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1928 Chevy Tractor? Where are you?

J

Jonathan Beall

New User
Hello group. My name is Jonathan Beall and I am an Art Director in Dallas TX. I have a commercial shooting in Dallas at the end of Oct that we are looking for a 1920's or 30's Chevy tractor to rent for the Chevy commercial. If you know of one or own one (Needs to be clean) please reach out to me with info and pictures.

Thanks for your time!

Jonathan
[email protected]
mvphoto24907.jpg


mvphoto24908.jpg
 
Wow.....that thing is beautiful ! I have never seen one until this picture. I have a 1928 Chevrolet rolling chassis for a future speedster project. I also have several of the 1927-1928 engines, but was never aware of a tractor being built using one of the engines as power plant. I do have a stationary farm power unit using the engine and transmission from a 1928 Chevrolet. The original manufacturer installed a belt pulley on the trans output shaft and a special clutch setup to operate mills, grinders etc. on early farms.
Would love to see if there is any more history out there on these little tractors or stationary power units.
 

A google search for "1928 Chevy tractor" yields this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doodlebug_tractor
 
What is the source of those photos that you posted Jonathon? Seems pretty tiny for a genuine tractor from
that era. Maybe it was a home made version of some kind? Somehow I doubt it is a Chevrolet tractor.

Link below of a supposed one-off Chevy tractor from an old magazine article. Not sure how authentic any of
this stuff is. The Samson tractor from that era was a genuine tractor that was made by GM but it wasn't
branded as a Chevrolet tractor I don't think. Google that, I think there are a number of those around
somewhere.
Untitled URL Link
 
You want a Samson tractor. Those were built in that time frame by GM. Im pretty sure Chevrolet didnt make tractors, but I would
assume kits could be purchased just like for the Model T Ford, which the ones pictured appear, to me, to be kits or farmer built.
 
Sears sold a kit called Thrifty Farmer tractor that used a ford or chevrolet and possibly dodge drive line Montgomery Ward also sold a kit, Thieman Mfg from Iowa sold
Model A Ford kits as well as assembled units. I,m sure there were other kit tractors available and I remember a Popular Mechanics book in the school library that showed
a home built unit plus many blacksmith and farm community shops probably built them
 
GM quit making Samson tractors in 1923 because they couldn't build one that was comparable (too expensive) in price than the Fordson Model F.
 
Well, as art director I realize you have little say about the overall content or message of the commercial, bit it sounds like they've tasked you with a nearly impossible mission. Maybe akin to finding the rare albino pomegranate. If anyone were to know about a Chevrolet tractor, this group would.

But, who knows--maybe that barn I pass every day with the weathered doors and a bit of sunlight streaming through the planks is chock full of Chevrolet tractors.

Anyway, iit's unlikely this tractor is the one element that will really make the ad "pop." Might want to think outside the box on this one. (yes this reply is the risk you take when you put a request on the internet ;-)
 
I have three 1928 Chevrolet doodle bug or [ puddle jumpers]. One is completely Chevrolet, one is Chevrolet except for the 2cond transmition and rear end which is Ford. The third one is all Chevrolet except the rear axel which is model tt truck and was scratch built by myself. I am not very proficient with pictures, how ever I might be able to send them to a email address if you need them.
 

Would like to see photos if possible Longcases.

[email protected] or you can send me an email and I can respond with my number if you like.

And I do appreciate the info (and humor) from the group! I know its a long shot to find something and then get it to Dallas, but I have to shake all the trees. I'll post pictures of whatever we come up with for you guys and girls to see.

Thanks!

Jonathan
 

These were pulled off of photos.yesterdaystractors.com

The first picture was used in our pre production book that was shown to the client. So I think if I find something close to it we'll be fine. I'm not expecting to have a Chevy curator on set with us to call us out on "That's not the right year.." But I'd like to see if I can find one. Would be cool to see one in person.
 

If you find a Chevy in that barn there's a 5'ver in it for ya..

I grew up on a farm and we had an old Masey or "Big Red" as my grandfather called it. Spent many an hour running a brush hog through the cow pasture with that tractor.
 
Here's my 1933 chevy truck.I doubt if that's a chevy tractor unless it was made as a tug to use around the factory.
a282084.jpg
 
(quoted from post at 15:18:51 10/08/18)
If you find a Chevy in that barn there's a 5'ver in it for ya..

I grew up on a farm and we had an old Masey or "Big Red" as my grandfather called it. Spent many an hour running a brush hog through the cow pasture with that tractor.
Click to expand...


Ok, I'll keep my eyes peeled--five bucks is a mighty strong incentive. If the ad is for regular broadcast tv, please post a link when it's finished.
 
My father used to talk about the "Auto-Trac" they used when he was a kid. Same thing by a different name, you may have some luck with that search term...
 
What you have pictures of look like they might have been built to pull golf course mowers and other turf maintenance equipment. A company named Worthington built similar tractors and used a lot of Ford chassis and running gear. Not sure if they ever used Chevy chassis. Google 'Worthington Tractors'.

Garry
 
We have a winner for the antique tractor for our shoot. A 1926 McCormick-Deering 10-20 out of Oklahoma. Thanks for the help and leads!

Jonathan
 

Looks like the rare albino Samson in front of a suburban home--well outside its normal roaming grounds.
 
The rear wheel design on the Samsom is very similar to a wagon wheel design that my Great Great Grandfather had patented in the 1800's. Makes me curious, have to check it out We have one at my parent's home and she has a copy of the original patent. Neat!
 
hi, Case/Chev:
In my barn is a 4 cyl ohv engine with trans and a pulley for flat belt. I am pretty sure I have info showing it is 1928 Chev. I don't have any projects to use it in, so it is available very reasonably.

Dennis M. in W. Tenn.
 
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