Tractor Grille Shells on your hot rod?

[Johnny Ace]

We have seen some very nice tractor grilles sitting in numerous desolate fields...no doubt, many of you have as well....We are getting ready to rescue a few, and were wanting to request any photos from the board of anyone utilizing a tractor shell on their hot rod....also, if you know what it came off of?
We are guilty of doing mental cuts on 'em in the short amount of time it takes to drive by, but what are the realities of adapting one to a project?
Thanks in advance.....

[Jester]

sorry for ot'ing on your post but I just got to know......is there more than one of you inside that head....I've noticed its always "We". Are you encluding Kali or do we have something in common with the skitzofrantic don't panic disorder............

[dixiedog]

Oh boy - now the cats out of the bag!!

I have been bidding for one of these on egay for a while now unsucessfully, seems the restorers like to give good money for a straight one. And, a decent name plate goes for big $$$.

just verify dimensions from the seller and some are cast iron so the weight will kill your shipping budget. The WC grills seem to be prevelant and fit nicely, Deeres are usually too narrow (~17") Ford 800 series look cool and could work with sides added to them.

Here's a trick - when searching the 'gay spelling can be grill or grille and sometimes shroud will show one.

Can't believe I am rambling like this, but we are family.

[hunter lake]

I actually know a guy from a local club who is using a tractor grill setup on a kustom 28 dodge roadster, I'll try to post some pictures in a bit .......

hunter

[Johnny Ace]

You got it right on both counts, Jester....
Ever heard of Chang and Eng?

Photos?Anyone?

[junk runner jr]

I always thoght a grill off of a Cockshut would be cool.

[cleatus]

Funny you mention this, as just a few days ago I spotted a really cool art-deco style grill and hood on an OLD snow cat at an abondoned ski area not far from here. Would look really cool on a roadster. Tempted to go up there late some night with a box of tools.

[Anderson]

I may or may not be using one like this on my modified...may use most of a '37 truck shell instead. This is an older Case shell.

http://www.classiccarsofsc.com/images/45CaseTractor.jpg

Here's one:

[DrJ]

[ QUOTE ]
I always thoght a grill off of a Cockshut would be cool.

[/ QUOTE ]

Those were cool looking in th 40s but I wouldn't want to bother splainin the name all the damn time.
I would put a '48 Oliver shell on a Model A rod in a second.

[FORD FAN]

Not to change the subject to much, but I saw a pic in a magazine article on Vern Tardell's shop of a 34 sedan with a narrowed 37 truck grill. That looked really sweet. Much better than the super expensive 34 grill shell.

[Cword]

If you look at your HAMB calendar, in the garage scene, that's a Cockshutt grill hanging infront of the banger motor.

[Johnny Ace]

This is what originally got us going...Hans' 27 Roadster project...
( this photo was taken awhile back,the sbc was for temp mock-up...Flathead Caddy reserved for it.)

The grille came from a '37 IH 2-ton truck....Hans' shortened it approx.8" and will ultimately narrow it another 2".....he will handmake a wire insert for it...

http://www.johnnyace.homestead.com/posts/sp01-010.jpg

[cornfieldrodder]

I'm useing a 30s Minniapolis-Moline shell. I'ts a bit heavy, but it mounts through the bottom flange, has headlight stantion mounts and is heavy duty enuogh to support the radiator. The grille on them is just expanded metal, so I may buils something out of aluminum.
The Cockshut grille is beautiful. A one man mod would look cool with a David-Bradley shell.

[slammed]

That pic of K&R's idea work's well ineed.

[scarylarry]

Hey Johnny, I have an extra tractor shell for ya. I got $435.00 in it...let me know if you are interested. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[smittyshotrods]

Hey Johnny, Here is the one I'm using on my T. Its a 1937 Oliver.

[Johnny Ace]

Great posts,folks.....I forgot to ask about other shells being put to use,so it's good that other vehicles are being included in the thread.....

