Between a rock and a hard place, heirloom WD
Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
Forum Description: everything about Allis-Chalmers farm equipment
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=26026
Printed Date: 26 Feb 2025 at 12:01am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Between a rock and a hard place, heirloom WD
Posted By: AllisFreak MN
Subject: Between a rock and a hard place, heirloom WD
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 5:22pm
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?
-------------
'49 A-C WD, '51 A-C WD, '63 A-C D17 Series III, 1968 A-C One-Seventy, '82 A-C 6060, '75 A-C 7040, A-C #3 sickle mower, 2 A-C 701 wagons, '78 Gleaner M2
|
Replies:
Posted By: Ted J
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 5:29pm
Do you want to kick yourself for the next ? years? Is being sentimental worth the cost? You'll have to find the answer yourself. You have to consider that once its gone, its gone forever. I really can't help you with an answer, sorry...
-------------
"Allis-Express"
19?? WC / 1941 C / 1952 CA / 1956 WD45 / 1957 WD45 / 1958 D-17
|
Posted By: Steve Wilkens
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 5:30pm
|
Maybe sell one of your other WD sized tractors. I understand your dilema
|
Posted By: David Gibson (OH)
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 5:35pm
I can only speak for myself, but if it was me a tractor with that rich of family history would be top priority as far as my collection. I would sell one of my other WD sized tractors and make room. Just my .02
-------------
David Gibson
http://www.darkecountysteam.com" rel="nofollow - http://www.darkecountysteam.com
1956 WD45
|
Posted By: AllisFreak MN
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 5:37pm
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.
-------------
'49 A-C WD, '51 A-C WD, '63 A-C D17 Series III, 1968 A-C One-Seventy, '82 A-C 6060, '75 A-C 7040, A-C #3 sickle mower, 2 A-C 701 wagons, '78 Gleaner M2
|
Posted By: CTuckerNWIL
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 5:38pm
If your brother wants to sell it, I don't see how he can expect someone else to pay for his sentiment. If it doesn't stay in the family, there is no sentimental attachment left as far as the new owner. I would think if a person had a sentimental attachment and wanted to keep it in the family he would sell it for scrap value which it sounds like it should be worth. I hope you can work out a deal with him and hold on to it.
-------------
http://www.ae-ta.com" rel="nofollow - http://www.ae-ta.com
Lena 1935 WC12xxx, Willie 1951 CA6xx Dad bought new, 1954WD45 PS, 1960 D17 NF
|
Posted By: AllisFreak MN
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 5:42pm
I agree Charles.
-------------
'49 A-C WD, '51 A-C WD, '63 A-C D17 Series III, 1968 A-C One-Seventy, '82 A-C 6060, '75 A-C 7040, A-C #3 sickle mower, 2 A-C 701 wagons, '78 Gleaner M2
|
Posted By: acd21man
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 5:49pm
|
my GRANDMOTHER told me and my family once its gone its gone makes since cause my dad sold the D-17 series 4 3pt they had in the 60's in the 70's and he's been tryn to track it down for ever with no luck so buy it
-------------
2 wd 45,2 D-17 diesel/gas 3 pt, 220,d21, 4020,2 4430s used daily http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCudh8Xz9_rZHhUC3YNozupw
|
Posted By: Chad(WI)
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 5:51pm
|
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.
|
Posted By: jiminnd
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 5:55pm
|
Don't have a good answer for you but I have the WD my dad bought new in1949, My brother got it from him and I got it from brother but that was in 1972, just as a user tractor, motor locked up about 2002 so just parked it, in 2004 when I got interested in restoration I had the tractor to start with, no question, but like you said, they can be a money pit but am still glad to this day that I did it.
|
Posted By: AllisFreak MN
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 5:57pm
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.
-------------
'49 A-C WD, '51 A-C WD, '63 A-C D17 Series III, 1968 A-C One-Seventy, '82 A-C 6060, '75 A-C 7040, A-C #3 sickle mower, 2 A-C 701 wagons, '78 Gleaner M2
|
Posted By: Chad(WI)
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 6:01pm
|
You really need to talk to him then. He should be able to appreciate why you want to keep it in the Family.
|
Posted By: Rfdeere
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 6:02pm
$1000 for the tractor your dad bought new at your Grandads dealership ??? GO GET IT, NOW !!
-------------
Randy Freshour,Member Indiana AC Partners,
http://www.rumelyallis.com" rel="nofollow - http://www.rumelyallis.com
|
Posted By: wjohn
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 6:05pm
Trade him something? It sounds like a $600-ish tractor. I don't think there's any way he'll get 1000 out of it in the condition you describe, so tell him what it's worth and if he turns you down let him try to sell it for 1000. It'll be there for a long time. I agree with Chad(WI), have a chat with him.
-------------
1939 B, 1940 B, 1941 WC, 1951 WD, 1952 CA, 1956 WD-45
|
Posted By: Hubert (Ga)engine7
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 6:13pm
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.
-------------
Just an old country boy saved by the grace of God.
|
Posted By: ChuckLuedtkeSEWI
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 6:19pm
|
Well, unless he's a real pile of poo, which my brother is, so I can understand that, he should want to be reasonable and work with you to keep the tractor in the family. I too would talk with him, but having conversations with my brother about things like this, who knows how it could go. I know if I had the chance to get one of my dad's tractors back for a 1000, it would be on the trailer and even if I didn't have the money to work on it, or a place to put it under cover, you can always throw a tarp over it, and it's yours. You can work out fixing it as time goes on, but at least it's yours and you can control it's destiny.
When I wanted a tractor for my little farm, I could have had my dad's Allis 45 diesel, or his John Deere 730 Diesel. I took the Allis because my grandpa worked there, and the John Deere was fixed up by my other grandpa and my brother when he was young, and was stored in his shop that was on my dad's property, so I didn't want to stir the pot by taking the 730. Half way through fixing up the Allis, my brother came to my dad and told him he needed room in "his" shop so the John Deere needed to go. My dad put it in the paper and sold it, never telling me until it was gone. engine was tight but metal was good, tires were good, he had a plow, a loader, and the complete wrap around front weight set was there too. Sold it all for 2000. After he told me I couldn't sleep for close to a week. I know who owns it, and come spring dad and I are going to visit him. I want to talk to the guy and at least ask him to give me a chance to buy it if he ever wants to sell it.
Since I brought home the 45 diesel, my blood has pumped orange, but there's not a time that I don't see a green tractor and think of that 730 and how it got away. Maybe someday I can get it back but it will cost me alot more. If I just would have talked to my dad ahead of time, maybe things would have been different.
Long story short, don't spend the rest of your life with regret.
-------------
1955 WD45 diesel 203322 was my dad's tractor, 1966 D15 23530, 1961 HD3 Crawler 1918, 1966 D17 IV 83495, 1937 WC 41255, 1962 D19 6221
|
Posted By: abbaschild95
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 6:26pm
|
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??
|
Posted By: AllisFreak MN
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 6:29pm
We talked about all chipping in, but that is a recipe for disaster. With 6 owners it would be hard to agree on anything.
-------------
'49 A-C WD, '51 A-C WD, '63 A-C D17 Series III, 1968 A-C One-Seventy, '82 A-C 6060, '75 A-C 7040, A-C #3 sickle mower, 2 A-C 701 wagons, '78 Gleaner M2
|
Posted By: Steve M C/IL
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 6:38pm
|
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.
|
Posted By: Dale H. ECIL
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 6:56pm
I have my Dad's first new AC he bought, a 1955 WD45. There is not enough money in the country to buy it. Of course I was lucky, I did not have any family members to deal with and he gave it to me before he died 15 years ago. I would say try to work out a deal with him on it.
-------------
Allis Chalmers Museum, Paris, Il.http:// www.allischalmersmuseum.com 217-275-3428
|
Posted By: Stan IL&TN
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 6:57pm
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.
-------------
1957 WD45 dad's first AC
1968 one-seventy
1956 F40 Ferguson
|
Posted By: mdm1
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 7:01pm
|
My WD-45 I bought was my Daughter-in-laws Grandpa's tractor. We bought it just to keep it the family for her. It's such a joy to watch my son drive that old tractor and see the smile on his wife's face. Offer him whatever someone else will offer. Everyone will be happy. Especially YOU.
-------------
Everything is impossible until someone does it! WD45-trip loader 1947 c w/woods belly mower, 1939 B, #3 sickle mower 1944 B, 2 1948 G's. Misc other equipment that my wife calls JUNK!
|
Posted By: chllngr528
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 7:04pm
|
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
|
Posted By: Nathan (SD)
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 7:09pm
|
If it starts and drives it is worth $1000 no matter who ever owned it.
|
Posted By: Matt MN
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 7:09pm
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.
-------------
Unless your are the lead horse the scenery never changes!!
|
Posted By: Tracy Martin TN
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 7:56pm
|
Buy the tractor. Then decide to either sell another or fix it up. This is a one time thing. Maybe your brother will even do the right thing. Once it is gone it is gone. Less than a hundred a month for a year.If it was my Dad's it would already be in my shed. Good Luck, Tracy Martin
|
Posted By: morton(pa)
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 7:57pm
|
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.
The lesson: Be lucky you HAVE the opertunity to buy it, and grab it, or at least find someone trustworthy who can.
|
Posted By: AllisFreak MN
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 8:01pm
Nathan, it does not start nor drive. The hand clutch is completely out. Has not ran for 10 years. He literally milked every ounce of life out of this tractor and walked away.
