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What approach to take in getting family tractor ba

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Brian in NY

11-19-2004 06:20:58

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Well, I am real excited because I just found the records (old sales slip) that identify my Grandpa's old H that he bought new. They match up with the tractor that is sitting out in a pasture of the old farm. My Dad doesn't know yet...I want to surprise him when I pull into his driveway. He can't stop talking about that old girl...it is one of his fondest childhood memories. The tractor is not in the best shape...but has only been sitting outside for about 9 months now. Prior to that had been inside the barn but they pulled it out when it looked like the barn was going to fall in (it did.) So...I am pretty sure the feller would sell it. I talked to him about it before and we (my brother in law and I) weren't sure if it was the right tractor or not because we didn't know the serial # and there are several other H's on the property. My question is this...the guy doesn't know what kind of connection I have to the tractor. I didn't say too much when I was there talking to him cause I didn't want him to think I was the most recently born sucker. Should I tell the guy..hey this is a family tractor and would mean a lot to me to bring it home and restore it...or should I take the approach...I guess I'd be interested in that one there for a parts tractor? I don't mind paying a fair price...but I don't want to either get raked over the coals or lose my chance to grab it. I feel like I gotta do something right away...I really want this old girl bad. What do you guys think? By the way the current owner is an old friend of the family...my dad went to school with him.

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Dave (IL)

11-19-2004 20:55:44

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 06:20:58

Kinda getting back into tractors over the last year and a lot in the last few weeks. Bought an H a year ago as a utility tractor for 3 acres. Bought a 641 Ford two weeks ago. Suddenly I'm looking at the D2 in the shed and the F-12 in the weeds in a whole new light. Reading this yesterday prompted me to find out tonight where my Dad's H went to, and I'm going to got check it out in the next few days. My Dad's gone now, but my son is living in the farm house so this is pulling 3 generations together! Looking forward to hearing that he gives it to you!
Thanks for the inspiration from all of you.

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John A.

11-19-2004 20:36:46

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 06:20:58

Brian in NY, From what you have said about the tractor, It is very rough, probably stuck rubber probably poor at best, At best $500 tops. If it turns over /or runs....maybe $950 tops.
There are your ranges in price as I see it. Now to the matter of lost family tractor.....That would be my trump card at the git-go. How the tracttor got away from the family,are was sold to some neighbor,you just found the serial# in some old records and they match this ol darlin. NOW... with you Hat in your hand, Ask this fellow kindly if he could find it in his heart to part with it. So you can get her going for your eldery father. Ask please, hope for the best. A Prayer can't hurt either.
GIT HER DONE!!!!
Later,
John A

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andy b.

11-19-2004 19:09:02

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 06:20:58

i'd be up front with the guy. i have a few tractors around, and if someone came up to me and was being honest about it and wanted to buy one for the reason you do, i would gladly sell it for what i have into it (not counting my time). my feeling would be that i am not getting screwed as you probably aren't going to turn around and sell the tractor to make a profit i missed out on. besides, i can always get another one to replace the one i sold as it had no sentimental value to me.

andy b.

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caseyc

11-19-2004 08:55:32

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 06:20:58

well with all the opinions below, i myself would go the honest road first. if/when that fails then i would get down and dirty. JMO

good luck and keep us posted!

casey

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Tim...OK

11-19-2004 08:50:54

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 06:20:58

I think the honest approach is the best,even if you have to pay more than it's worth,you won't regret it.. My dads been gone for a couple years now,I got his 8N,honestly it's probably worth $1200-$1500,but I wouldn't take $10,000 for it,just because.. Just move on it before someone else does.

Tim

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lee

11-19-2004 07:46:28

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 06:20:58

I'd probably run a mild scam on it. I'd prolly get a bud who don't know the guy to stop over and act interested, just driving by, and try to buy it for a song and see if the guy will sell and if the guy takes the bait have him buy it right there. If the guy don't want to sell to your bud you may be out of luck. Some weeks later you might try your heartfelt approach and offer 2 songs. You might even hand it over to your dad to deal with the guy. If the guys are actually friends, it might work. Just cause they went to school don't mean much. Even if they're friends don't mean much as comes to money. If the guy is a cantankerous old coot he could go any which way and you're just not going to know. If he knows you want it bad he might just hold it or charge a big price and that's that. In the end all you can do is try to buy it and if you can't get it that's that.