[cadlights]

Here's one I found in a gullywash in St Charles Idaho about
twenty two years ago. It hung out as yard art till about two years ago when I had a brainstorm for the coupe. Filled all three holes and made the insert out of 5/16 rod.
Allis Chalmers, early fifties I think. But then who cares.

[fab32]

I'm going to use a '48 Oliver grille and shell on a modified project I'm collecting parts for. I got it from an Oliver restorer before they got popular, now he wants it back, He's out of luck http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Frank

[olskool37]

What about a Ford 8N grille, on a Ford 'bucket?
http://www.pickettauctions.com/Hartman%20Auction/Ford%208N.jpg
if that doesn't work try the link
Ford 8N tractor (http://www.pickettauctions.com/Hartman%20Auction/Ford%208N.jpg)

[Levis Classic]

I'll be using a mid 50's case shell on my Tudor!

[Crease]

Johnny,

It's a great way to go. They're very unique and in most cases cheap. We (Im not a Schizo, talkin bout the Barons) went out to a local yard with Barnett and found a nice one. We couldn't get that thing pulled off quick enough. It'll be goin on Danny's little bucket.

[Fat ASS Whitewalls]

I have two of these. Dean

[ChuckleHead_Al]

And I thought I was alone, when it came to tractor grilles.. They are the shiznit..

[Jimv]

This is an example for "something differant is cool" No matter what you do or think,its still a tractor grill!They belong on tractors!!Come on guys this is a "fad" that should never catch on.
I know a guy whos building a T bucket & hes using an old "standup" milk truck grill & let me tell you its the ugliest fuckin thing I have ever seen put on a rod.Nothin wrong with a nice Model A or duece grill.I know your going to say"Everybody" uses those but the reason they'
re used is cause they look good!!lol
JimV

[zman]

[ QUOTE ]
.Nothin wrong with a nice Model A or duece grill.
JimV

[/ QUOTE ]

Except the price these fools want for them now. That's what's apealing about an alterantive, they're usually really cheap.

[Dago Red]

[ QUOTE ]
No matter what you do or think,its still a tractor grill!They belong on tractors!!


[/ QUOTE ]

I thought this was hot rodding. Nothing "belongs" anywhere. If it looks cool (and no one can tell me that those swoopy Oliver and Cockshutt grilles don't look cool), go for it.

[dixiedog]

Olskool - The problem with the 8N & 9N grilles is you need to cut/tack the hood and sides to make a unit, not that it can't be done, it would get pricey unless you have one laying around.

[Kooter]

heres the same or similar grille as one posted already on a different rod.

[Fat ASS Whitewalls]

[ QUOTE ]
heres the same or similar grille as one posted already on a different rod.

[/ QUOTE ] Same car. BenD built it here in Missouri. Dean

[Fat ASS Whitewalls]

2

[scoop]

I can get all sorts of Minneapolis and Allis shells for 20 bucks apiece at a salvage yard nearby.I'm using one on my wifes T.Different rules!!!!

[olskool37]

[ QUOTE ]
Olskool - The problem with the 8N & 9N grilles is you need to cut/tack the hood and sides to make a unit, not that it can't be done, it would get pricey unless you have one laying around.



[/ QUOTE ]
I think I'm gonna have to start looking now, so's if I get the chance I'll have it. I think it would really screw with some people, with the Ford center emblem 'n all

[BenD]

Yep, same car I built. Well, sorta. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

That grille is a mid 50's Allis chalmers baler. The tractors had a slat style insert while the balers had the mesh inserts.

Olivers are the thing for a track style car.

I also used a new 8N ford radiator behind that and it worked great after some outlet relocation.

[AHotRod]

Tractor Grill's RULE !

HotRodding is all about Coolness

[SanDiegoJoe]

Got to talking to an old timer in a knife shop in Julian (CA) Turns out that he was really big on restoring old tractors. The ones that were too far gone turned into yard art and the others he was rebuilding back to stock. Spent most of his off time searching for parts or working on the tractors. He was really into it.

I guess that for every vehicle ever made there is a hobyist out there fixing them up.

(Some guys actually spruce up mini trucks... Fancy wheels and everything.)

