Found a Model F

[ssadams]

I have always wanted a String of Pearls... I found one in OH.  It has seen better days.  The owner tells me that the engine block has a crack in it.  The drive train is free.  Some body panels not seen in pictures may be available.  I do not know much else about the F.  What are some specific questions I should ask the owner about the machine?  What are some the the major obstacles when restoring a crawler in this condition?  Did some of the model F's not have steering wheels?  What is a fair price for an F in this condition???

[Blake Malkamaki]

As far as I know, no Fs had levers instead of steering wheels, though there can always be a unique experimental tractor out there. I saw one once (also in Ohio) with levers, but they were fabricated at some point. From your pictures, the tracks look fairly decent. I've seen many where the tracks are simply rusted through and gone in places. The tracks and pearls are going to be one of the hardest things to find in good shape. You're best bet would be to get this one and then look for another one and piece them together.
Blake

[ssadams]

If the engine block is cracked as the owner says.  Are there any different types of replacement engines that would be recommended?

[Blake Malkamaki]

No. That engine is different than any other Cletrac engine. I think the crankcase shares oil with the transmission. If the block can't be repaired, I would think an engine would be easier to find than tracks. If you can get it for about $.10 a pound you will be out nothing over scrap price. That tractor should weigh about 2000 lbs. So that can give you a base to start with.

[ssadams]

So tracks are the hardest to find... What are the odds of finding an engine, a needle in a hay stack?

[Blake Malkamaki]

I'm sure they're out there. Perhaps put an ad on the Cletrac Classifieds? Get the word out on here that you are looking.

[ssadams]

Thanks Blake

[Blake Malkamaki]

You're welcome. I wish some others would chime in here.    …..BOB where are you? You've got a String of Pearls F

[ssadams]

Anyone know the approximate total number of units manufactured?  I know Cletrac only made them for a few years so it cant be that many.

[Bob]

I'm here!

Good find there. Looks to me like those pieces of channel iron on the sides would have been a part of a cultovator or something. Running gear is deffinately hard to find. Those engines are known for cracking on the right side by the water manifold. A friend of mine told me he thought he had only seen one that hadn't been broken in that spot. My dad's is cracked but has been repaired a long time ago by I'm sure a not profesional and it is holding.

The Fs are a very desirable piece and hold value well. I think dad and I bid on a couple over several years on ebay and they always brought several thousand in poor condition.

Don't know how many were made for sure, but it sure wasn't very many.

Good luck

[ssadams]

Hey Bob,

Thanks.  So at least a $1000 for a unit like this, eh?

-S

[Bob]

Its probably worth that really. Does the guy know what he has? Obviously have to be fair with each other but try to get it as reasonable as possible

[Blake Malkamaki]

I just found this Model F mailbox. Kind of a waste if you ask me, but I guess the restoration project is always there waiting to be started.



http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.practicalmachinist.com%2Fvb%2Fattachments%2Ff19%2F73741d1365033223-cletrac-f-dscn3085-1024.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.practicalmachinist.com%2Fvb%2Fantique-machinery-history%2Fcletrac-f-263516%2F&h=768&w=1024&tbnid=8zPJRRWYK0cFqM%3A&zoom=1&docid=DnSMjEssRGmMvM&ei=7vm-U-WuC8ewyASryIHgBg&tbm=isch&client=safari&ved=0CGEQMyg6MDo&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=752&page=2&start=52&ndsp=59

Blake

[Bill Kycia]

I hate to say it,but somehow that F would find its way on my trailer after dark. What a bone head!  Bill

[Bob]

A tiltbed and 5 mins and it would be gone!