What year is it?, What color is it?

[H.P. Moore]

I bought my TO35 Diesel (23C) years ago. It was painted red and gray. I don't know if that is correct or not. The tractor serial no. plate was stamped very lightly, and is mostly illegible. I can make out the first 3 numbers only. 163. Can it be identified by engine serial no.? Also what year did Ferguson switch to the glow plug head? Mine has the early style.

Thanks Guys,
Phillip
 

[Richard L]

163XXX was 1955 year it should be Grey sheet metal and green castings. Glow plugs were started at s/n 188851. You can find more about the paint colors and paint company codes at http://www.fergusonenthusiasts.org/fena/ then put the cursor on resources and go down and click on paint colors. There is a lot of Ferguson information at that web site also.
 

[Maineman]

My TE-20 is painted red belly colors too.
I been told this was pretty common, when these
Tractors were traded in, the dealers would re-paint them to look like newer fords.
Must have helped sell them!

Joe
 

[samn40]

I don't think your tractor is 1955 as the Standard diesel was not used even in the British built FE35 until 1956. I am almost certain the standard diesel was not offered in USA until the tractors were being painted with red sheet metal and flint grey chassis. I have seen brochures with gold chassis and red tinwork. Usually if you look up under the dash you can see the original colours as the dash was seldom removed for a dealer paint job!
Sam
 

[H.P. Moore]

Thanks Guys,
I could be mistaken on the numbers. I work away from home and will check them when I get back on 12-21-2012

Phillip
 

[John(UK)]

They changed to heaters in the head at 188851 which was in 1958...John(UK)
 

[Tony in Mass.]

Mine has 4 glow plugs and is grey and red... when it is not running or the wind is in a good direction. I have a feeling your tag was squished so's that it perhaps was??? SDM 211,6xx??? I believe that would be 1960 or 61? so a MF paint, Standard diesel with glow plugs would all come together to make a fine tractor like mi.... agh... Sam's one here in the picture.


 

[samn40]

Sometimes if you take the serial number plate off you can read the letters from the back side, if they punched through. Or take it to someone you know that can xray!!!!Can you see any old paint on the chassis, what type of hood has the tractor?
Can you post a picture please?
Sam