Ford 971 Select-O-Speed -- What's It Worth?

Mrs. Diamond

New User
Would appreciate any help. Have what I think is around a 1960 Ford 971 Select-O-Speed. Body needs repainting, but I had much mechanical work done to it. I replaced the dist cap, manifold, exhaust system, re-wired, installed rear plow lights and new switch, fuel shut off, starter, gas tank, etc. all replaced. It has a rear adjustable plow, 5 ft wide brush hog (I think that is what I measured it at -- it's big), and a boom. Also, chains for the tires. Can anyone tell me what this tractor might be worth? Although painful, I am going to sell as I will be moving. I didn't take any pictures yet, but can do that. Oh, and the front tires are wide apart (whatever style that is).
 
I am located near Midland, Michigan. I didn't list all the things I had replaced, just the bigger items. Haven't had any issues with SOS.
 
Mrs diamond,

tractorhouse dot com only has one listed. It's in Nebraska and the asking price is $4,400.00.

Your's might be worth significantly more with the parts and implements that you have listed.

Good luck with your sale.

Tom in TN
 
Sounds like a nice tractor. Here in Michigan,I would say it would be worth around $4,000.00 plus whatever you value the implements at that go with it.
 
It was originally my Uncle's tractor that I sort of 'inheirited'. I vowed either I would get it running or get rid of it. Glad I got it running.
 

Many people are leery of the SOS and discount significantly for them. However, the later SOSs are considered much better than the early ones, and many of the early ones were replaced by Ford with the later version. One easy way to tell which you have is that the early ones would free-wheel in three forward speeds while the later ones have engine breaking in all speeds.
 

It actually will freewheel in 5 forward speeds. It's just that 1&2 are so slow they didn't think it would be a problem and didn't mark the shifter in those positions.

An easier way to tell is to look at the casting # on the left side of the transmission. A 312259 above and behind the inching pedal is the original less desirable transmission. Anything else there is better.
 
Thank you "Showcrop" and "Larry". I will check that number and get back to you (because I don't know what it means to "freewheel" :)
 
If it currently runs, first thing I would check is the length of the band adjustment screw threads. If the screw is all the way in, or just about to the lock nut, the bands are worn out and I would reject it.

Second, all the SOS mechanics around here died off and there is no one to fix it even if parts are available.

I had one that was well worn and I had to lift the cover and fix something, PTO cable I think. I had adjusted the bands their last time but they lasted for me.

I gave $1000 for mine in a Ford 4000 4 cyl diesel non-running with the Ford loader. Had I known what I know now I wouldn't have given that, or would have just passed it over.

My opinion. Not good news but my encounter.

Mark
 
Thank you Showcrop. I had a person that did all the work on it previously, Norm Currie from Rhodes, MI. I understand that he has moved now. He was quite a character and did a great job fixing it up. It's a fun tractor and I will surely miss it.
 
I am considering buying a 871 - year unknown as I couldn't
find the serial number over the starter housing. I did see a
number on the side of the SOS, but didn't write it down. Have
reviewed some of the threads and am concerned (to some
degree) about the SOS as I have a Ford Industrial 4400/loader
that REALLY sluggish shifting into reverse.

I have a 1958 851 with a 5 speed (an bad engine). I am
considering the option of replacing the SOS with the 5 speed if
needed. I see someone did this to a 801 in another post - but
current owner didn't do.

Can anyone tell me if is possible, and if it is, how difficult (and
costly???).

New to forum, so open to critique .
 
Hi Ron, welcome to the forum.
First, let me point out that there are two views on this forum, Classic View
and Modern View.
For those of us using Modern View, the latest posts are brought to the top.
That's how I saw your post.
But a lot of guys still use Classic View, and for those guys this post would be
pages back, and they may never see it.
So for that reason, it may be best to start your own post.
To your question, I've never done that swap myself, but I've seen tractors
where it has been done, so yes it's possible.
I don't know what kind of modifications it would take to make the clutch work,
change the independent PTO over to the 851 trans driven style, etc.
I would think it would be far easier to just take the engine out of the 871 and
put it into the 851, but then again, I'm shooting from the hip.
If some of the other guys do not see your post and respond, try opening
a new post to ask your question.
You'll for sure get answers!
Good luck with your project, and post some pictures! :)
 

It would be better to start this in a new post (that's my critique :wink: )

It is very possible to convert from one trans to another and many would advise installing the 5 speed in place of the SOS. I'm not one of them! I'd sell the blamed 5 speed to one of its advocates and fix the SOS - if indeed there is something wrong with it.
 

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