Serial Number

Thank you for the info. I found the flat spot but could not read the numbers, if any were there.

Bob (WV)

If that serial number plate has been painted a few times, it may be hard to read any numbers. The numbers were hand stamped INTO the boss plate, meaning they are are not raised numbers like some of cast numbers you will find on the tractor. You can try using some paint remover (brush cleaner) on the area to soften the paint. Once the area is cleaned, you can try rubbing chalk over the plate and wiping it lightly. This leaves (hopefully) the chalk dust in the grooves, making them easier to see. Other people say you can shine a flashlight sort of sideways across the plate at night. It should start with 8N followed by six digits, in the case of a 1950 8N.
In this picture of my serial boss, the 8N is obliterated, but you can see the 419915 fairly clearly, as well as some "ghost" numbers (like that 2).
Good luck uncovering yours!
Carl

Here's my theory: Your tractor originally came with s/n 419915 but the engine blew. Owner bought a good engine block out of a salvage yard and stamped his original s/n on the new block over the number that used to be on the replacement block.

The 1 and 9 don't look like the same style you usually see on s/n.

btw, you did real well at that auction to pick up that rear scoop for a good price.

Freight from Utah to New Hampshire would probably be interesting....probably about $20 to $25.

Thanks for the offer. This weld, although crude & ugly has held for the 25+ years I've owned the tractor, so I'm not contemplating replacing it.
I know you are always parting out N's so I'll keep you in mind. My tractor came to me without a front grill because of the loader. I had a piece of 1/4" square hardware cloth instead. I replaced that last year with a nicer screen with the Ford logo from the Ford Farming screen that Rustbucket Dan used used. I might at some point be interested in a grill I could refurbish. I have a 1951 8N. The rub is the shipping costs from Utah to NH!

Carl