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11-19-2004 07:26:28

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 06:20:58

Do not want to sound really mean, but I look at this this way. If you are real lucky, the man will have a heart and work with you if you tell the truth. I have my dad's uncle's 51 M. It was a locked up rust bucket 3 years ago, before he passed away, I showed him what his tractor looked like, his reaction was worth more than money could describe. My Dad was really happy to see this thing get back to looking new, He and his uncle bought them at the same time, same day, one number differant on serial number, so Pappy was kinda happy to see the old M run again. We also still have my grandfathers 1936 JD A, It is rough, but it is on the list of restoration.
As for the price on the tractor, I guess my Dad's happiness has no price tag, if I could bring back memories for my Dad, I would probably go a little wacko if it is a family heirloom. My .02 worth.

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Allan in NE

11-19-2004 07:49:14

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to JT, 11-19-2004 07:26:28

AMEN to that!!@!

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John in NE

11-19-2004 07:07:23

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 06:20:58

You will get a better deal if you're honest,and you will enjoy the tractor alot more knowing it wasn't illgotten.John.

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Dave D

11-19-2004 07:00:59

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 06:20:58

I negotiate for a living. Be upfront and frank with this neighbor and "family friend." Let him know that you want to restore it and surprise your dad with an important part of his heritage. The historic and emotional family tie to this old tractor will either resonate with this seller or it won't. In either case you will have taken the high road.

Worst case, you work with Seller to find a fair market value solution which replaces one old tractor with emotional value for just another old workhorse.

Best case, Seller completely understands your "right" to this part of your family legacy and makes you a sacrificial offer.

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williamf

11-19-2004 06:30:36

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 06:20:58

Brian,
Honesty. "By the way the current owner is an old friend of the family...my dad went to school with him."
He probably doesn't remember the particular machine's connection to your Dad, but if you tell him you want it for a parts tractor and later he sees your Dad on it and it's wearing a frsh coat and decals... Well, making somebody feel he's been had can be a strain on a friendship.
Good luck with the project,
Wm

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Allan in NE

11-19-2004 06:26:19

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 06:20:58

If your dad went to school with him, tell the guy what you are up to.

I think he'd like the idea too.

Allan

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Sloroll

11-19-2004 06:33:27

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Allan in NE, 11-19-2004 06:26:19

I agree with Allen (man that hurt!) If he doesn't have a conection to the tractor but really wants or needs an H you can ask him if you can buy one and swap. there are a lot of Hs out there and probbaly in better shape than the one you want. Boy I wish I had the opportunity to get my Grandfathers tractors back. I watched him cut the old Regular, UC and CC up for scrap when he sold his farm.

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captaink

11-19-2004 07:01:27

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Sloroll, 11-19-2004 06:33:27

What you said makes me realize how lucky I am. My grandfather bought a 1929 (not positive on the year) 22-36 off the show room floor and a 1952 GMC pickup new. I still have both and am working on restoring the pickup. The 22 is tight, but all there. I also have the 1940 B, 1950 M and 1972 966 (Allen, stop drooling) that my dad bought new and are all still running. My oldest son wants the pickup and my youngest son wants to do the older tractors.

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captaink

11-19-2004 06:54:40

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Sloroll, 11-19-2004 06:33:27

Brian,

I agree Honesty. Unless the current owner is a total jerk or an idiot, he will shoot you a square deal and nobody will feel hurt. If you try to deceive him to save a few bucks and he finds out later, you and your father�s reputation will suffer and their will be hard feelings. You might even pay less for it if he knows the background.

Nope, especially since the owner is an old friend of the family, I�d play it straight up with him. If its� just setting outside it is for sale or trade, just need to determine the price.

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Brian in NY

11-19-2004 07:06:13

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to captaink, 11-19-2004 06:54:40

I guess I need to clarify...I don't really care about saving a few bucks to obtain a family heirloom. I just don't want the guy (he is kind of an eccentric fella....marches to the beat of a different drum..know what I mean?) to put the price sky high (like $3500) because he thinks he just hit the jackpot. 1--I can't afford it at that price, 2--I might only have one shot at it...and don't want to screw it up. The tractor is one that if I didn't have sentimental ties to it....I wouldn't think it would be worth any more than $500 on a sunny day.

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Andy Martin

11-19-2004 07:59:57

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 07:06:13

Lots of eccentric people also have a heart.

Your dad might give you the best take on the guy.

But most people are glad to see a younger person take interest in something of their generation.

Facts:

1 Tractor was pulled out of barn (he doesn't think it is trash)

2 Tractor is still there, he did not haul it off for scrap (knows it has some value

In my opinion, most old guys like me don't like to get scammed, screwed, etc. If it were mine I would give it to you so long as you could convince me you weren't going to turn a fast buck with it.

