Restore or Not?
 

I just got this 1966 122 and from what I see it is in amazing original condition. Left front wheel spindle, seat and maybe the fuel tank are replacements but all the rest is as built. Would you leave it alone and let it's condition after 47 years show or restore it?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...psea01f5ea.jpg

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The mower deck is not the original but it came with the original deck and looks to be in better shape than the one on it.

It runs sweet and idles wonderfully. I wish my others were as nice.

my vote is no. hard to find those things in as good original shape as you have there.

i would just touch up as needed.

the plow rod mount may have been painted, all of mine are white

Looks like it was repainted in it lifetime,also the motor is not original,should have the dip stick coming out of the top of the motor,Your battery box has a po mod to it.Other than that it is a clean 122.How's it cut?

It mows great. I checked the paint over pretty good and it seems to be original. If it was repainted they had to have taken it all apart to do it. It was in a garage building that went with a piece of property that the new owner is going to build a house on it. It was used by the PO along with a tractor and bush hog to keep the grass mowed. Everything in the garage went with the sale.

You can tell it was repainted by the dash tower,fender, and the reflector hardware.They were put on after it was painted and would not have any paint on them.

I wouldn't do anything to it. Looks too good as is.

My vote to. Just a few thing that need to be done to her, It's hard to find them in this condition.
Great find, Congrats.

After going out and checking all the vitals (1/2 qt low in transmission, oil full and looks real clean) I looked at it real close and have to agree that the paint looks too new. But I tell you that they must have removed all the old paint before putting this layer on, it's that good. If the PO went to all that trouble why would he obviously have been using it for chores around his place and let it go with the property? Maybe a dealer freshened it up?

The PO had it serviced regular. How do I know? The dates was on the frame written in Magic Marker. Last service was 11/12/11. I guess it hasn't been used much since as the oil is so clean.

The deal was I found this on CL six miles from me. Went and checked it out, liked it, came home and made a deal for a 10 year craftsman riding mower that I didn't want with my neighbor. Went and used the money to by my baby. Had $100 left over. :biggrin2:

Is the 124 just a replacement for the 122?

Oh, another thing, every bolt shows no sign of rust. No soaking them to get them out if I want to. Sheet metal bolts look factory fresh. You think someone replaced them?

Just my 2 cents but I would just touch up any spots needing paint and do what it needs as far as maintenance is concerned. :beerchug:

I think that's what I'm gonna do. It is nice not having to go to heck and back spending money left and right to reach this level of condition. I know, still working on my 1450 and 1650. Waiting for parts. But I do love to go out every day and get something done on them.

:biggrin2:

Yep run it as is.

Ultimately up to you but I would leave as it is.

Do a touch up and run it!! looks like mine did 35 years ago.

I'd also go with it as is.

I will touch up and paint the fuel tank. Get the deck up to speck.

How about new tires?

http://photos.cubfest.com/albums/use..._-_Crusher.jpg

The regulator and its mounts are also painted, so it has seen some new paint at some time. That might be the original engine, as they had different style engines on them with the dipstick on the top and on the side, during that production run of 122's and 123's.

Cub Cadet 123

Leave it as is, that's a good find.

My vote is to leave it too. I'd say general service/maintenance and maybe some new rubber on the rear. Front rubber looks good! Great score!! :beerchug:

very nice 122:beer2:

my vote is fix the bad like the fender and I don't like bent up metal but then I just have get another tractor and pull it off so I don't blame guys if they just don't fix it like that nice tractor even if it was repainted and that is not bad either better than a rust bucket like I get to see lots

I am going to take the fender off and take it to a neighbor who has a antique restoration shop and straiten it. I think I can do it and keep the paint intact. I am going to get some materials to repair the seat from him also. I have run of the shop and anything I need, if he has it, costs me nothing. I have know him his entire life.

Nice to have him so close if I need any nuts and bolts, fuel lines, welding, ect..

Here is one of my favorites his shop did. He has done pebble beach winners.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...-Photos/Rt.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...InsideRear.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6.../FrontSeat.jpg

I'd also leave it as is, and enjoy it.

Just salvaged some black vinyl and adhesive from my friend, so I guess I'll learn about repairing seats. Lear as you go is OK if you go slow.