8N Questions

Sockwell · May 31, 2012

I am trying to finish up the restoration of my grandfathers '50 model 8N and have a couple of questions. I've been pricing the cost of parts from various on-line sources and comparing those prices to the cost of buying a parts tractor (hard to find) or a used tractor that is running.

I need the entire front end, from the center pin out to the wheels and tires, the front sheetmetal, gas tank, battery box, and miscellaneous engine brackets. When I price out all the parts needed, I'm coming up to about $2000, not including tires. I'm sure this will go up as I find parts I've overlooked. I've found three running tractors, in various stages of condition, that are all priced at $2,000.

The plan I'm leaning toward is to buy a running tractor to serve as a donor, rob the parts needed to get my grandfathers running, then, over time, get the donor tractor running. I will then either sell it or give it to my father.

The problem is that all the used tractors are either '48 or '49 models. One is even a "hybrid" with a 9N block. The questions are:

What on-line sources do you guys use for parts?
How big a deal is it, when I try to get the donor tractor back running, to work with the front distrbutor?
Is the front sheetmetal (hood, side panels, grill, etc.) the same on all models? The best I can tell, the parts are the same, but I'd like to hear that from an independent source.

Thanks for the help. This has been a 5 year project that is hopefully about to wrap up. Its a long story.

skylarkguy · May 31, 2012

I used Ford 8N Tractor Parts - for 8N, 9N, NAA, N-series tractors for some replacement parts on a friends 1949 8N. They were the best prices I could find and all the parts were well fitting. Working on the front distributor is easy enough...I didn't spend too much time on this beast just got it up and running (new water pump, rebuilt carb, a few lines replaced etc). Can't help on the parts compatibility between years...sorry.

Sockwell · May 31, 2012

Thanks for the reply. I'm over Maintenance and capitol equipment at work, so one of my habits is to get three quotes. I have a spreadsheet with parts prices from 3 on-line sources. They are one of the sources I used.

jeff pk · May 31, 2012

I like this outfit: Ford Model 8N Tractor Parts Fast shipping and can even get part the next day if I order early.

I had a 49 8n and the front distributor worked great unless water dripped down from the radiator---then it wouldn't start until it dried off. The real problem is access--hard to work on up there, but not impossible. I wouldn't let that stop me if I found a good deal...

Soundguy · May 31, 2012

8n dash sheetmetal will be different side mount vs front mount.. hood, doglegs and gastank and bat box are the same.

must be some heavy damage if you need the front axle center, bolster, and spindle knees. are yours not rebuildable?

i know a guy that sells used parts.. however as you well know.. getting heavy cast parts shipped eats up your value in cost of shipping.

i'd get a good parts machine and go from there if you really, really need all those parts.

as for the front mount engine? it's no harder to deal with than a sid emount. 2 bolts and the dizzy comes off in your hand.. and is virtually impossible to put back on, out of time.

keep inmind that things that bolt onto the engine block will be fornt / side dependent.. like oil fill tube, generator and brackets.. etc. even the head is TECHNICALLY different. as could be the governor, and some oil lines... genny belt and hoses for rad...

soundguy

Sockwell · May 31, 2012

Thanks for the help about the sheetmetal.

The reason for the need of the entire front end has nothing to do with damage. I was screwed over by a local repair shop. The owner got into financial trouble, the bank foreclosed, the shop was auctioned, etc., etc.

All of this happened while the tractor was being torn down to remove the block. The front end was out from under it, the hood, gas tank, radiator, alternator and other parts were off the tractor. I was able to get in and get the still-assembled block and rear end. Before we were able to get the parts that had been removed, the new owner cleaned up, and the parts were carried to a recycler. My parts have long since been melted.

We live in a really rural area and aresurrounded by this guys family. They're all good folks and can't believe how he turned out. They know the trouble he's caused us and others and can only shake their heads. Can't be mad at them; they didn't do anything.

My main concern now is to get the tractor finished, track the cost, then figure out how, or if, to deal with him later. To be honest, if its gonna cause hard feelings with my neighbors, I'll eat it and let the man above deal with him.