[JamesG]

Heres one on eGay, hurry!
Farmall!!!!!!!!!!!!! (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=63983&item=3823664 264&rd=1)

[crow]

Thank you 1LowDelivery,sir!! Just won this sucker for 32 bucks! Gonna use it or an old Oliver for the nose of the modified I plan to make out of the straight 6 flathead I have left over from my 28 Poncho build up. Thanks for the finding, where do I send the six pack?

By the way, I grew up down the way from Toadsuck, AR so I can relate, brother.

[AHotRod]

I'd like to see more pixs of Tractor Shells, anyone have some links?

AHotRod
Pops

[crow]

here's my Oliver...

[crow]

and the Farmall i just won...

http://i8.ebayimg.com/01/i/02/06/bd/f8_1.JPG

[crow]

one sexy bitch...

[kentucky]

Here is a Cockshutt. I stole the pic from www.ytmag.com (http://www.ytmag.com) go to tractor photos and check some out. Just remember there are a lot of tractor restorers out there too, probably more than you would think.

http://www.tractorshed.com/gallery/tphotos/5475.jpg

[kustombuilder]

a friend has this narrowed and sectioned Oliver. it came with a 1918 Dodge project he put together, but he decided not to use the shell, i think i might try to acquire it...

it looks to have started out just like the Oliver shell above...

[AHotRod]

CROW,
What year is that Oliver grill ???

AHotRod

[slammed]

[ QUOTE ]
Here is a Cockshutt. I stole the pic from www.ytmag.com (http://www.ytmag.com) go to tractor photos and check some out. Just remember there are a lot of tractor restorers out there too, probably more than you would think.

http://www.tractorshed.com/gallery/tphotos/5475.jpg

[/ QUOTE ] Look at this! It's a streamliner just waiting to happen. Like that WW2 tank turned 'roadster'. Smaller scale. Great find Kentucky!

[Levis Classic]

Heres my peaked, stretched and wrapped 50's Case on the Tudor:

[Greezy]

Whats with all the field cars...sorry couldnt resist. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[crow]

Glenn, that is a 1945 model 60 grill, the absolute most beautiful thing in existence.

[AHotRod]

Ya gotta admitt, these "Alternitive Grills" give some serious charactor to Hot Rods.
I like most I've seem so far....maybe becuse I'm an old Iowa Farm boy.

AHotRod

[Johnny Ace]

AHotRod,
That's our thinking, as well.......here on the Tx Gulf coast,farmland meets the beach for miles....farms and ranches hold years worth of abandoned tractors....
Cleatus.....what about that Snow Cat? Just curious....

What about truck grilles?
Anyone?

[Levis Classic]

I got a line on some old REO truck grills that are incredible. Need to be cut down but man are they cool.

[crewcutkid]

oh, REO speedwagon, eh? Sorry, bad joke.
-Crew

[cornfieldrodder]

How about a narrowed and sectioned B-61 Mack grille? Yummy

[The Harpoon]

Check your local listings for repeats of one of my favorites on the farming network: Classic Tractor Fever!!!!

If you like old tractor grilles still on tractors.
go to www.classictractors.com (http://www.classictractors.com)

[lulabelle]

[ QUOTE ]
Funny you mention this, as just a few days ago I spotted a really cool art-deco style grill and hood on an OLD snow cat at an abondoned ski area not far from here. Would look really cool on a roadster. Tempted to go up there late some night with a box of tools.

[/ QUOTE ]I am thinking about getting an old groomer grille for my 27.I work in the ski biz,so,I see them all the time.I just have to talk someone into letting me get one.

[AHotRod]

Here is my IH grille that I just aquired for my beater project........

[crow]

Nice one, Glenn!

[AHotRod]

anyone got any more to share?

[kustombuilder]

picked up this Oliver shell at a salvage yard up north. don't know what i'll do with it but maybe i'll build a car around it someday. i took it apart today, hammered some dents out and will send it to be blasted next week...

[kustombuilder]

there were several neat tractor shell in this yard...

[kustombuilder]

and this one which OBVIOUSLY does'nt even belong on this tractor...

