38 G purchase--or not?

john in Utah · Mar 28, 2015

Going tomorrow to look at a "running" 38 G that I am considering buying. Have restored and worked with late model number series (630, 530) but this would be my first experience with an un-styled JD, and a G in particular. Beyond the obvious (engine and tranny sounds, tires, sheet metal,etc.), are there things I should especially look for in this series; things to run from, things that are especially expensive to repair/replace if broken, etc. Is the $6K range reasonable for a complete, running, apparently sound unit of this kind?

Thanks for any observations, words of wisdom, expressions of total bafflement, etc. that you might have.
John

Anonymous-0 · Mar 28, 2015

Forty years ago I bought an unstyled G JD, I gave $25.00 for it and when I had it running and painted, I had aboot $500.00 rapped up in it.
Fifteen years later I sold it fur $2,800.00
I hear that they have increased in price since then. You notice I didn't say they increased in value, just price.

RandyB(MI) · Mar 28, 2015

$ 6000 should buy you pretty much a museum piece. I mean it shouldn't need ANYTHING including nice paint and tires. I wouldn't give over $ 3500- $ 4000 for a nice "useable" specimen.

Hayfarmer · Mar 28, 2015

I guess it depends upon how much you want an unstyled G. On the board they usually say it is better to buy a tractor that has already been restored instead of buing one that needs to be restored and putting more money into it. Can you get one cheaper, apparently at least "40 years ago" you could. It is worth what you and current owner decide it is

Loosehandle · Mar 29, 2015

Tires?

The Dukester · Mar 31, 2015

Well, obviously from what you say, you are pretty "wised up" on John Derre two cylinder tractors basically. Unstyled G's are kinda pricey because they are quite desired as you may or may not know. I have just styled G's because I want a road gear, but unstyled model G's are "pretty neat" I think too. Check the tractor all over and run it and see how everything sounds and performs. I personally think G's have more true, original John Deere "character" than any other model, except a D maybe, but their parts are heavy and some can be expensive compared to A and B stuff. I never cared for any number model except a 720 diesel and I could never afford one of them it seemed when I was younger and buying tractors to work on for a hobby.

38 G purchase--or not?

john in Utah

Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

RandyB(MI)

Well-known Member

Hayfarmer

Well-known Member

Loosehandle

Well-known Member

The Dukester

Well-known Member

Similar threads