UNKNOWN HOLES ????

[corkey]

I'm trying to work on my 59 Ford 601 and I need help finding out what the holes on the rear fender is for. Can anyone determine what the holes are for? The holes were in the tractor when I bought it and never thought to ask the old owner what they were. I have marked them for easy reference. Any help deciding if I should weld these up or not before I paint it.

 

[milkman]

I don't know what all them are for, but I think 1,2, and 3 was for a tool box.

 

[texasjohn]

if there are matching holes on opposite fender, I'd bet some are related to an umbrella canopy...or maybe there are some canopies that attach to only one fender??

 

[corkey]

There are no matching holes on the other fender but there are 2 holes in the left side front fender just below the headlight. All the holes look as if they were from the factory because they (I think) have factory paint in them. I don't think it's ever been repainted.

 

[joecdeere]

Corky, those are replacement fenders, the original ones on a tractor the years of yours would have the "FORD" embossed on the top edge in script.
From Ford the replacement skins were made to fit either side and were used up into the 80's.The large number of holes was to deal with all the different tail lamps, work lights, tool boxes etc that were used through the years. From some of the other aftermarket suppliers the same fender was used on some Masseys too so there could be fenders from more than one company on yours

 

[corkey]

Thank you joec, that's seem very possible. There are a few things that are not original, the seat has been changed, a different gas tank, a stabilizer bracket on right side only with double nuts, rear rims are not silver and changed over to 12V. The change over to 12V was only partially done with only certain items changed to 12V using the 6V wiring. Thank you very much.

 

[Guesseral]

I replaced the fenders on my 801 and the replacement fenders did not have any holes what so ever. I had to drill my own just to mount the new fender to the old bracket. Holes could be anything a counter/controler for a corn planter, an after market radio (dad had one of those), a light bracket, canopy, rifle rack, beer holder and so on.

 

[sleepybozo]

If you're fairly sure they're factory holes, I'd leave them. Otherwise a week after painting, I'd figure out what they were for and wanting them, and I'd find myself drilling them back out, slipping in the process and scratching up the new paint job.