A 72...what to do with it?

[IACubCadet]

Needing a little help deciding the fate of a 72 I have...

I got this tractor on trade last spring and I was very excited to get it. But, the more I look at it, I realize that I have a big decision to make. Its a solid tractor, good tires, clutch, tranny...but the dash tower has been hacked, wiring is shot, motor is wrong and smokes, andis just rough in apperance. Where do you guys draw the line as far as whether to fix or part out? I usually know right away but this one I am on the fence about. Its not a for sale ad, just wanting some ideas. I have some options to put on it, but mainly...what would you do?

[gsomersjr]

I'd say part it out if you need the money or need the space BUT if not, I'd hang on to it. You can find a new dash and wiring harness. Was the frame cut up to mount the larger engine? If you were closer I'd say the best thing would be to sell it to me.

[IACubCadet]

No, the frame has not been cut. And I don't need the money, but the space is nice! haha. But, its just sooooo close to my cutoff point for the parting out/saving stage that I just wanted some opinions! Thank you for yours!

[cuber]

Donate it to your local High School small engine class

[cjrolke]

that looks better than what I have started with on my last 3 builds

[Alvy]

Originally Posted by cuber

Donate it to your local High School small engine class

I second that, great idea to pay it forward. And you could go to the school and talk to the students about what it needs and what its all about and they can restore it.

[Yosemite Sam]

I have a similar dilemma with a 71 that I have. Its only redeeming qualities are that it has fenders, is pretty solid and has a decent deck. It didn't have and engine so I put an old 10 hp in it. Oddly, someone has hacked three holes with a torch on top of the tunnel, but not where the rear coupler is.

I cut a little grass with it once in awhile, but I have absolutely no real need for it. I just can't bring myself to part one of the 7 hp tractors... And I don't want the pullers or worse yet the wanna be pullers to get it and hack it up. Let the pullers have the 102's and 104's, I don't think there's anything special about them.

I like Cubers suggestion, I may try to find a young fella who enjoys working with his hands and might like to tinker with this kind of thing and just give it to him. Never know, something like that could change a life (hopefully for the better).

[J-Mech]

That's funny Mark. I have a 71 I'm struggling with too. Bought it for the options, to move them over my grandad's 71 I'm restoring. It isn't bad..... but it's like your Ryan, dash support and wiring is a mess. Mine does have the 7hp in it.

Here's a pic of mine.
71-2.jpg

The paint SUCKS but the hood isn't dented. I may even use it on g-dad's 71. Like I said options are coming off..... I was planning on using the K161 for the engine exchange, saving the trans for me, and just parting the rest out. Or (I hesitate to say) just sending the remainder to the iron pile. I guess I'm trying to say, I understand the dilemma..... I'd probably try and sell it. If no quick takers, part it.

[OldAndInTheWay]

It would be nice to keep it just for the fact that old Cubs are getting harder to find day to day. One day, finding one in that condition will be very hard and be seen as a score. Once parted out, it will be gone and means one less for someone to enjoy.

[randallc]

Start on the rebuild, or sell it to someone who will.