I'm a blacksmith. I found a $1,000 trip hammer (Little Giant 50#) at a farm auction for $15. Nobody bidding. After I'd had it for ten years, the previous owner's grandson asked about it. He was going into business as a blacksmith and wanted it. I sold it ot him for $200 on the understanding I'd get first right of refusal if he decided to sell it. I felt guilty asking more than $15. If he's any kind of man he'll give it to you.

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Allan in NE

11-19-2004 07:44:55

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 07:06:13

Brian,

This is gonna sound kinda crazy to ya.

If I could ever find my dad's old H that I lost on that damned farm sale, I'd give $10,000 for the old critter without blinkin' an eye, no matter the condition. But, I'm a sentimental old sap too.

Now, he's gone and so is the darned tractor, thanks to my poor management skills. Sure, I�ve got a few bucks lying� around, but money means nothing to me as compared to what that tractor would. (Gawd! I hate carrying this guilt around!)

I think ya ought to go talk to this friend before that tractor finds a new home somewhere else.

Allan

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bud sather

11-19-2004 10:35:39

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Allan in NE, 11-19-2004 07:44:55

Not an old tractor,but I got and repaired my dad old saddle that had a broken tree. Had to special order that tree ( 6 month wait) and the fix it. The look on his face when he seen it ready to ride again, priceless. Dad is no longer here, but I ride it every once in a while just for memory sake.
Honest and up front of why you want the tractor and pay the price.

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Brian in NY

11-19-2004 08:03:54

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Allan in NE, 11-19-2004 07:44:55

Ya know Allen...you are right....again.

Don't you ever get sick of being right?

Years from now when my dad is gone, I won't care if I have some $ in my pocket....I will be able to enjoy the memories of having him know that we got that old girl back. I first thought I would hide it till I got it restored but my dad is too involved in what is going on in my barn to slip that one by him. Besides...I think it will be great doing it together....and he will get a lot of satisfaction out of it too.

I guess I am just nervous, having never really wanted any mechanical thing for sentimental reasons.

I don't want to con the feller...but don't want to get conned either due to my emotionally frail state.

I guess I'll just be straight with the guy and hope for the best.

Thanks for the advice.

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Allan in NE

11-19-2004 08:16:03

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 08:03:54

Two things:

First, I'm not "right" about this; I'm just old and have faced a lot of life's 'hurts' along the way. I'm just tryin' to pass some of 'em on, so others can be on the lookout and step around 'em like I was too stupid to do. :>)

Secondly, For the life of me, I cannot see how you can get "conned" on this particular tractor.

To he!! with that! Your dad (and others) might even think you're nuts for wanting to do it, but maybe this project is really between you and your own heart?

Go get the silly old tractor, or I'm comin' over there and will do it for ya. LOL!

Good Luck, Pard

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Sloroll

11-19-2004 09:34:51

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Softy in reply to Allan in NE, 11-19-2004 08:16:03

Well I dissagree with you Allan!(whew that felt better) You are right! At least we are in strong agreement. I would rather pay $1,000 for anything of my families history than have a lot of shiny Wallmart stuff for the same money. Matters of the heart grow priceless with age. I hate going to auctions and garage sales and seeing old photo albums saled. I know there is someone that would walk burning coals for them. As I grow older I pass my family treasures on to my neices and nephews.

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Brian in NY

11-19-2004 09:02:04

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Allan in NE, 11-19-2004 08:16:03

Well, guess I better get the ol Chevy fired up and go after her then....I'll let you all know the results asap.

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Dave D

11-19-2004 10:51:54

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 09:02:04

OK, so let's assume this family friend is indeed "eccentric" and maybe even has a bit of "wood" for the world. You think the H is worth maybe $500 on a normal day but he takes a nasty pill and demands $1000. If you can't talk him into the reasonable range, you counter with how 'bout I even-trade you another H in equal or better condition? If he doesn't accept and can't come up with a good reason why he won't take that deal, maybe your dad owes him money or he had his eye on your mom in high school and you just found out about it. Then you have to decide how much that H is really worth to you and your dad and the money you pay above $500 is an investment in knowing something interesting about the true character of this family "friend."

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lee

11-19-2004 10:19:54

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to Brian in NY, 11-19-2004 09:02:04

If you show a poker player your cards he'll take your money and never look back. I'm out numbered
so I hope I'm wrong and it all works out.

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Allan in NE

11-19-2004 11:03:17

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Re: What approach to take in getting family tracto in reply to lee, 11-19-2004 10:19:54

Lee,

No, the rest of us aren't using our heads on this one (perhaps, regrettably).

But, sometimes I look at things without shinning the bright light of cold-world reality on 'em.

You're not wrong at all; you are right.

But, I would just like to see this young man do something really nice for his dad. I think it is important.

Nice day to ya,

Allan

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