1940 Ford 9N

[Paystar]

Hello. So, I don't know a lot about the Ford tractors. I have an Allis and a couple Massey's. But I found this 1940 9N for sale.
He wants $6500 CANADIAN. Is it worth it? I just use them for shows and parades. No real work. But anything to look out for?

I see it has an alternator and 12 volt conversion. And I see he added a gas shutoff and inline filter. Any alarm bells you see here?

Thanks.

 

[arto98607]

Nice older tractor, but is that fuel filter in backwards?

If taking this to shows, the fuel filter, shutoff valve & clamps stand out like a sore thumb in what looks like otherwise nice restoration, I suppose same for the alternator.

Yes I understand they are all very practical if the tractor was used for any work.

 

[Paystar]

Are carb parts still readily available for these? I'm thinking he had issues at some point because the original owners manual he has with it has written in ink on the cover "Carburetor Page 80" LOL

 

[Paystar]

Nice older tractor, but is that fuel filter in backwards?

If taking this to shows, the fuel filter, shutoff valve & clamps stand out like a sore thumb in what looks like otherwise nice restoration, I suppose same for the alternator.

Yes I understand they are all very practical if the tractor was used for any work.

That doesn't bother me too much. My 55 Allis has a GM alternator on it also. I'm I'm probably going to be converting it to electronic ignition also.

 

[Tinhack]

$4800 USD would put it at the high end of 9Ns around here. If it's a good paint job, runs good and everything works, that's a pretty fair price. But as Art says, the valve and filter make me cringe for a restoration. Easy enough to change or hide though.

 

[Paystar]

$4800 USD would put it at the high end of 9Ns around here. If it's a good paint job, runs good and everything works, that's a pretty fair price. But as Art says, the valve and filter make me cringe for a restoration. Easy enough to change or hide though.

I think I have read aftermarket parts have very good availability for these old Fords? Correct?
Any concerns for getting stuff to make it right?

 

[Paystar]

I had found a beautiful Ford 3000 diesel fully restored but he won't move form $11,000.

 

[Paystar]

And it's not the price that bothers me, it's the price for something you have no idea of it's actual condition. Is it just a paint job? So many scams these days.

I had a couple other "fully restored" tractors I offered on, that looked beautiful, and as soon as I asked for a video of them running because I am over 8 hours drive away.....they said ya no problem....now no more response or video from them.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Main alarm bell I see is the tractors location. It isn't close to me.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I had found a beautiful Ford 3000 diesel fully restored but he won't move form $11,000.

Let him continue to enjoy that tractor. Maybe 4500 in excellent condition. I don't care if it has air conditioning.

 

[Tinhack]

Main alarm bell I see is the tractors location. It isn't close to me.

Me either.

 

[Paystar]

Okay, thanks guys. So I'm not stupid to take it then?

 

[Paystar]

Also, how hard to do things like brakes and clutch on these Ford's just in case it isn't what it appears to be?
They look fairly simple like my Allis CA.

 

[super55]

Like you said a video is going to be able to tell you a lot and a live video chat will tell you even more. This day and age even if they are older individuals they probably know someone that can do a video cal or send vids for them. Cold starts, fast throttle response, engine knock, timing or carb issues can readily be picked up.

Changing the brakes on these old fords is pretty simple if you have ever replaced drum brakes before.

 

[azbinder]

A couple of things: from the engine block

#1 Have them send you a pic of the "stamped" serial number.
#2 Find out if it is a 3 or 4 speed transmission. 9N is a 3 speed and 8N is a 4 speed.

Also, the "floor boards" came on the 8N. 9N had "foot pegs".

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Okay, thanks guys. So I'm not stupid to take it then?

Looks more like you look stupid to pass on it.

 

[Paystar]

Now I just have the same issue as last three tractor guys selling restored tractors....."I'll call you this afternoon" and nothing yet. I didn't even try and counter his ask. I said I'll take it.

Oh well....see if he calls me by tomorrow.

 

[EdGooding]

Here's my 2-cents: If you want a parade tractor, then generally you want a restoration. The original color of a 9N is battleship gray, not red and medium gray. Inline filters like that are not only not original, they can often be an inhibitor to good gas flow in a gravity-delivery fuel system like the 9N. It came from the factory with three filter screens, two in the sediment bowl and one at the fuel inlet. Also, I'm not a fan of using a rubber fuel line that close to the manifold. Pre-made, metal factory fuel tubes are available. Parts are easy to get in the U.S. but shipping costs make them tougher in Canada. The original carb is easy to rebuild, the aftermarket ones from the "land of almost right" are crap shoots. If you can share the serial number (location shown in pic) I can tell you the year.

If you want a worker, the 9N only has draft control - NO position control. It also does not have live hydraulics - you must engage the PTO to use the lift.

I live in a farming community in central Virginia and that tractor might bring $1,500 US, at best. The early 3000 you showed might bring $5,000 US. The 3000 is a strong utility tractor and I really like them.

 

[John0829]

Ed covered it, as for parts you can get everything to completely rebuild the 9/8 N tractors. Many good sources are out there and if cost does not scare you the Dennis Carpenter has many of the original dies and castings for the old tractors to make the parts.

 

[Paystar]

Good info EdGooding. If I ever hear back from him, I will see if I can get serial number.

I had a look through my Steiner catalogs and I did see many parts are available for those old Ford's. I would probably switch it back to a fuel bowl and proper metal lines.

I don't really need to work it. I have other tractors for my work. But that is something to think about.....needing the PTO engaged to work the three point lift. I like the idea of hooking it up to my box blade or grader blade once in a while just to give it a bit of a workout.

That Ford 3000 diesel was really nice looking, but I just don't know if I want to pay $11,000 Canadian for it? Everyone seems to think that is steep.

I also found a Massey 35 diesel that seems to be in good shape for $8000.

My Allis runs and drives, it just doesn't look pretty. And it's a work in progress that I never seem to have time to work on. So just wanted another play toy already done for now until I get the others pretty.

Other than the Mecum auctions, it's hard to find anything in restored shape around my area.