Maximum Valuation

[sawdustdad]

A "NOS" tractor (a 125 maybe?) sold here last year--it was on ebay, too. It was purchased, used once, and then parked for 40 years. Not sure what it sold for, maybe someone on here remembers. It was in Mechanicsville, VA, just outside Richmond. I think it was listed at $3600 buy it now or minimum bid on ebay.

[Sugarmaker]

my 2 pennies:
I also spent at or near the $3k mark during the restoration of a 147r. I bought the tractor cheap, but it was junk. One of those that should never have been restored. The PO had jimmied up every part of it! It needed everything, including a spare parts tractor for sheet metal and other items that were worn, missing, rusted, or busted. I enjoyed doing the project. The folks on OCC spurred me on. The wife wasn't real happy. I know its a good machine. Its not perfect, I did almost all of the work myself except for boring the engine. I did some custom items, so its not all stock. I have had fun with it at several tractor shows in the area. Yea it sounds like a lot of money. But a know cheap Big box store tractor will cost almost that much too.
I like old stuff, cars, tractors, trucks, so this restoration fit right in, I have not used the tractor for actual work since the restoration. Its one of those too nice to get dirty things. I did restoration of some implements also and that added to the cost and the work. Haven't used any of those either.
So the question is what would someone pay for these? If it appeals to the right person then they might spend the money. Maybe a IH collector or someone that wants a real nice tractor already done.
I still think even at that price say $3K to $4k its cheaper to buy one done than do it your self, especially if you have to pay for labor too.
Not a cut and dried answer here. But applies to almost all restoration work. Just check the hot rod forums, Folks put $100k into a car and sell it for $45 or less.
I now have a Allis WD that was my dads that is next in line to be a money pit. But if you smile when your done, its probably worth the trip.
New old stock Cubs are probably more rare than 63 split window Corvettes.
Have fun with your new restored Cub and be proud! Post a picture or direct me to the thread.
Regards,
Chris

[johncub7172]

I believe that if I had the extra three to four thousand to throw down on a IH Cub Cadet that had a detailed and documented restoration archive,....the price would be more than fair. That's the difference between buying something from Sam's Hot Car Lot, verses what the old man has been up to down the road tucked away in his garage. Besides, a IH Cub Cadet now, is better than the expensive tractor in layaway!

1. My land is only a one acre parcel. The IH Cub Cadet garden tractor series fits the bill perfectly, and still holds true the same today for many Americans. This idea was a big reason IH had so much success with the IH Cub Cadet lawn and garden line. Land sure is not getting bigger for the average American home owner these days. Where as, I don't, and will never believe the SCUT will ever be able to deliver the "knock-out" blow to the garden tractor world. The fact remains, the IH Cub Cadet garden tractors will be come more valuable, and more desired for collectability, and work purposes as time marches on.

2. The IH Cub Cadets were well over built, and made to last. A garden tractor that already has lasted 45 to 50 years should have no problem going another 50 years having been restored. Now the price don't seem so far out of wack. The truth will remain, that people want things for nothing. They're low-ball wage payers and nothing more. Let them go and pay for that junk-drive JD at the box store, good for 'em!

I too have found out a while ago, building expensive go-fast cars and trucks. Man, what a waste of time and money that was. I wish I would have taken up the love of tractors and equipment long ago. True, you don't get your time and money back from a grade-A tractor restoration, but at least you can use the tractor for a meaningful purpose rather than run around wasting gas. No doubt, I knew what I wanted and was doing when I decided to take up the 72 paint job.

[gmbadgley]

Originally Posted by johncub7172

I believe that if I had the extra three to four thousand to throw down on a IH Cub Cadet that had a detailed and documented restoration archive,....the price would be more than fair. That's the difference between buying something from Sam's Hot Car Lot, verses what the old man has been up to down the road tucked away in his garage. Besides, a IH Cub Cadet now, is better than the expensive tractor in layaway!

1. My land is only a one acre parcel. The IH Cub Cadet garden tractor series fits the bill perfectly, and still holds true the same today for many Americans. This idea was a big reason IH had so much success with the IH Cub Cadet lawn and garden line. Land sure is not getting bigger for the average American home owner these days. Where as, I don't, and will never believe the SCUT will ever be able to deliver the "knock-out" blow to the garden tractor world. The fact remains, the IH Cub Cadet garden tractors will be come more valuable, and more desired for collectability, and work purposes as time marches on.

2. The IH Cub Cadets were well over built, and made to last. A garden tractor that already has lasted 45 to 50 years should have no problem going another 50 years having been restored. Now the price don't seem so far out of wack. The truth will remain, that people want things for nothing. They're low-ball wage payers and nothing more. Let them go and pay for that junk-drive JD at the box store, good for 'em!

I too have found out a while ago, building expensive go-fast cars and trucks. Man, what a waste of time and money that was. I wish I would have taken up the love of tractors and equipment long ago. True, you don't get your time and money back from a grade-A tractor restoration, but at least you can use the tractor for a meaningful purpose rather than run around wasting gas. No doubt, I knew what I wanted and was doing when I decided to take up the 72 paint job.

Thank God there's not more like us out there, We would never be able to find machines out there!!!

[johncub7172]

I understand. I was only trying to explain my point of view regarding the subject title. I would never be able to tell how much time and money one has contributed to a restoration just by looking from this side of the computer screen.
I have had more cars and trucks that most people can shake a stick at. I loved to soup them up. Now, it's about what can this machine do for me besides tickets and new rear tires, lol! With these tractors for me, there is a ending point where I sit back and go, that's good and complete. Never with any of my cars. Mom flipped when I brought home my first car just past 14 years of age, a well to do, pretty nice 1979 Ford Cobra, powered by the 351 and c-4 transmission. You better bet I knew what I liked before I knew what it was! I like slow, powerful tractors that fit the size of my land, and will be a tractor enthusiast for life.