'Ethics' question
 

I have a 102 I bought in about 1977 and used for a number of years to mow with. I later got a 1641 and 'retired' the 102. It's been sitting in my shed to be gone through as a retirement project (1 yr., 9 mo., 12 da., but who's counting?). Now the question. I bought the 102 from an IH dealer who was a family friend. He had taken it in on trade with an ailing motor and had his shop replace it with a K301. Is the motor the only difference between a 102 and a 122? If so, I thought that when I get around to going through the machine I might put 122 decals on it. It won't be for sale so I won't be trying to defraud anyone, a simple # check would expose that anyway. I was thinking that if the K301 makes it essentially a 122 I might label it as such. Or would this be grounds for scorn and ridicule? :Shame:

Not the most important ? of the day, just wondering what others thought.

Heah Darryl. I don't see a problem with it. Your not trying to pass it off as something it's not for profit or anything. It's your tractor, do with it what you want. And like you said a quick check it serial numbers you can tell what it is. I have that 1211 I'm gonna redo as a 1282 just because I always wanted a red cub and can remember looking at the sales ads and wanting dad to trade for a 1282, glade he didn't. I say go for it!

I also purchased a 102 with a K301 in it. I also bought a 122 that will donate it's better parts like the hood and fenders. Other than the engine the only difference is the seat. The 102 has the rubber seat and the 122 has the padded fiberglass seat. There were supposed to be some 123s that came with a rubber seat too. I personally like the rubber seat better. So I will have a 122 with a rubber seat. And I am fine with that!

Oh and as far as I know you can't determine the model from the serial number. :Huh:

The only difference in a 102 versus a 122 is the motor. Serial number range for the tractors is the same. If you swap it, and someone does check the serial number, they would never know if it rolled off the factory floor as a 102 or a 122.

I changed a 1641 into a 1864. I was very careful to also change the frame serial number tag to match the new confuguration. Everything on the tractor is as it should be.:biggrin2:

I only did it for a joke as I fraternize with some Corvette guys that go nuts over "numbers"!:biggrin2:

Personally, I couldn't care less!

Just as a note, the 1641 and the 1864 serial numbers don't necessarily distinguish between the two. However, the later tractors (like these) also had a model number on the tag that did identify them. They are harder tractors to "reproduce by the numbers". :beerchug:

the 102/122 have nothing in the serial to identify a specific model.

For crying out loud it's only a garden tractor. Do what you want to it. :beerchug:

Badge it the way you want to, there is nothing in the serial number that will give you away.

As long as you're not trying to deceive anyone, you're ok in my book.

But think of the children!!!!!!!!!!!!

:biggrin2:

LOL!

Does it have the rubber seat or has it been replaced? It's the only thing that would give it away.

:beer2:

Well I have a yellow 782. And an piece of crap older red 782.

I decided I wanted a red tractor. So they both came completely apart. Frame blasted and then rebuilt as a red tractor. The frame is from the red/older tractor, but most of the rest of the pieces are from the newer yellow tractor. It will get red stickers.

Is it a red 782 or yellow one? (tractors arent exactly like cars...where all the numbers match).

Im not sure it matters (if I am keeping it it doesnt matter). If I sell it, it will be red when it sells. Its going to be obvious that it was all taken apart and rebuilt so its not like its in original condition.

I guess someday if I get bored I could take it back apart and paint it yellow. Then it would be yellow.

Some guys paint their tractors blue. Ive seen some beautiful schemes to make it look like a bigger brother.

But to your point. Unless you are misrepresenting it in some way to a potential buyer, there is not ethical violation (if you lie to a potential buyer about what it is, or isnt - even if all the numbers match - then imo that would be an ethics violation)

The only factory difference was the seat depending on which engine went in. Serials number only let you know the month of manufacture.

As Mike eluded to, it's not like you're taking a small block '67 corvette and turning it into a L88 :beerchug:

If it bothers you when you sell, just tell the buyer you put the 12 hp in.

That is what makes this addiction, sorry, hobby so much fun. Do what you want and enjoy it. Purists will cry and most everyone else will say, "that's a cool idea". In the long run, a cub is still saved and used and can be passed down for others to enjoy. :beerchug: The story behind the cub is what gives them character and life.

I agree with DX3... If you were to ever sell it later just simply state what you've done. If they were not aware of it after seeing it then they would simply be in awe at your honesty and very good work.
As for me, I have been pondering my own dilemma...Do I make the 100 true to its origin or do I make her red and white..?? I'm glad it's cold outside so I still have the winter to beat myself up on a decision..

I have a 108 that now has a K301 in it. Been thinking about re-badging it as a 128. Haven't done it because I was thinking about putting the rebuilt K241 back in it, but I've come to like the 48 inch deck now on it, and I'd have to swap that back to a 42 if I were to put the 10hp motor back in it. So it will probably live on as a 12hp 108...er...128.. what ever.

My 149 has the MAG 12. Does that make it a 129, ....or...? Not to me.