R2, Greenleaf, Wisconsin 54126
In the Spring of 1980, while driving a truck-mounted field
sprayer, I came upon what I recognized as a 1928 model A Ford
converted to a tractor with a kit. I had never seen one except in
farm papers many years ago. I took a break to look it over. The
front axle, wheels and spring were missing as were the water pump
and generator. Upon further examination, I saw the ‘kit’
was a ‘Pull Ford’ manufactured in Quincy, Illinoisselling
price $155.00.
To use the kit, the rear wheels were replaced with nine tooth
pinions which engaged a ring gear inside of a pair of steel
wheels.
The owner told me his Pull Ford had not been used since 1939. I
believe it had been parked outside ever since. The front bumper had
settled out of sight into the ground, as had the oil pan. After I
bought it, we had to cut a 5-inch tree before we could pull it
backwards.
When I started working on the engine, I found it was free. With
the head and pan off, I was surprised at the clean cylinder walls
and that the pistons rings were loose.
Mice had set up housekeeping in the water jacket of the engine
block and head even the radiator had mouse nests in it.
Nonetheless, there was no damage from freezing.
Being a member of the Wisconsin Antique Steam Engine Club helped
me to get in touch with a number of people who had model A
parts.
At a show in Oconto Falls, I met a man who had a water pump;
another family sold me a front spring complete with hangers, a
generator, carburetor and a few other minor part seven a crank. An
auto salvage yard had a pair of 21′ wire wheels with tires.
Gil Wendland, also a club member, gave me a lot of help with all
wiring which had to be replaced. Valve seats were refaced; bearings
taken up. It was a great thrill when the engine came to life!
We showed it in several parades and also at our show in Chilton,
Wisconsin.
This is the only model A conversion that I have seen. At another
show, there was a model T with a conversion kit. It had a ring gear
with teeth on the outside, which required the rear end to be turned
upside-down.
I’ll sign off with best wishes for all collectors of
interesting old iron!
