Hello Jack!!! Well, looks like you have given your friend some very sound advice and as collectors, we appreciate that. Next, looking at the serial numbers on the plate on the rear end (transmission) of the cub cadet he can find out what year it was produced by IH using this chart, which can be found in the Technical Section of this forum.
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=7114
Now, this is not fool proof because parts interchange, but the hood on a cub has some decals (unless it is the "Original" from 1961-1963). If it has a 7hp, and the frame bolts together then it would be one of those Originals. If the frame is solid then it would be either a 70, 71, 72, or a 73, which were known as the economy line tractors that IH produced. This is of course, assuming that no one has swapped motors. Of course, the best way is just to post some pictures for everyone to see, then we look carefully and can usually get you a very accurate idea of what you have.
Note: Down toward the bottom of the forum, there is a section titled, "What's It Worth?" in which people will assess what extras the tractor has and its condition to come up with an estimate of what the value of the tractor is for the buyer/seller.
Here:
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/f...splay.php?f=61
Hope this helps you out......after all, that is what we are here for. Well, that and an occasional slice of pizza!!
Cub Cadet 123