[CTPhil]

I've been tinkering with my old '49 VAC, after sitting for years, trying to bring it back to life. I got it started, rebuilt the carb, it starts and runs, but...I discovered that the rear main seal leaks and it will need all new tires, there are cracks right through the sidewalls all around.

I've been checking around and I guess the rear seal is a doable job, the tractor has to be split, but the engine stays together. I checked compression and it is within spec.

So I've all but decided to go ahead with the restore, but would still feel better with some expert opinions. Here's a video inventory of where it's at, what do you think? Thanks.

 

[gordon1121]

Phil I am far from a expert but after watching your video several times I would go for it. If the trans and rear end are good the way the motor sounds the costly stuff is done. The metal looks pretty good from the first video where you got it started all the lights and brackets are there. Looks like one fender bent a little but no big deal to straighten. The rims look solid from what I could see and if they were not loaded and just the weights used they probably will be. The real seal aint that bad of a job. Was wondering if you have drove it around any since you got it running to see how the drive train and clutch do. I also watched a couple of your other videos and that sure is some pretty country you live in.

 

[CTPhil]

Thanks for the reply and opinions, Gordon. I haven't been able to drive it, the tires are pretty much shredded. I did rock it with the clutch, it seemed fine, the PTO works and the gears never gave me any trouble back in the day. The hood has no paint but is straight, no holes or dents. One side panel has rust-through, but I have a replacement. I picked up a pair of fenders with flaking paint, but they are dent free and never rusted. The front cowl has a couple of dents, I'm going to try to find someone who can do a pro job of getting them out. Rims are indeed solid, the tires were never loaded. You have a very good eye.

I believe I will proceed with getting the tires. At some point I even have a wide front to go on, I'm very excited about that!

Here's a pic of it from 5 or so years ago.

 

[soundguy]

them rear wheel weights almost remind me of a semi truck brake drum

 

[CTPhil]

them rear wheel weights almost remind me of a semi truck brake drum

I'm not looking forward to taking those off, lol.

 

[soundguy]

got to be easier than them IH rear weights I manhandled a while back. 150-165# each I think!

still.. dealing with any weight is tough. event he lil 30-45# inside the rim segments i bolted into t he front rims on my ford were hard to deal with at only 30-45# each segment.. just due to not having enough hands and whatnot..

 

[CTPhil]

Well I took a truck ride and got a pair of 12.4x28 Armstrong tires for the '49 yesterday. I paid $200 for the pair with usable tubes. They have cracks and some edge chewed lugs but they hold air and have 90% tread. I was going to buy new but the sticker shock was considerable. I figure I'll mount these and will have a chance to see if I like the size, and if I get that far they will be OK farm tires to use this hay season. I was hesitant to start the clock on brand new tires not knowing if I'd ever make it to a full restoration on this tractor. If I do, new tires will be the last thing.

Ha ha, as you can see, I'm still convincing myself that I made the right choice.

 

[soundguy]

that's a good deal. i paid similar for a set of rubber for an 8n and felt good about it.

with the price of rubber so high.. you take the deals when you can find them!

 

[CTPhil]

Thanks. I'm finding myself a little gun shy about tires, I'm sensing the rubber isn't as good as it used to be. I've got front tires on my Ford 2600 that were new 6 or 7 years ago and already have sidewall cracks. I'd love the look of new tires, but how long will it last? Why not save a bundle and live with cracks if they're only going to look like that in a few years anyways? I'm not sure I'm right, just thinking out loud.

 

[soundguy]

unfortunately much has to do with manufacturer.

i put a set of tires on my 98 dodge back in.. 02 i sold that dodge, with those same tires on it a few months ago.. still had tread left. was a daily driver up untill sept 2011. my wife has a 00 yukon.. it got a set of tires on it in 09.. i'd say they will be bald sometime this year.. they are already wore past the minimum 3/16" where if they get a hole or something they cannot / will not be patched or put back on the rim, if removed, by a comercial shop.

as you point out. I have tractors with vintage rubber that looks better than some new rubber.

makes ya wonder...

 

[CTPhil]

Anyone still around? I finaly got back to the VAC project after sitting since I started this post.

 

[Skipper]

Well; I wasn't on the site when you started the project, but I'm always interested in the VACs. That's what we had when I was a kid. We used it mostly to skid logs out for firewood. Really powerful for their size.

 

[BigDaveinKY]

Hey Phil, good to hear from you.
SO.......how's the project coming?

 

[NickatKY]

I have been hit or miss for a few years, but am planning to check in more often
Nick