(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

Worthington Chief

D

Dan S (NY)

Well-known Member
I picked up this Worthington Chief tractor this weekend. Previous owner had it in a storage container for the last 7 years so its not currently running. This is built from Dodge truck parts and should date to sometime in the 1940's. Does anyone know how to pin down the year it was made? The serial number is C1933. It seems pretty complete but the indian hood ornament is missing. Don't have much hope in finding one of those!

Dan
a137636.jpg

a137638.jpg

a137640.jpg
 
For several years I vould drive through Coats, Minnesota, and there one vas beside some ones garage then one day it vas gone. Wish that I wood have stopped and bought it.
 
Nice find ! They were used to maintain golf courses etc. I see yours has hand painted letters showing it was used at a Country Club.

Wasn't there a commercial way back with Arnold Palmer on one of these at golf course in Latrobe, PA ?

I think they were popular and several sold but long ago. Most gone for scrap by now I would guess.

If I hear or find anything more I will let you know.

Bill
 
Dan, Did a search on internet and found several sites with info. Most interesting is a Worthington Tractor Collector Club. Somehow listed thru ATT & Yahoo ?

Search went thru BING.

Good luck, Bill
 
Thanks Bill. I did sign up for the yahoo group but there didn't seem to be much activity there.

Dan
 
Not surprising as I would guess not many units left any longer.

You have a gem in the rough there and quite rare in my estimation.

Bill
 
Dan, Google search led to an old 2006 discussion here on yesterdays tractor.

doublebfarms said in that discussion that he had one with serial number C1877.

Jim Mitteer also posted in same discussion that models like yours were built 1939-1949.

You probably have seen that Ford components were also used by Worthington.

In thinking back I barely remember as a kid seeing one of these that my mother's uncle had. That has been many years ago and all those folks are gone. Of course I was a kid back in the previous century ☺

Bill
 
Thanks Bill. It does seem to be very original and not hacked up for something that is probably 65 years old or so. Hopefully I will have it mechanically ready to go before this summers local show.

Dan
 
I have been searching and found some of those discussions. I don't think there is an official list of models and serial numbers out there, at least I can't find any mention of it online. As to Ford components, I also own the Ford Jubilee based model pictured here. It runs good and 4th gear is scary fast!. I don't think they made nearly as many of the Jubilee models as the Dodges. I would like to see another one in person to compare some things.

Dan
a137793.jpg
 
Dan, I googled ARNOLD PALMER GOLF TRACTOR and found some info and pictures. There was even a toy made and sold. Arnold's was a Ford based Worthington.

Bill
 
Got it to start today! Fixed some bad wiring and reset the points and got spark. New Gas, changed the oil and gave it a try and it fired up. Sounds good and even more amazing the charging system is working!

Dan
 
Seems interesting to me that they used Dodge parts. In the 1930's old Dodge cars were made into doodlebugs because they were so tough. Funny they are rarely seen, while lots of Ford Model T and Model A tractors are still around.
You should be able to scan a hood ornament and have a new one made by 3D printing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
Ford 9700 Serial Number Anomaly
Replies
10
Views
508
benterryfarm
B
M
MF 30 Industrial 3-point parts
Replies
6
Views
2K
Caryc
C
D
2C-F21 sickle bar mower parts for Super C
Replies
11
Views
453
Don Mountain
D
L
1970 4020 synchro PTO doesn't stop
Replies
7
Views
478
lka
L
hdokes
'60 D6b steering issues
Replies
8
Views
529
hdokes
hdokes
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top