guys, I think I'm buried.
Posted: 04 Dec 2009 at 11:32pm |
I have a '38 B #9387. I traded $700 worth of firearms for it. It was not complete. It was not even a roller.3 tires exploded in the sun the first week I owned (her) it. $500 to Firestone allowed me to at least roll it in and out of the garage. $250 dollar mag, $200 radiator, $300 used sheet metal, started and ran. Engine exploded(literally), $600 in used parts has it running (with a knock). It still looks like a slapped together pile of #@%&. I need either a pep talk or a slap in the head. I know which one my wife wants to give me.
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redline
Orange Level
Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Collins, IA
Points: 1013
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Posted: 04 Dec 2009 at 11:54pm |
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Doesn't sound abnormal to me. It is the trials and tribulations that make it all worthwhile. It sounds like your project is going to be EXTRA worthwhile. It sounds to me like you should be about past the worst of the problems. The knock comment worries me a little, maybe it isn't serious, but keep a close eye on it.
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If it weren't for the last minute, I wouldn't get anything done!
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mp38b
Silver Level
Joined: 04 Nov 2009
Location: WI
Points: 54
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Posted: 05 Dec 2009 at 12:04am |
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Brian Jasper co. Ia
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Prairie City Ia
Points: 10508
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Posted: 05 Dec 2009 at 12:42am |
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It's pretty tough to fix up an old tractor and not spend more than it's worth when done just in parts alone. In for a penny, in for a pound...
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"Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the government take care of him better take a closer look at the American Indian." Henry Ford
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Cal
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Joined: 14 Sep 2009
Location: East Woodstock
Points: 172
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Posted: 05 Dec 2009 at 7:28am |
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Maybe if you tell us what you had to do to the engine we can help you diagnose the knock, like can you short out the plugs to change the knock, or does it change when you depress the clutch. Good luck and don't get discouraged. Cal in Ct.
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Jim Lindemood
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Joined: 22 Sep 2009
Location: Dry Ridge, KY
Points: 2569
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Posted: 05 Dec 2009 at 7:40am |
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Ed in TX
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Beaumont, Texas
Points: 400
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Posted: 05 Dec 2009 at 8:10am |
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Barry
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Joined: 01 Oct 2009
Location: Rochester, NY
Points: 27
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Posted: 05 Dec 2009 at 8:15am |
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Amen. My $1000 C is now into me for close to $3000. But, I'm sure having fun playing with it.
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Ken in Texas
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Henderson, TX
Points: 5919
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Posted: 05 Dec 2009 at 8:15am |
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Don Smith
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Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Location: Indiana
Points: 132
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Posted: 05 Dec 2009 at 8:44am |
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MP38B Dont let your B get you down! Like the others have said it is a hobby not a money maker. I have a 35 wc on steel, I do not keep track of the money I spend on it, I have spent 5 years just buying parts from all over the united states. I now have enough parts to put it together. I found out that if you are restoring say a B try and get a donor Tractor, That way you will have extra parts. You can also trade parts with other collecters. Here is the best tip I can give you, Some times you walk out of the shop shut the door and forget about it for a while! Hope this helps Don in Indiana
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Denis in MI
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Joined: 15 Sep 2009
Location: Norvell, MI
Points: 832
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Posted: 05 Dec 2009 at 8:47am |
Maybe we just have bad luck with 38 bs I tore mine down for a rebuild because it was smoking hoping I could just re-ring it, only to find it needs new pistons, sleeves, crank, cam, lifters and of course bearings. total comes out to be more than I paid for the tractor, and I haven't even got to the rear where one brake doesn't work at all, and the trans locks in 2 gears at once. so keep your head up don't thin about the money end it only gets worse think about what the end result can be.
Denis
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morton(pa)
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Lancaster, PA
Points: 1234
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Posted: 05 Dec 2009 at 10:32am |
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Stan IL&TN
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Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Location: Elvis Land
Points: 6730
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Posted: 05 Dec 2009 at 12:48pm |
Actually you do want to keep all the receipts for parts and services just in case you sell the tractor and the buyer wants to know what you have done to it and also for insurance reasons should it be stolen or burn in a fire. If not the insurance company will try to just settle for the initial purchase price. Just don't look at them (receipts)and by all means don't let the wife see them.
I restored an old motorcycle that I purchesed new in 1974 for $425. $5K later it was done. 2nd one I restored cost about $700 new but I improved my skills and it was only a $2K money pit.
It is a hobby for sure.
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