Nice job with the paint. It probably didnt look that good when it left the factory. Have you done anything with the engine, clutch, steering, or hydraulics? I have a 1951 8n that was the first tractor I ever owned and it is still my favorite. The factory paint is starting to look pretty bad and some day I hope to paint it up like yours, but with a red belly. There is something about them old n's that has not been improved on with later models, such as ease in getting on or off either side and hitching up 3-point implements. Mine sees light duty these days and only has 1800 hours on the proofmeter. The only mechanical issues beyond points (twice), plugs (3x), and oil filters (every other year), was new tires and a valve job about 20 years ago when unleaded gas finally took out the factory valves. The factory clutch is still fine, as is the steering, hydraulics, and right side brake, not much left on the left side however. Over the winter, I use it once a week to haul a half facecord of firewood up from my woodshed to the house. That old tractor always starts right up on a couple turns of turns even though it still has the original 6 volt electric and the temp has been close to or below zero for the last several weeks. In the spring thru summer it is used on a 2-row corn planter and various odds and ends thru summer and fall. The tractors of today are pitifull in comparison to those old n's with all the plastic and electronics, and there is no way I would expect them to go so long (70 plus years) with so little trouble, and continued parts availability. If I didnt need 4wd for loader work, snowplowing, and heavy fieldwork on soft ground, I would still be very content with just a couple of n's.
But atleast it is a good learning experience for a young buck like me. :thumbsup:
