 I'm depending on the good nature of this discussion group for some advice. My brother-in-law Ralph Bell passed away recently, and my sister is trying to decide what to do with his tractor. We would like to get some idea of its history, specs and value so she can make an intelligent disposition of this interesting machine. There is a plate with serial number WF6807 on the rear differential (?the rounded housing under the seat?) which would indicate from the serial number lookup page that it is a 1949 WF model. It is in running condition and was used for snow clearing this past winter, although it has not been run in several months. There are no front attachments but it does have a hydraulically operated rear scraper blade. We notice that there have been several modifications made: 1) The electrical system has been modified to a 12V battery 2) A PTO/hydraulic system has been added to the right side of the tractor with controls mounted on the right fender 3) The steering box has been replaced with a non-standard box (possibly GM?). The original steering housing is still in place but has no internal mechanism - the replacement box is mounted to the left of the original box. 4) The scraper blade is mounted on a modified hitch assembly. There may be other modifications which are not obvious to us as "amateurs" but the rest of the tractor appears to be original. We've had several people look at the tractor, including a member of our local Antique Power Association, but their estimates of its' value vary wildly. Ideally we would like to see it to go to a "good home" where it will be restored or at least valued for its history. Ralph paid $1000 CDN for it three years ago and maintained it in purchase condition. I see by the production numbers that there weren't too many WF's manufactured. We'd love to restore it ourselves but from the reading I've done on your website I don't think we have the necessary expertise. I've attached a composite picture to help with identification. Any information regarding this machine would be appreciated. To make a sensible decision we need to know: 1) Are we correct in our assumption of model and year?
2) How available are parts for this model? Are any of the parts interchangeable with other Allis Chalmers models?
3) Is this machine a reasonable candidate for restoration?
4) What is a ballpark estimate of its value? Thank you very much for your help in this matter, we look forward to hearing from you! Sincerely, Marci Weston ([email protected])
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