[willowbilly3]

I was thinking a tractor grille (8N maybe) made into a nice one piece hood and have it tilt foreward. No sides of course. Actually the Ferguson may look better.
I have seen the groomer grilles, like the Tucker snocat. Cool and I think they made those the same up into the 70s, maybe later.
Any pics of a Minneapolis Moline? They had some awesome looking grilles too.

[cornfieldrodder]

No pics, but I have a M-M model Z shell for mine. An Oliver model 70 row-cropper shell has to be one of the best looking, though. Hmmm, eBay, here I come.
Have you priced decent Ford or Fregie shell/hood assemblies? Damn, for a bit more a guy can get a whole tractor!

[AntiBling]

[ QUOTE ]
No pics, but I have a M-M model Z shell for mine. An Oliver model 70 row-cropper shell has to be one of the best looking, though. Hmmm, eBay, here I come.
Have you priced decent Ford or Fregie shell/hood assemblies? Damn, for a bit more a guy can get a whole tractor!

[/ QUOTE ]

People pay a lot for old tractors, and I do mean a lot. We had a guy who started a antique tractor museum up here, well hes nephew finally inherited everything, and sold it all off last year. They were hauling out pos tractors that were all smashed up, and totally restored ones. The cheapest they went for was 3000 and the top sale was like 280,000 for one. Tractors were shipped all over the world.

So my advice is go out, find your grilles now before they cost too much.

[bottle]

we have a few new inserts made up that fit this grill shell contact bottel if you might be interested in one 815-5477534 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[lilbill]

here's a ford

[Stoner]

Growing up with tractors instead of hot rods, I always think of the parts that can be transferrable to the hot rod set--the Ford 2N, 8N and 9N grilles (like the one above) looks great, but they come in basically six pieces! You'd have to do alot of cutting and shaping, but it would be neat. The side wing panels would be the biggest challenge, I think, to fit and mold into a grille surround.

Also, if you bought headlights for your new N back in 38-42, you could get these neat little 'wing' bezels that would mount the headlight buckets to the side of the grille wing panels. I've always thought they'd be real neat little additions to a hot rod--there's my freebie!

ALSO, the Ford 600, Jubilee and 860 (I think) have real neat grilles. They all have a 'cyclops' eye piece in the center above the actual grille where a chrome piece featuring a real stylized ear of corn and the model number went--a great place to put a homemade piece or Tucker-style headlight. Just a thought...

[kustombuilder]

[ QUOTE ]
ALSO, the Ford 600, Jubilee and 860 (I think) have real neat grilles. They all have a 'cyclops' eye piece in the center above the actual grille where a chrome piece featuring a real stylized ear of corn and the model number went--a great place to put a homemade piece or Tucker-style headlight. Just a thought...

[/ QUOTE ]


i always thought those would look cool on some wild Oldsmobile (or Olds powered) custom roadster, cause of the big "O" on the top center of the grill...

[Fat ASS Whitewalls]

Here's a picture of my Ferguson. The front grill and hood is one piece, and tilts forward. It would be easier to use on a Hotrod than a Fordson

[Anderson]

Tractor shells RULE, and you need one. Guess what, I've got one! The exact one you need! Just like this one...

http://www.classiccarsofsc.com/images/45CaseTractor.jpg

And you are gonna trade me a '37 Ford Truck shell (which can be rusted or smashed to hell at the bottom towards the point) for it, straight across.

Just PM me and we'll talk!!!

[willowbilly3]

Hey while you guys are poking around the hayseed junkyards keep an eye out for me a couple insterment panels from the 67-79 Ford trucks and buses. Like the F-600 size. All you need is to take out about 10 phillips screws and unplug it. The 67-72s are the best but the 73-79s work too.

[bootie]

over here tractors like that are concreted into the ground in playgrounds - all you need is a bit of wd40 and some tools - seriously though nz farms are littered with old tractors as are all the beach communities - they use them for launching boats $500-$1000 will get yo a good working massey fegusson tractor - i'll go find some photos of the old concreted in tractors.

