Identify my Oliver 88

[SIIaCanuck]

I picked up my 88 Standard yesterday. It starts like a charm, idles really nicely but a bit rich. The rear tyres are as old as the hills and falling apart so I need to find a decent set of 16.9/14R30 tyres. One valve stem has been leaking and corroding the wheel so I need to find a replacement wheel too.

I'm going to rebuild the carb and put an electronic ignition into it in the short term. A general refurb will follow once haying is done (it's a hay-rake tractor and this is a wet year).

My main concern at the moment is that the data plate is missing (along with the centre 'Oliver' grille bar). Where do I find a serial number on the frame? I'd like to know more about my machine than just an 'approximate' age and model.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Where did you look for the serial number plate? They have been in 2 locations. Early ones were mounted on th right side of the transmission case, later ones on the dash on the lower left side. There were enough changes in those tractors we can get you close if there is no plate. Block casting numbers will help as well there is a casting date on the bottom of the transmission case. A series of pictures would help as well

 

[Anonymous-0]

Production 88s had three different brake designs.. The latest design used disk brakes. This can give you a general idea of the year of manufacture.

 

[gordey]

The big back tires would suggest its a late model
with the serial tag on the dash, it should have disk
brakes along with the better steering. Should be a
1952 or 53.

 

[SIIaCanuck]

Gents,

It seems I have the double disc style brakes with the actuating lever that points back toward the final drive/axle casing.

Here are a series of photos of the beast:

Bent seat frame:

Corroded rear wheel:

Good rear wheel:

Dash:

Non-standard muffler and cut-out in hood:

Hacked battery access panel:

Front end & Grille:

So, as you can see, a few bits of TLC required. First order of business is to get the Duv-all loader off of the old girl and advertised on kijiji.ca. A new rim and two decent rear tyres will be needed ASAP.

Then rebuild the carb and make sure she’s ticking along happily, fix the right brake and straighten the seat frame.

After that, it’ll be reconditioning the seat suspension (rubbers and bushings) before cracking on with a it of bodywork.

 

[SIIaCanuck]

Where on the dash should the serial tag be mounted?