Hey all,

Was told to come over to this forum and introduce myself as this is said to be one of the best sites for Allis knowledge.

I bought this 1949 Allis WD from my neighbor in Fall 2012 in the hopes of driving it home. He made mention when I happened to drop by about something else that he'd like to sell it.  That was right about when I was going to ask if he would be willing to sell it. He had converted it to the wide front and to a 3-point. He had drained all of the fluids the previous winter and was checking to ensure the engine still turned while I was taking pictures.







So far, I've had to get the fuel tank boiled, soldered, and primed; purchased a fuel bowl; purchased a new radiator; new front rubber w/ tubes; and had a 12V wire harness built by B&B Custom Circuits.  The harness was made so I can add front and rear lights when needed, plus it's set up for a 3-wire alternator.  The starter has also been rebuilt and upgraded to 12V.

I've love to tear this tractor down to every last nut and bolt for a complete rebuild/refurbish; however, my schedule won't allow it.

One added bonus is my oldest brother found a front loader frame with a snow bucket and manure bucket.




I'm hoping to make progress on this tractor once I get the WC I have listed in the Classifieds out of the way. 

This is an interesting forum and I'm hoping to learn a lot from you folks.  Also, I listed my tractor in the Owners Registry

Welcome Gary! Nice looking tractor you got there. The added wheel weights, front end bucket and rear 3 point will come in handy. Good find!

Welcome to the forum! There is a wealth of knowledge and info here and, of course, there are guys like me, too... One disclaimer; this forum is addictive and can lead to spending more money than you can tell your wife!

Your WD looks like it's in very good shape. If I was in your position, I wouldn't be in a hurry to completely rebuild it, or even repaint it. I, personally, like to see old tractors like this in their original "work clothes" (paint). As far as completely rebuilding it, remember these tractors were built to do all the farm chores. They were the workhorse of their time. They probably did more work their first year, than they will do the rest of their life (at least my tractors are like that). Unless you have a lot of money and time to completely go through it, fix what needs to be fixed and leave the rest alone. Enjoy the old girl the way she is!!!

You might want to think about adding power steering before you install your loader. As I get older, it's the one option I wish all tractors had.

Thanks for the warm welcome.

Back when I retrieved the front loader from my brother's (up in Wisconsin), I made a side trip to a fellow up there who parts out tractors and sells on e-Bay.  I picked up a very nice hood, seat pan, used muffler with rain cap, and a good seat shock all for a c-note.  I've since had the muffler and rain cap powder coated (black) while collecting other parts (belt, spark plugs, plug wires).  I also had Steve, at B&B, rebuild my distributor.  It looks fantastic, and I can't wait to get everything buttoned up and fire up the ol' gal.

I borrowed this tractor years ago and loved driving it.  My brother doesn't care for the Allis hand clutch set-up while I think that's one of the best ideas ever.

Gary that is one sweet lookin' original WD man! That thing is straight! Welcome to the Orange family. You'll love it here dat's fir' sure! BTW, Thank you for the business! Its greatly appreciated!! Have a ball with that thing!
Steve@B&B

Ted J wrote: Gary! That is one nice lookin WD! Where in WI is your brother?

He lives in Cottage Grove and plays with a Case and a '53 John Deere.

This past weekend, a friend of mine, Chris, hit the front rims, which I'd recently had media blasted, with epoxy primer.  He works at a local garage, so I swung by after work, yesterday, to have the tubes and tires installed.  I watched his boss (who is also the shop owner) handle the install as Chris had never done that before.  I ended up running to the Dollar Store up the street for some talcum powder to make the tubes more slippery and easier to handle and prevent them from getting pinched.

So, that major hurdle is finished and I will have the fronts back on the tractor either tonight or tomorrow, depending on the weather.  Once that's done, I'll have my neighbor bring his Kubota over and we'll move the old gal into my garage, whereupon Memorial Day weekend will be spent installing a B&B Custom wiring harness!

Pics will be forthcoming.


Edited by GaryL - 19 May 2015 at 8:13am

Put the wheels on the tractor today.  I should be able to wheel her into the garage by this coming weekend. 

GaryL wrote: My brother doesn't care for the Allis hand clutch set-up while I think that's one of the best ideas ever.

Since the WD had both a foot AND hand clutch, one had a choice... but of course, the hand clutch's purpose, was to allow the driveline to be disengaged or 'inched' while the PTO remained under load. I think some of the CASE tractors not only used a hand clutch, they used one that was strikingly similar to the Allis WD component... I'd bet they were made by some outfit that knew how to make some pretty stout clutches.

I believe Deere discontinued their hand clutch in lieu of foot... and I'll admit, I don't know either marque's systems well enough to say how, but my Grandfather preferred his WD, WD-45 (power steering) and then D17 because they were extremely good hay-making tractors... that hand-clutch was one of the biggest reasons.

The only thing superior to the hand-clutch, was the Power Director... low/neutral/high with wet-clutch selection... and of course, that's why he traded in his 45 for a D17.

By the way... in your third posted picture... is that a Little Giant trip-hammer I see back in the distance?

*bump*

Can anyone shed any light on the seat bushing issue?

Thanks.

I make those seat bolts Chis. You can buy them from vendors on this sight too.
Ray W.

Gary,
 Your tractor condition looks way better than any I have worked on!
Regards,
 Chris

The bolt itself looks like a standard 1/2" Carridge bolt with a sleeve it slides into. Doesn't look like anything trick...

Steve in NJ wrote: The bolt itself looks like a standard 1/2" Carridge bolt with a sleeve it slides into. Doesn't look like anything trick...

You are correct, sir.  I'm just trying to get the straight story for the sleeve and the rubber bushing.  With the bushing gone, the seat wobbles and pivots side-to-side.

Sugarmaker wrote: Gary, Call one of the suppliers on here they can get you set up. Have the tractor serial number as there is a cut off point where they switched from two style rubber bushing to one piece. Try this part number. 70225041 I think you need two of these and then your 1/2 inch bolt will go through the center.  Regards,  Chris

Thanks for that, Chris.  I am making up a list of parts for my next order so I can get everything from one supplier.  I hate thinking I have all of my bases covered and then another problem pops up.  I need this old gal running.


Edited by GaryL - 02 Jun 2015 at 8:54am

Rltool wrote: This is out of the Steiner parts catalog. They aren't a sponsor of this forum. But one of the vendors that do could match it up. Ray W.

Yes.  I believe ACS328 is the animal I need, which is the one I posted from DJs Tractors; however, I am all about purchasing from a vendor who supports this forum!