LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
'Dr.' Howard creates new old iron, Frankenstein-style
Howard K. Holdeman of Bristol, Ind., left, turned an eclectic selection of vintage parts into a working tractor. These photos show his progress; some were taken in August 2001, at the Tri-State Gas Engine & Tractor Association Show in Portland, Ind.
During my various tractor trades, I acquired a John Deere model L tractor chassis with no motor, radiator or hood. "What to do with it?"
I had a chance to purchase a motor from a John Deere combine model 40, which is a four-cylinder and also has a much larger displacement than the original L engine.
By having a 1/2-inch steel plate made, the two bell housings would work so I could use the clutch from the old L. The combination clutch housing and the length of the four-cylinder was longer by 4 inches than the old tubular frame would permit, so I cut the tubes and substituted two 3-inch 4.1 steel channels and welded them in place of the tubes. The L drive shaft was eliminated, and I used one end of the old drive shaft. I took a 1985 Mercury car's used rack-and-pinion front steering and adapted it to the front of the tractor. The next step was to remove the old steering box and extend the steering shaft.
I sandblasted the chassis and parts and repainted it John Deere green. I installed new tires and a new, original hood and grille.
- Howard K. Holdeman, Tired Iron Farm, 19467 C.R. 8, Bristol, IN 46507; (574) 848-4628
Information sought on Bantam plow
I am looking for any information about a single-bottom plow with a three-point hitch, which was manufactured by the American Bantam Car Co. Thank you.
- James Walsh, 7624 Taylor Ave., Winthrop, IA 50682; e-mail: walshbob@netins.net
Thanks to helpful readers
I thought I should thank everyone for responding to my letter (Farm Collector, July 2002) concerning a hay stacker. I received one letter and two phone calls.