Between a rock and a hard place, heirloom WD

I recently found out that my brother is selling my dads 1949 WD that he bought new at my grandpas dealership. I am at a loss as far as what to do about it. I have 6 brothers and am really hoping one of them will step up and buy it, but if they don't then I said I would so it stays in the family. There are several reasons why I'm reluctant to get it.

I don't have the money to buy it and fix it up right now, I have no room to store it, I don't need another WD sized tractor, it needs major work just to be a useable tractor again. It has very high hours (it farmed 160 acres for 30 years). I think bro is going to want a high price for it because of the sentimental value, and it will cost a lot more to fix it up I'm afraid.

It needs the following: Engine overhaul, front tires, battery box & battery, hand clutch is out, 3rd gear is very noisy so it will need trans work, Wide front spindle & bushings worn out, if I fix all that it needs a paint job.

I just can't see it leave the family. Advice?

Maybe sell one of your other WD sized tractors. I understand your dilema

The thing is, my current WD is also an heirloom handed down from my grandpa, he also bought it new from the same dealership. I already pourd a ton of $ into that one.

I agree Charles.

Unless your brother in very unreasonable, and struggling to put bread on the table I would sure hope a resolution coluld be made if I were in your shoes. Family situations like this can be very touchy.....of alll of the tractors I have, not one have any sentimental value to me. My Grandad farmed with 7 AC's, and passed away in 1985. He wasn't even burried yet and My Uncles had them all sold...along with the rest of his equipment. Just remember, when it's gone it may be all but impossible to get it back.

He's not struggling by any means. I would be more than happy to pay a little over scrap price for it, but he says he wants $1000 for it. The thing is, noboby outside the family will ever pay that. I kinda feel like i'm being held hostage because I might be dumb enough to pay that if that's what has to be done to keep it around.

   $1000 for the tractor your dad bought new at your Grandads dealership ??? GO GET IT, NOW !!

As others have said once that tractor is gone it is gone. And there is not another that can replace it. Does you brother want all the money at once or will he work with you on it? It will definitely cost big $$ to get it back into shape.  But to you it will be priceless.

i am working on a WC that my great-grandfather bought... you dont necessarily have to fix everything now? the sentimental value is worth more than money. i would sell one of my other WD's if i were you. assuming one of your brothers doesnt buy it. maybe have a chat with them and all of you chip in for it??

The 'ol poo brother.Sounds kinda familiar. A grand is a lot when you don't have it.You'd think he'd sell it at fair market value and be satisfied but rectal crainial inversion has obviously set in.Tell him to get it appraised by a dealer or auctioneer and you'll consider that price. No one but a fool would give $1000 for one in that condition....but there's one born every minute I hear,so who knows.

First things first.  Get the tractor.  You can then throw a tarp over it and let it sit for a few years.  You sure don't have to restore it right away. 

Since we are on brother stories...... I am a huge dodge fanatic ecspecially 1st gen diesels. Well while I was deployed in '06 I let him use my truck. To make a long story short he wrecked my truck and then sold it for "beer money". He did this while I was 2 months into a 7 month deployment. After I got home and had 4 months to think of what I was going to do I walked into my moms house and preceeded to kick the ever living dog **** out of him. The truck was a 92 dodge diesel that my parents bought brand new to haul animals back and forth to cattle shows. I grew up working on and driving that truck so it had some sentimental value to me. It was also the first (of many) trucks I wrecked and rebuilt, the truck I took my girlfriend (now my wife) to prom in etc.... I had a lot of memories wrapped up in that truck and he sold it for beer money. I wish he was here rite now so I could hit him again 

I would not think twice about this chance of getting another one of your dads tractors. $1000 is not too out of line but I have not seen it. I woulf get it home and buy some parts and pieces as time allows.

But at least you would have it.

My uncle has a 1948 Chevy truck and a 1937 Cat 22 that were both bought new by my great grandfather. I would pay ANYTHING to be able to have them, as they are both sitting in barns doing absolutely nothing. He won't budge.

I think the best thing to do is let him put it on the open market to offers and then come in and pay him $50 over his best offer. I bet it's nowhere near $1000. I think when it comes down to it he won't let it leave the family. By the way, it was given to him by dad if anyboby is wondering.