To trade or not to trade..JD LA for JD E 3hp

[DavefromClayton]

Hello,

I have an opportunity to trade even up my disassembled 1927 JD E 3hp hit miss for a 1941 JD LA. Not sure if I should take the leap? Opinions? Advice welcome and appreciated.

My hit miss engine needs cleaning/degreasing/paint, honing, muffler, gaskets, decals, and assembly. The mag, igniter and carb have been rebuilt. No breaks/weld repairs anywhere on the engine.

The LA tractor engine turns over when turning the drive shaft - not much compression, carburetor is off the engine currently but the owner has it and said it has been rebuilt, clutch pedal engages, brake pedals move. It obviously needs the correct/missing sheet metal and some home made items removed.

Here are the pics showing both:

http://s211.beta.photobucket.com/user/davefromadrian/library/1927%20JD%20E%203hp%20and%201941%20JD%20LA%20tractor
 

[DScott]

[LA DAN]

I would keep the 3hp and see if you could by the LA or another one out right. Parts for LA's are not cheap. I just finished one this last year and have what I paid for the tractor in parts and repalcement metal work. Like I said parts are not cheap.
 

[Hotflashjr]

I'd stay the heck away from that LA. That is a LUC engine someone cobbed onto an LA frame. The frame is nice and has a tag, which adds value. BUT that sheet metal is wrong/junk, engine looks like it was welded onto the frame, and that choke or throttle cable is a weird set up for sure. The rear tires also look shot and that will be a large expense there if you can find a set. The steering arm looks to be weleded a few times and the steering spindles look to be welded to the steering arms. If you had another parts LA it wouldn't be so bad but that is really only worth something for the serial number tag and some dime a dozen parts that haven't been cobbed up. I'd keep the engine and look to trade for something better personally.
 

[DavefromClaytontaraanddav]

Thanks guys for the feedback. I was pretty disappointed upon seeing it in person today. Only highlight was it still had the tag on it.
 

[bill mart]

clickable link to photos
link

 

[Walt in Jaxn Tn.]

Keep the engine, buy a frame with rear wheels and
front axel and mount your engine in it. The best
of both worlds. This was seen at the Houston Miss.
Fall show in Joe Brigance Park





The link is to the Houston Miss Fall show.
Houston Miss Fall show