What's the deal with the black-stripe 66 series?

I was always under the impression that the black stripe 66 series made the tractor a 1976 model. I'm looking at that 966 that's advertised as a 1975, but has the black stripe. When I go to serial numbers on this site it says the 966 was made from 1971-1975. I thought the 86 series came out in 1977. What's the deal?
Thanks
DJL

Gordo

HOWEVER, it sounds like the serial number list is incomplete for the '66 series on this site. That is understandable, as this site is supposedly dedicated to tractors made BEFORE 1972, and the '66 series is just bonus coverage.

The black stripe has a few improvements over the old "white stripe" '66 series. I can't name them all off the top of my head, but the obvious external difference is in the 3 point lift arms, at least on the 1066 and above. They're a beefier "square" casting rather than the round casting that had been present on older tractors. Of course, I may be talking out my butt here but I don't recall seeing the beefier 3 point arms on white stripe 1066 and 1466s I've seen over the years.

It's a little confusing 'taint it? :>)

This site's listing is not complete and your instincts are correct.

Don't go by the paint scheme.

The black stripes were made in '76, which was the last year of the 66 run and the tractor will have the tag down on 'er belly.

The '75 models had the tag on the left side bell housing area.

Allan

Erik

There is a little overlap in years.

You could buy 86 series in mid to late 76.
And you could buy a new 66 series in 76 or later till the old stock was sold out,but I beleive all were made in 75.

Thats what I remember anyway.

Gary

I really enjoy this forum, and often think about going to look for other IH forums with better software, but I just cant do it, heh.

Tomorrow night or thrusday I will probably have a thread up with progress on my tractor and pics. Yea some will find it pointless or annoying, but hey, some may learn, some may get ideas or some may learn what they DON'T want to do to their tractor. It doesnt matter, I still enjoy sharing. Nobody around here understands my newly found passion for tractors, especially friends of my age and when I talk about it, they give me the "so what?" look. It's nice to be able to talk to others who understand.