Dale from Indiana (ford baler)

Now to the subject of Ford colors of the 50's: Most of what I know is based on what I've read. However, I can say that my '55 Ford 850 (tractor) has been repainted at least once. I can tell by the outline of the original decals under the current coat. I have the orangy red on the castings, but where it has peeled there is a "redder" red underneath. One source that I tried to link but was denied due to YT fears of competition, says that tractor colors remained the same from the 8N through the first Hundred series (600/700/800/900). Then in '58 when the Hundred series was upgraded to the x01 series', the colors shifted a bit. The gray went lighter (almost off-white) and the red went kind of orange...kind of a tomato red. Since then, the only paint you could buy from Ford (and then New Holland) for repaints and touchup was the newer shades. That's why so many older Fords have the newer shades of gray and red. Email me if you would like the forbidden link.

Where abouts are you in NC? I may be down that way in late July just west of Ashville. I'd like to see your collection of Ford balers.

Shoot me an e-mail.

Thanks!
Bill