Cletrac/Ford

Started by oleblu, October 30, 2003, 12:47:32 PM

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oleblu

October 30, 2003, 12:47:32 PM Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 12:00:00 AM by oleblu
Hi, everyone. My question concerns a Cletrac with a Ford engine and tin. This is owned by an AVID Ford collector and is looking for more info (he doesn't have a computer). It has a wide stance (68"?) and looks like the only Ford mechanical part is the engine. He claims Ford contracted with Cletrac to deliver the drive train and Ford added the engine and tin. Can the model of Cletrac be determined by a Serial no. tag somewhere or through part number research? I only saw it breifly but can go back for another look anytime. Just tell me what to look for. Any information or help is apreciated. Thanks. oleblu

Blake Malkamaki

#1
October 30, 2003, 04:21:34 PM Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 12:00:00 AM by Blake
Well, from your description, it has to be an HG, or a slim chance, an E. I have never heard of such a creature or deal, but there's always a chance. It's most likely a concoction.
My gramps Howard van Driest was Experimental Engineer at Cletrac and Oliver Corporation. After the plant closed, he and my uncle started an excavating business, initially using Cletrac and Oliver Crawler tractors. Please help Support This Site and give your business exposure by buying a business card sized ad.

John D

#2
October 30, 2003, 04:43:24 PM Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 12:00:00 AM by John D
By all means, send us some PHOTOs!!!

That would help us identify the tractor's Cletrac roots.
John D
If you want to do what you want to do, you have to do what you have to do.

oleblu

#3
October 31, 2003, 12:09:16 AM Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 12:00:00 AM by oleblu
Not sure about pictures as I am EXTREMLY challanged when it comes to the computer, but may work it through a third party. In Wendel's Oliver book there is a picture of one of these "crossbred" crawlers in the Oliver crawler section. It has narrow tread, unlike the one I have seen. Maybe these are Oliver/Ford cross? Will try picture soon. oleblu

Eric Severance

#4
November 02, 2003, 03:29:58 AM Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 12:00:00 AM by Eric Severance
I was going to mention that I had seen the picture in Wendel's book of the experimental Ford/Oliver. I am glad you have seen it. If your crawler resembles that one, it is likely on an OC-3 frame and running gear. If your friends tractor is an original, it could be an experimental model, and very rare.
    On the other hand there are many hybrids out there that were put together by very handy people who had two broken tractors and were able to make one good one out of two. An example that comes to mind was featured in Antique Power Magazine, and was a Ford 8N adapted into an Oliver HG Chassis by an avid Ford collector. He had a complete collection of Ford tractors and was looking for something unique to show. It was a very well done and a very cool tractor. I recently noticed that it was for sale also. I have seen and heard of other examples of off brand power plants being adapted into Oliver crawlers within this forum. Most of them utilizing the Oliver HG or OC-3 chassis.
"No matter where you go, there you are"

thecatskinner

#5
November 04, 2003, 01:38:25 AM Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 12:00:00 AM by thecatskinner
Here is a scanned image from Wendel's book.

Blake Malkamaki

#6
November 04, 2003, 04:34:48 AM Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 12:00:00 AM by Blake
I deleted the picture as it was over 600 mb and could not be viewed on the screen anyway. Here it is again in a smaller version....
My gramps Howard van Driest was Experimental Engineer at Cletrac and Oliver Corporation. After the plant closed, he and my uncle started an excavating business, initially using Cletrac and Oliver Crawler tractors. Please help Support This Site and give your business exposure by buying a business card sized ad.
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