[junkmonger]

I've had some spectacular disasters when searching for 'different' grills for my 27 T! Bought this Farmall C grille back in March, and didn't realise how rusty and bent it was until I got it.

[junkmonger]

Then I got this one and didn't know it was too small (7 inches tall) until I had it shipped from Argentina! Might make a cool pedal car grill.

[The37Kid]

[ QUOTE ]
I always thoght a grill off of a Cockshut would be cool.

[/ QUOTE ]


Saw this one today

[bootie]

i'm sorry but i can;t contain myself - who would name something a cockshut and why? - would somebody please enlighten me

[willowbilly3]

Probably some old German named the company after himself. My sister had a german friend in high school named Hazel Kaukberner. I had a korean customer named Suzi Suk Wang. What if her family made cars? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[junkmonger]

Why settle for just a grill when you can have a whole tractor-powered buzz saw!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=46093&item=2488263 759&rd=1#ebayphotohosting

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[famous59]

Here is a pic of my 2nd project, shell courtesy of one cool ass COLLLOW member.

[JamesG]

How about some Porsche tractor grills?

http://i9.ebayimg.com/01/i/02/2a/99/98_1.JPG

http://www.duffieldderbyshire.co.uk/steam/images/tractor3_04_jpg.jpg

http://www.ulstersteam.co.uk/gallery_files/rally03/tractor/4564.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/elwoodbluesii/PDT-_Right_Front.jpg

http://www.christurner.com/tractorl.jpg

[JamesG]

I found one more. It's a Minneapolis Moline, it's badass.

http://www.ulstersteam.co.uk/gallery_files/rally03/tractor/4786.jpg

[manyolcars]

willowbilly, show'em the very cool grill you got. They will fight for that one

[manyolcars]

willowbilly has a Great looking grill for sale in the classifieds

[AHotRod]

BTTT for the FNG's .... How to be Cool here ...



willowbilly has a Great looking grill for sale in the classifieds

[Levis Classic]

Heres where my 50's Case looks like after some work by Kustombuilder and myself.

[Flathead Youngin']

I'm not sure where I got this so I can't give credit....

[Rand Man]

Looks like a Ferguson.

[61Lancerwagon]

[ QUOTE ]
I always thoght a grill off of a Cockshut would be cool.

[/ QUOTE ]

Those were cool looking in th 40s but I wouldn't want to bother splainin the name all the damn time.
I would put a '48 Oliver shell on a Model A rod in a second.

I would never have even known to think of looking for one of those. That would look killer. Actually that has to be one of the coolest looking tractors I can remember ever seeing too.

Randy

[Donzie]

Ok, so I'm sold on using one for my PU project but what radiator are you using in these?

[Levis Classic]

Ok, so I'm sold on using one for my PU project but what radiator are you using in these?

$99 65/66 Mustang radiator from Radiator.com fits just fine!

[Donzie]

Thanks Brett, that's what I was hoping for.
Now I just gotta stumble across a shell. :D

[AHotRod]

I found mine on Ebay..... search: Tractor Grill



Thanks Brett, that's what I was hoping for.
Now I just gotta stumble across a shell. :D

[monaroau]

Here is a Hungarian example..

http://www.geocities.com/statyou2003/boxirod.JPG

[**MCQUEEN**]

....is a 1945 model 60 grill, the absolute most beautiful thing in existence.

Very cool grill, especially being 'during' WWII.

[**MCQUEEN**]

i'm sorry but i can;t contain myself - who would name something a cockshut and why? - would somebody please enlighten me




The original Cockshutt factory was founded by James G. Cockshutt in 1877. Located in Brantford, Ontario, James operated the company until it was incorporated in 1882. Primariliy a plow manufacturer, no one is exactly sure when Cockshutt started producing tractors.

By 1957 seven different models of tractors were being produced. The company was acquired by the Oliver Corporation in 1962.

[aedan]

i like the grille on this lil rpu,im pretty sure its from a tractor

[H-Bob]

Hope this doesn't hijack this topic. I went to a tractor swap meet last weekend and saw a lot of cool tractor parts. What else could a person use on a car? Grills are cool, but what about guages, magnetos, or steering parts? I saw some bitchin' lookin' magnetos......

