Good to see you back in "little tractor" country Chris. Missed all your pictures and detailed writings.:beerchug:
I'm with the rest on leaving this one original. Looks to be clean...... It would be a great project for an engine rebuild and clean up, seals, gaskets....if needed.
:popcorn:

I have to agree with everyone else. I thought you had repainted it years ago and just washed it, so if that is original paint and it looks that nice then I would cherish it, especially with it on the rare list! A set of headlights and some jaws painted on that grill would look awesome, though. Sure wish my 73 looked that nice.

Cub Cadet 123

Folks,
I like this little 73 tractor. I do think most of the paint is original. It has a lot of war scratches. That engine is going to need rebuilt. Hope to get to it this summer. Any engine kit recommendations? The Stens kits seem pretty reasonable.
Needs a seat cushion too, that pan is a little hard!
Regards,
Chris

Repaint on 73
 

I will put in my 2 bits worth here. Don't paint it. As Mark said, "They are only original once" I am a big fan of nice unrestored original tractors. Paint the starter/generator and call it good. I will get in trouble with the rest here, but if you are not going to use it a great deal or work it hard, a ring and hone job might cure your smoking problem. The tractor does not look like a high hour tractor, possibly it just has stuck rings

Got to love the 73's! Got to use mine last night for some refurbish work at my daughter's practice field.

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/a...1&d=1434656136

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/a...1&d=1434656155

Jbolens,
Those are great shots of your 73 at work or is that play? I may pull the engine and do a good inspection. Right now I am immersed in big tractor land restoring a set of AC, 3 bottom, 14 inch, mounted plows.
Regards,
Chris

That's a great looking 73. I thought it was restored before you said you were going to paint it.