'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: