Ten Years

[Ultradog MN]

It was 10 years ago today that I first came on this board. I had gotten a 2N from my father when he passed and was looking around on Yahoo for a little information on it. Came across this place and decieded to look around a little more.
I think the first post I made was the usual "What do I have here?" I was told where to find the serial # (which was illegible btw) and was provided a link to Mr. Smith's great site to ID my new tractor.
I was still a little paranoid about giving out information on the internet then. So I picked a "handle" that I'd been given in the Navy years before.
A lot of guys have come and gone since then. Some like ToTg and Llamas are gone permanently.
Others like Ed Gooding and Dave#1 and the folks on the other board are just gone temporarily. I hope.
But a lot of you are still around - Dave Smith, Dell, Old, Jim UT and a lot of others here who have been around nearly since the board's inception.
Sometimes I wonder if the little Fords I see getting worked on aren't just recycled over and over.
Like, a guy buys a tractor, asks a lot of questions here while he fixes it up and uses it. Then for one reason or another moves on to a different brand or model and sells the tractor to a new guy who comes on and asks the same questions all over again.
Anyway, I just wanted to mention what a great board this is - YT in general too - and how much I have enjoyed the place. Also want to give a hearty thanks for all the knowledge I've gained, for the camaraderie I feel here and for the opportunity to share the things I've learned with others.
We have our disputes and arguments, we all take our licks on occasion but for the most part things tend to work themselves out and well, just look at how many of these old Fords are still running on account of this board.
I also want to thank Miss Kim and those behind the scenes for hosting the best and largest tractor site on the internet and for keeping our parts flowing to us in a painless and econominal way.
So there you have it; my morning cup of coffee and a perusal of "the boards". Only a little different today because I recognize how grateful I am for this place and to all of you - both the newbies and the old timers who have made it a great 10 years.
Jerry

 

[GB in MT.]

[b:5d6be4e757][i:5d6be4e757]

AW, Jerry;
Yer just an old softy at heart, course, there is great merit in what you say!!!
For an old timer here, yer self......Your bite don't quite match yer Bark.
Just don't send me any more carbs with no passages to clean out!!! :lol:

Gary [/i:5d6be4e757][/b:5d6be4e757]

 

[oldtanker]

Jerry yer an old timer.....I didn't get on here until march of 06. started on the garden tractor site and went from there.

But I agree, great site!

Rick

 

[terry/mich]

very well said UD, myself i have been here a yr and half. was a city guy who never been on a tractor, let alone owning one. that being said, i knew nothing about tractors at all, today i know alittle bit more. i learn something everyday on here. i"m amazed with all the knowledge that the guru"s are willing too share and thank them for helping us newbs out.

 

[Jerry Kirkpatrick]

UD, thanks for the great post. Like you I have been here nearly as long 'cause I bought my 51 8N in 1999 and knew nothing about maintaining it. I started under a different handle, JK TN, and after a few years being away, I came back under a different handle.

It was then I noticed that llamas wasn't active any longer. Wish someone would tell me what happened to him. Probably learned the most from him early on. He was one of the most erudite folks on here, but he wore it well.

This site and the folks who populate it have saved me a ton of $$$ and provided a lot of early morning grins.

Wish I could meet all of you in person.

JK

 

[old]

Ya I have been around here now for a little over 11 years. Doesn't seem like it but oh well good way to take a brake when you have to

 

[trac]

Man that must be good coffee!lol Just kidding i to learned alot and like to share what i might know especially with my morning cup of joe.

 

[Paul in MN]

Jerry,

Not only has this site been all you have said it is, but it has allowed some of us to get to know each other face to face. As a group, we have a wide range of ages and a huge range of occupations and experiences, and we would probably have never met without the introductry conversions on this site. I feel my life is much richer for having made such friends.

Do have a good day, and a good Easter!

Paul in MN


P.S. I have been hanging out on this board even longer than 10 years, but I can't pin the beginnings to any of life's events. But Llamas and I had many conversations going, and I had a huge respect for his knowledge. I would like to know what has become of him.


P.S.#2 In 1997, Successful Farming picked up on a conversation occuring on this site, and decided to do an article on the 50th anniversary of the 8N. They sent a writer/photographer up from Des Moine IA to my place during the pumpkin harvest that October. Our photo was almost side by side with the photo of the true authority of all "N" knowledge, Palmer Fossum. The article ran on pg 16 of the mid Feb 1998 issue of Successful Farming. Thank you to YT and SF for my 7 seconds of fame.

 

[Dell (WA)]

Jerry.......I "found" the board in 1995 just after YT made a specialize N-Board page. The Old Tractor Guy (ToG) in Denver and LLamas were early instigators and supplied info to convert to 12V. I'm surprized that all N's are NOT 12V by now. Well nether is my eazy startin' 52-8N.

I started with the 39pg FO-4 and a Stevens' Tractor catalog from Coushatta La. And a subscription to the N-News from Vermont that I found in the ag-newspaper Capital-Press outta Eugene, Oregon. .......Dell, long time reader

 

[bobs old iron]

i am a late bloomer, had tractors for 7+ years now because a friend got me started on them, even though i'm a car nut also. just got into the comptr age 1 1/4 years ago. got on yt dec 31. enjoying yt better than c-list. better late than never,huh, i turn 58 in july. lol

 

[don t-9n180179]

Hey Jerry.

We must have found this site about the same time. Recently I had a need to look for a post from a long time ago. While I do not recall the date of my very first post, I did come across my post about overlaying my roof. Using your tips, my roof is still holding up very well....Thank you.

I do agree, YT is one of, if not the best, site on the web. Not just the N board, but the other topics as well. Tool time, tractor talk, all good people with real world advise and expertise. I may not post much nowdays, but I frequent YT on a daily basis.

Have fun.....don t. .....

 

[Tom Jubilee]

My story..Bought 10 acres about 10 years ago (woods,creek,pasture...looked like a jungle in most places). Needed a tractor and a guy I knew had a friend who had one for sale. Bought it. Ford Jub. Key goes here --gas go here...that was my education and knowlege of a tractor.. Broke down about 8 years ago. About a year and a half ago I found this place. Tractor up and running and I know know what steering sectors are..where hydraulic fluids goes..what a bearing cup is...etc. Yes I was dumb as s**t. I like to think I have graduated to dumb as dirt thanks to ya'll.

Without you folks...still would have yard art.

I admire ya'll and do Truly Thank You All!!!

 

[8Nr--WI]

Jerry---you wrote--"Sometimes I wonder if the little Fords I see getting worked on aren't just recycled over and over."--I believe there is more truth to that statement than you realize...if only these little tractors could talk.

I just checked some notes, and found I passed my 5th Anniversary learning about these tractors on these boards last December...time flies when you are having fun.

You sure meet some neat and not so neat people that are into this "thing" we like to call old iron.

It never ceases to amaze me what I find when either stopping to look at a ford item along the roadside or going to look at something you find for sale....I have met 4 of our bretheren in WI that are all in their 70's, have no kids interested in this "stuff" and have barns full of Ford Tractors....I know it is hard to part with any of them, though....

My wife asked one of these guys how his wife puts up with him having so many tractors? He smiled and said, whenever I bring another one home, I just tell her I am working on it for somebody else....:>)

Have a great weekend and thanks for starting this post!!

Tim

 

[LeoinMI]

I am the new guy here having been on this site for only two years. But I sure have learned alot from everybody here and without your help I'd still be scratching my head over several issues I had with my NAA. I really appreciate all the advice and knowledge this site has to offer.
Also,..most of you guys are pretty good people and are considerate enough to tolerate us not so tractor smart newbees.
Thanks again,
Leo

 

[Jim in Ma.]

Good post Ultardog - We also should add a thanks to Kim and her crew. Where would we be with them?
Thanks - Jim

 

[Bob In Missouri]

Hey Jerry, I am the newbie here at just over 1 month. I bought my first ever tractor just over 6 weeks ago. 49 8N front mount. I appreciate guys such as yourself and many others who pass along your knowledge. I read most posts and have learned much that I have applied to my own tractor without even having to ask. I hope to be around in ten years and hope you and everyone else continues to share the knowledge. Thanks, Bob

 

[Gina's little cows]

Thank you for serving our country, Jerry, and sharing this inspirational piece.

(And, thanks for yours and others" help with my roll-over concern.)

Just FYI -- I had someone plow up our little pasture in some places. He had a new Kubota. While he was plowing, the PTO engage cable broke. He rigged a temp connection with bailing twine...(!) However, while I was helping him hold the cable, I notice the inside "wire" was plastic....

The older the better, for sure.

 

[horsepoor]

I have read this site for almost as long. My dad used to read this forum, and I started to around the time he passed in 2003. Never actually posted until recently. I moved to a small farm in the country in 2007. The wife wanted an 8N so we bought a 1949 8n with a Wagner loader and Dearborn blade. We also have a 1958 Farmall 240 that my Grandfather purchased new. I learned to drive on that tractor at age 9. You all have helped me with both of them over the years, and by reading archives, I never had to ask a question because someone else already had, sometimes on the same day I needed help. This truly is a great place.

-Horsepoor

 

[Anonymous-0]

I've only owned my 8N for about 3 yrs., but I have learned a lot about it thanks to the folks on this site. A friend of mine has just bought a 9N and it's going to take a lot of work, and I'm planning on helping him a little and will definitely tell him about this great site.
Thanks, Joe

 

[reddogge]

I can't remember when I found this site, maybe 4 or 5 years ago but it has been a saviour for me since mine is not a toy but my main lawnmower. I bought my 9N 21 years ago and if it broke down I had to wade through several manuals and if that didn't work, call the Ford dealer to pick it up (expensive). Haven't had to call the tractor co. since. Just had another episode this week that went on Monday to Thursday and I got my help here.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Thanks UltraDog for the great post. I got my 8n 1 year ago this month not running . No manual just this site it took me 4 days and just this site. My wife thought I was nuts my 8n has been running ever since. Thanks to all, Dell you crack me up.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

Well said.

I've learned plenty since I started posting here. As I recall, you & Dell replied to one of my very first posts as I was trying to replace an exhaust stud on my "new" 51 8N. I got the tractor in Oct, 2002. But, according to the "profile" page, I "joined" in March, 2009.

So, I guess I'm a 'newbie'!
50 Tips

 

[Anonymous-0]

Nice sentiments and I couldn't agree more. I found this site in Aug 2005 shortly after purchasing a tractor I never would have wanted (44 Ford 2N). But because of all the great guys on this site and what I have I learned I have come to really appreciate the simplicity Ole Henry had in mind. But again, cannot say enough about the quality of knowledge easily passed along here. Really enjoy the OT's as well and of course the pics. You're all a great bunch!

 

[HCooke]

I've been around this site for 8 or 9 years. Learned a lot and made some good friends. Wish I had known about this when I owned my first tractor - a 3 cyl 2000. Thanks to everyone who has helped me enjoy my hobby.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Bruce,
There was a post about that on the site comments board. Sounds like the right join dates are coming back.
Here

 

[Ultradog MN]

So many great replys.
And yet, just another of how many fine threads on this board?
Thanks

 

[GB in MT.]

(quoted from post at 18:39:26 04/22/11) Bruce,
There was a post about that on the site comments board. Sounds like the right join dates are coming back.
Here

b:37d40b393a][i:37d40b393a]
You bettcha, I email Chris and reminded him......as if he didn't have anything else ta do......Chris jumped right on it, and that eve, mine was back to where it is supposed to be!!!!!
That guy is a whiz-bang!!!!

Gary 8) [/i:37d40b393a][/b:37d40b393a][b:37d40b393a][i:37d40b393a]
You can tell I didn't check before I posted!!! :shock: [/i:37d40b393a][/b:37d40b393a]

 

[Charles Krammin]

I"m a "Newbie" but an "OT" and I appreciate advice of all. Seems I know something about you all.

I think I found my "nitch" for advice. Wrote an article for N-News "Growing up on a Ford" (1939 N) then a 8N. Sometimes I remansis, like "We broke an axle, pulling a horse slip scraper on Lake Michigan shore, and had to replace it standing in the water". I remember every implement and therfore can help in that area.

Thanks for putting up with a "Windbag OT"

Charles Krammin SW MI aka also MI Plowboy

 

[Ultradog MN]

Ohhh,
That's why your join date is showing up as 4/22/11? lol
Seriously though, it's a handy feature and i like it. Didn't show up till they got modern view.
When was that?

 

[T.D.From Iowa]

I guess I cut my teeth on 8ns,as my Grandpa had one and I worked my younger years for a farmer and I used one for everything I did there.
A couple years ago we had one on a Sale, and I thought it was going too cheap and got caught up in the moment and bought it. It has been my pride and joy. Although I don't post much. guys with handles like soundguy, Bruce, Ultra dog and Dunk have given me alot of Knowledge about the old girls along with gary in Mont. and I will even throw a Dell for safe measure alhough I don't know how to take him at times.You guys are all great . My wife says she will problaby bury me with my n, and I guess that wouldn't be all bad. Thanks for all the post, and I'll keep on reading.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

Didn't see that.....

I was waiting for someone to call me a newbie!

 

[GB in MT.]

(quoted from post at 19:19:43 04/22/11) Ohhh,
That's why your join date is showing up as 4/22/11? lol
Seriously though, it's a handy feature and i like it. Didn't show up till they got modern view.
When was that?

Lets see now....as I remember, the modern side has been on line since April 2007, and I was on the classic side, the last 3 mos. of 2006 and up till Jun 2007. That is when I registerd on the modern view of the forum.
Never knew about registration for the classic side until way later on, but My reg. date is right on for when I filled out the Mod. side format, as a member.!!! Been here ever since then!!!

Newbie
GB in MT
Gary

 

[ZANE]

I stumbled onto this site soon after I got my first computer in 1999. Can't remember the month???
Not too long after that I came up with my idea for a position control device for the Ferguson system lift and am still selling a few along.All thanks to this web site and Kim etc.

Thanks to all who have helped me over the years.

Zane

 

[R Geiger]

There isn't a day goes by where I don't learn something here. Is a pleasure to be part of this board and hope I can contribute something to it. Drove my first N when I was 6 or so, but only got my first one in 1998.

 

[2fordsmike]

Paul: I just read your remarks about the article I wrote for Successful Farming. One correction: I had the idea myself to do a story on the 50 year anniversary of the 8N in 1998 for SF. I had been around Fords tractors since about 1948 or 1949 and "sold" the idea to the editors there. By the way, I currently own three Ford tractors--a showy Jubilee, a very good 841 and a 2000 Offset. These are housed in my Morton building near Spirit Lake, IA. I will always appreciate your help with that article. Since then, I have photographed more than 100 tractors for the Classic Tractor Calendar. We also own several farms in Missouri. I turned 71 yesterday. Cordially, Mike Hood

 

[2fordsmike]

You reminded me how much I enjoyed this forum over the years. I was hoping to learn to be a mechanic in retirement, but got too tied up with agricultural photography, farming, family, and a Casita travel trailer. I greatly appreciate all of the guys--in the old days Llama, Zane and Dell. In recent years, you the newer guys. I have occassionally offered suggestions on machine operation (I spent 100s of hours on various Fords in the 40s, 50s and 60s on our farms). I have greatly enjoyed this forum and the ads. Recently bought a JD 2240 through them. Thanks to all of you and Kim. Cordially, MIke (I turned a healthy 71 yesterday)

 

[G6 at Snook, TX]

(quoted from post at 01:30:50 04/23/11) . My wife says she will problaby bury me with my n, and I guess that wouldn't be all bad.

