New Ford 841 - couple of questons

[rod330]

I recently purchased a nice old Ford 841 with power steering at a great price. I'll need to replace the rear rims and tires ($$$). I'll also convert it to 12v with a Pertronix ignition. The wiring is a bit of a rats nest but everything works and I'll address that when I do the 12v conversion.

Questions:
Before I remove this crazy looking SMV pole, I wanted to ask if it was some kind of aftermarket accessory. Has anyone seen something like this?

Is there a good parts source for rebuilding the Rest-O-Ride seat (rubber and bushings)?

 

[MitchellB]

That is a nice looking old Ford. I bought a 1958 861D that had that seat on it and it was the first thing I replaced with something like this Amazon.com: New Black Universal Tractor Seat Susp w/ Base & Tracks Ford New Holland Case-IH: Patio, Lawn & Garden . The rest o ride or what ever it was call just did not have enough adjustment for me and I also wanted a seat with a back rest. The diesel tractors were 12 volt from the factory, but the 12 volt generator would not charge worth a hoot unless I had the engine reaved up, so I replaced that with an alternator that charges now at an idle. The seat, genny & regulator are setting under my bench now gathering dust and dirt.

 

[MitchellB]

Is there a good parts source for rebuilding the Rest-O-Ride seat (rubber and bushings)?

Rest O Ride Seat at Steiner Tractor Parts

N History Forum - Expanded Thread Page

 

[rod330]

Rest O Ride Seat at Steiner Tractor Parts

N History Forum - Expanded Thread Page

Thank you, sir.

Do you have any feedback on the quality of the Steiner bushings and rubber springs? After reading some older postings, it seems the aftermarket parts were of poor quality but maybe they've improved them over the years.

 

[MitchellB]

Couldn't say; I never had a reason to buy from Steiner, or a reason not to, but wouldn't be afraid to buy parts from them. Maybe Ford (New Holland) would have the rebuild parts available also if you have a dealer near you to contact. New Holland is pretty proud of their Ford parts though.
Official New Holland Online Parts Store and Online Parts Catalog for New Holland and Ford Tractors.

 

[Kirk-NJ]

Replace rear rims and tires? They look OK to me.

 

[rod330]

Replace rear rims and tires? They look OK to me.

Please refer to the attached photos of the calcium filled tires and rims- love to hear your feedback. Here's my logic:

At my age, I expect (hope) to be active for another 10- 12 years using this tractor about 30- 40 hours / year. It's use would be split between a 6' finish mower and a 5' brush hog. I mow in a very remote vacation property area where field service for tires or rims would be VERY expensive and tire choices would be few. Since new rims and tires would far outlast my lifetime, I thought I'd eliminate that potential point of failure rather than trying to squeeze a few seasons out of them. I trust the local farm tire shop and their prices are very competitive for the Firestone SATII tires that I prefer.

I've seen rims and tires in far worse condition but I just didn't want to risk a breakdown. Thoughts?

 

[gemutlich]

Ooof, seen worse yet yessir I'd probably do the same. A little proactive measure buys a whole lotta piece of mind at the back end.

 

[fried1765]

Please refer to the attached photos of the calcium filled tires and rims- love to hear your feedback. Here's my logic:

At my age, I expect (hope) to be active for another 10- 12 years using this tractor about 30- 40 hours / year. It's use would be split between a 6' finish mower and a 5' brush hog. I mow in a very remote vacation property area where field service for tires or rims would be VERY expensive and tire choices would be few. Since new rims and tires would far outlast my lifetime, I thought I'd eliminate that potential point of failure rather than trying to squeeze a few seasons out of them. I trust the local farm tire shop and their prices are very competitive for the Firestone SATII tires that I prefer.

I've seen rims and tires in far worse condition but I just didn't want to risk a breakdown. Thoughts?

ABSOLUTELY !
REPLACE: TIRES & TUBES & WHEELS!
NO MORE CALCIUM !!!!

 

[Old Virginia Joe]

My experience with today痴 imported tire rubber quality and longevity is extremely disappointing. I would drag my feet discarding any old rubber if it will do the job for now. Seriously.