I've been a member here for sometime, but only as a passive forum reader.
I recently purchased an early '50 8N from my neighbor. It generally runs OK but it looks rough, and the lift hydraulics don't work. My intent is to refresh it mechanically as necessary to use it for brush mowing, starting with the non-functioning hydraulic lift. I'm particular and try to return equipment, or at least as much as reasonably possible, to as-original.
Planning to pull the hydraulics cover, I've removed the seat assembly and the seat attachment hardware for the seat spring to the tractor has me confused. Though this may sound trivial, I'm trying to sort out what was original.
The parts diagram calls for two "Screw Stud", part #88383S. When I look up this part specification it lists two different versions, 7/16-14x1 3/8" coarse thread, and 7/16-20x1 3/8" fine thread. Listing two different specs for the same part number seems odd to me, but OK.
So I compared this spec to what my tractor currently has and I find the rear most mounting hole has a 7/16-20 (probably original) stud. I'm not sure of the length as I haven't removed it. The front hole has a 7/16-14 bolt and it's a ¾" long. The front hole thread is intact, appears to be original, and is a through hole. I've looked at lots of photos and videos trying to determine what may have been original and I've seen just about every combination of fasteners used here from two bolts, two studs, and mixed together with one stud and one bolt, like mine.
My question is... what was original? It seems odd that Ford would used a fine thread on the rear stud and a course thread on the front, but one never knows. That's also what the parts diagram seems to suggest.
I've included a photo of the mounting area. The front of the tractor is at the top of the photo. Thank you in advance for any advice.
I recently purchased an early '50 8N from my neighbor. It generally runs OK but it looks rough, and the lift hydraulics don't work. My intent is to refresh it mechanically as necessary to use it for brush mowing, starting with the non-functioning hydraulic lift. I'm particular and try to return equipment, or at least as much as reasonably possible, to as-original.
Planning to pull the hydraulics cover, I've removed the seat assembly and the seat attachment hardware for the seat spring to the tractor has me confused. Though this may sound trivial, I'm trying to sort out what was original.
The parts diagram calls for two "Screw Stud", part #88383S. When I look up this part specification it lists two different versions, 7/16-14x1 3/8" coarse thread, and 7/16-20x1 3/8" fine thread. Listing two different specs for the same part number seems odd to me, but OK.
So I compared this spec to what my tractor currently has and I find the rear most mounting hole has a 7/16-20 (probably original) stud. I'm not sure of the length as I haven't removed it. The front hole has a 7/16-14 bolt and it's a ¾" long. The front hole thread is intact, appears to be original, and is a through hole. I've looked at lots of photos and videos trying to determine what may have been original and I've seen just about every combination of fasteners used here from two bolts, two studs, and mixed together with one stud and one bolt, like mine.
My question is... what was original? It seems odd that Ford would used a fine thread on the rear stud and a course thread on the front, but one never knows. That's also what the parts diagram seems to suggest.
I've included a photo of the mounting area. The front of the tractor is at the top of the photo. Thank you in advance for any advice.