I have been on this site now three years. I have enjoyed almost every minute. I read it every day even if I don't post.

As for my 8ns I imagine the 52 6v sidemount will mow the family cemetery where I will be buried. It has done it for my grandfather (he bought it used in '58 or '59) and the other members of the family. It will do it for my father, and, hopefully, for me at or near 100 years old with that old howling Corsicana shredder. That howl is music to my ears.

 

[Paul in MN]

Wow!!

Mike,

I had no idea you were still here on this board. Many things have changed since that article, but I am still at the same place. However the developers are crowding us hard. The empty field across the road from us is scheduled for 200 houses on postage stamp size lots (Ugh!!).

My son Brian (blue T shirt in photo) got married and now has 3 kids, all who love the pumpkin raising. However he had a fire in his shed that housed all the pumpkin equipment. Total loss for every piece of that equipment. So there have been no pumpkins here or at his place for the past 2 years. We had custom built the 2 row planter, and other specialty equipment, so it was not easy to replace.

I still have the same 8N, plus another one to rebuild. No fancy paint jobs yet, just "work clothes" and an occasional bath with the pressure washer.

Thank you for the follow-up after the article was published. I do enjoy the slides you sent.

May good health be with you, and may you still be running those Fords for at least another 20 years.

Thanks for the memories!

Paul in MN

 

[Ultradog MN]

2FM, I remember you. Knew you from the N board here then when I bought my first blue tractor 8 years ago you answered several questions I had pertaining to it - mostly on the Ford board. You disappeared for a looong time though. What happened? Lately though I've seen you make a post or two. Welcome back.

 

[JB in Co]

I'm a city boy, retired now, wife wanting country life and animals, never owned or even rode a tractor, until 2 years ago, I found my 53' Jubilee and this site. The advice and help from all you guys has been invaluable.(Tractors and OT's) This site and you guys are the best!!Thanks, John in Colorado, turning 61 next month.

 

[sfurn52]

I don't remember when I first came on this board.

Bought my 8N sometime in the 90's & joined soon after that -- had to re-join with the switch-over.

I know I've received a ton of help here & gave back very little!

 

[DON TX]

I noticed my 10 yr is in Aug. You and most of the others have definitely been fun to watch. (%^) Ya'll have taught me much and entertained me more. Thanks.
DON TX

 

[JJ in MO]

I have been "lurking" here for a few years and finally decided to join and post.

I can't believe how much information is on this forum! I got my '48, 8N in 2006. It came with a bush-hog <sp?>, a rear blade, and a plow all for $1500.00. (I still feel like I stole the thing!) It ran great for a season and then wouldn't start. I found the information I needed about the distributor and repaired it. Then it ran for another 4 years and stopped again. I just finished rebuilding the carb with more information I found here. I am hoping to install it today and get it running.

Thanks for all the help and I look forward to many more years on this site.

Jake

 

[Anonymous-0]

Been on the board for about 5 years, but started working on the fords with dad when I was 10 years old,and 35 years later im still working on the fords. Tractor Rod

 

[msgove]

I first found the main website in December, about three weeks after my wife and I bought 12 acres in Western Massachusetts that happened to come with a 1946 (I think) Ford 2N. I read some articles and bought the repair manual (which came in handy when I burned out the points after my first use), but just really discovered this discussion forum a couple of days ago, and am amazed at how active it is. Our 2N is operational (when I don't screw things up), but she is showing her age, and I'd like to refurbish her from the bottom up (mostly so I'll know more when something else goes wrong down the line), so I'm looking forward to learning from everyone's experience, and passing on my own. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to post and share all this information -- I'm a lot less lost then I would have been without it.