-------------
'49 A-C WD, '51 A-C WD, '63 A-C D17 Series III, 1968 A-C One-Seventy, '82 A-C 6060, '75 A-C 7040, A-C #3 sickle mower, 2 A-C 701 wagons, '78 Gleaner M2
|
Posted By: AllisFreak MN
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 8:10pm
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.
-------------
'49 A-C WD, '51 A-C WD, '63 A-C D17 Series III, 1968 A-C One-Seventy, '82 A-C 6060, '75 A-C 7040, A-C #3 sickle mower, 2 A-C 701 wagons, '78 Gleaner M2
|
Posted By: AMB(wcIL)
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 8:29pm
|
Man AllisFreak, I would try to make payments or trade some stuff if possible. Some poeple spend a life time looking for family tractors. I was lucky to buy back my Grandpas JD620 he bought new at the JD dealership 3 miles up the road from the his farm, that I now live and farm. I feal that I'm very lucky to have tractors from both my Grandpa's and my wifes Grandpa who farmed also. The wifes Grandpas tractors are fence row shape but they were still his. Andy
|
Posted By: Jacob (WI,ND)
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 8:29pm
|
Like the others have said, be glad you have the chance to buy it. I would take advantage of it. If it were me, it would already be sitting at my place. May not be worth $1000, might not have the time/money/space to work on it, but at least it would be yours. I couldn't live with myself letting a family history tractor get away, but I'm sentimental like that. Like a guy I know says: "I've spent more on dumber things..." Just think of all the guys that have posted looking for Dad/uncle/grandpas tractor that has gotten out of the family. Can you live with that possibility? I'd work out a price before it's in someone's yard that knows it's worth $1000.
-------------
Jacob Swanson
1920 6-12; 1925,1926 20-35 longfenders; 1925,1926 15-25's; 1927,1929 20-35 shortfenders; C; B's; IB; WC's; WD; WD45
|
Posted By: Steve Wilkens
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 9:07pm
|
$1,000.00 is not out of line. At the moment it is worth 400 to 500 as scrap. If it is all there, it is worth more than that as a parts tractor. but you have to sit on it for a while. Make him an offer, see what he says. I would love to have my family's WD45 that dad sold when the motor had seized up. Last I heard was that someone around Sandwich, Illinois had it. Chasing it down would probably cost me more than the tractor. Unless someone from the forum here bought a 56 WD45 WFE from a farm just south of Freeport, Il. on Rt. 26 12-15 years ago.
so my advice is get the tractor. Maybe like Tracy said, or suggested, give him 100 buck a month for the next ten months, and the tractor is yours. Just do what you have to do, or you'll be kicking yourself.
|
Posted By: Rayhowling
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 10:42pm
Try to make a deal on the WD45. I have a Allis CA that my dad bought in 1956 and my brother and I were with him when he bought it. My son will get it someday and my grandson who is 5 years old loves to sit on my lap and drive it. He can't wait till he can drive it himself. I'll post some pictures some day. It is a keeper.
|
Posted By: GARY(OH/IN)
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2011 at 11:06pm
|
Send a friend over there to make a fair offer. of course a friend your brother doesn't know. If that doesn't work send another, and another. Won't he be suprised when you show up to load it for HOME.
|
Posted By: BStone
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2011 at 5:43am
|
Allisfreak If the tractor is close to the condition you described no one in the world would give much money for it other than sentimental reasons.I know money is tight but it sounds like it would only be worth scrap price and I'm with the other guys you wouldn't need to even keep it covered.
|
Posted By: Fred in Pa
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2011 at 5:59am
|
If it means ANYTHING to you at all ,you will find a way to buy it. It is his for now,remeber if he gets P!$$ed off about something it could end up in China for any unknowen reason. Seen things like this happen in family matters.
|
Posted By: Fred in Pa
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2011 at 6:05am
|
How many people put XXXX amount's of money in tractors to restore, that there is one on every corner ,ALOT. How many people out there have the chance you have to buy the famliy tractor ,not many.
|
Posted By: Dave H
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2011 at 7:39am
|
528
I think you did good man.
Sounds like your bro is a butthead like mine. He had a run it under mom's feeble mind bill of sale on the falmily Ford 2N. He wanted 3600 out of me. Sold it for 700 one day to someone in the next state over.
there ya go.
|
Posted By: AllisFreak MN
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2011 at 4:26pm
Thank you for your replies. I'll make sure it doesn't become an orphan. I'll make gddamm sure it don't go to china.
-------------
'49 A-C WD, '51 A-C WD, '63 A-C D17 Series III, 1968 A-C One-Seventy, '82 A-C 6060, '75 A-C 7040, A-C #3 sickle mower, 2 A-C 701 wagons, '78 Gleaner M2
|
|