1949 8N Story

[Pminyard]

Over the past year I have been rebuilding my fathers (gone many years now) Ford 8N. My father rebuilt the engine many years ago and, according to my brother, did not use the tractor much after the engine rebuild. Thus, I did not feel it necessary to rebuild the engine--or even check if it would start. I took the tractor apart, cleaned everything up, replaced or renewed as needed and put it back together again. When I finished I climbed on and it started on the first try. According to my brother it had not been started in approximately 27 years....amazing old engine...and my father was an old fashioned mechanic that did it right....

 

[Fuddy Duddy]

You know, that is a great story. All of these old Ns have a lots of history behind them. Most of which is lost. These old tractors tend to grow on you. I wish I could find my Grand Paw's old tractor ( a red one). It's hard to believe how old these tractors are and still out there working. But to have one that has been in the family makes it even better. Hang on to it, take care of it and pass it on. It's worth more than money.

 

[OK8N]

Congrats on the rebuild!

The guy I bought my 48N from got the tractor from his Dad and it was obvious he regretted selling it. The reason was it struggled handling the heavier round hay bales. I get a little nostalgic every time I work it or piddle with it.

 

[Jim SC]

Interesting comment. I just finished planting 17 acres of corn with my 8N mutt, then sprayed the corn with a 21 foot boom carrying 65 gallons of liquid on the three point. Engine was cast in june, 1941, and purrs like a kitten. I don't have the one I grew up with, but I wouldn't be without one.

 

[Jim R]

It"s interesting reading these little stories about your old Ford 8n"s. I grew up on a dairy farm in northern New York state, and now live in Az. I have been tinkering with old tractors now for about 15 years, just as a hobby. While my main interest has been in Farmalls and John Deere"s that I grew up with, I recently bought a 1948 Ford 8n tractor ( long story). Growing up as a kid, there seem to be a "n" series Ford tractor on about every other farm around me. They seemed to be everywhere, although my Dad didn"t own one, and I really wasn"t around these little tractors much then. Now, since buying this 8n which is about 90% restored already, I have fallen in love with this little tractor, and find myself reading this forum a lot! They are such great little tractors, I can"t believe it took me this long to discover that! I am working on the brakes on the tractor, now, and it will be finished! I really enjoy reading this site and am really having fun with this tractor on my small acreage! I agree with the previous guy who says if it was in the family, it"s worth keeping and no amount of money should buy it! These are a disappearing piece of history that need to be preserved! Enjoy these tractors!