Anyone?

phil:)

[Donzie]

It seems that tractor grilles have become a popular item. I've been watching Ebay for a decent deal. I know I'm a tight wade but they seem pretty pricy to me. Around here I can't get anyone to part with one or they want a ridiculous price.

[flatheadpete]

Donzie, I've got an old IH grilleshell that I bought at the Mott Fenton swap. I'll take a pic or two and either post or e-mail 'em.

[Donzie]

Donzie, I've got an old IH grilleshell that I bought at the Mott Fenton swap. I'll take a pic or two and either post or e-mail 'em.

Email them to me. I don't want EVERYONE to know about it.
One of these sneaky bastid's would buy it out from under me. :D

[Bib Overalls]

Friend Garry in San Antonio is running a shell from a stationary engine on his. Lots of possibilities. Ya gotta do a lot of looking and be creative.

[shadowmtkustomz]

A little something opposite... my great-grandfather built this a looong time ago. Early thirties chevy motor and radiator/shell:

[Tha Driver]

Someone may have already noticed this (I haven't read this entire topic).

There is currently a car on egay with a neat tractor grill shell:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=34202&item=4551444539&rd=1
"a steel 1940 Oliver Row Crop 70 tractor nose"

~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Giggle Cream - it makes dessert *funny*!

[willowbilly3]

Well never tell a dosbuster that you plan to put it on a hotrod or he might not sell it.
I took that Fergeson hood and grille in nice condition, to Chickasha. Knowing some tightassed old farmer was going to chisel me bad. I ended up selling it for $90 the last day, after I had come off $150.

[AHotRod]

anyone got anything new to Show and Tell !

[Fast Eddie]

Heres my farmall I picked up.

[gowjobs]

This little David Bradley tractor nose will see duty on my boardracer project. The doggone thing is only 18" wide, but I'm either going to cut and widen the "back" of the hood, or cut it off and just make my own. Shame to lose that louvered top, though.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/gowjobs/projects/davebradley01.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/gowjobs/projects/davebradley02.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/gowjobs/projects/davebradley03.jpg

[Crusty Nut]

anyone got anything new to Show and Tell !

How about a Ross? I recently found out this may have come off of a forklift.

[Bib Overalls]

I'm going to use this puppy.

Tell me what you like best. Crank hole up or down?

[gowjobs]

I'm going to use this puppy.

Tell me what you like best. Crank hole up or down?
I can't tell in the pic on the RH side, but I like that profile... I'm guessing that's crank hole on top. Fill it with an emblem, and it'll look great.

[40 & 61 Fords]

Living in the farm belt here, I have always thought it would be fun to build a "Farm Kid" hot rod. It wouldn't be a Deuce roadster, but maybe a old pickup cab and box with a tractor shell of some kind up front. I know here in Minnesota, we have a lot of threshing shows that have swap meets. You can always find some neat stuff at those. I bought a really nice 59 Impala wheel at one a few years ago for $20! The guy said it had been hanging on the barn wall for about 20 years. I have also bought some 5 spoke mags, a few nice sets of headlights, as well as other hot rod parts cheap. Most of the farmers look at these parts as car junk. All their concerned about is the tractor parts.

[Prop Strike]

Swweet block Bib overall. Crank hole on bottom.

[ROADRAT EDDIE]

Crank hole on bottom....I think once it's set in place where it's gotta go, it'll put the radiator better in the airflow if you're running a suicide set-up

[Tricknology]

Mr. Ace try these old threads with pics and drawings of tractor hooded rods,,,,

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=962656#post962656

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=97576&highlight=tricknology

[Moonglow]

We have seen some very nice tractor grilles sitting in numerous desolate fields...no doubt, many of you have as well....We are getting ready to rescue a few, and were wanting to request any photos from the board of anyone utilizing a tractor shell on their hot rod....also, if you know what it came off of?
We are guilty of doing mental cuts on 'em in the short amount of time it takes to drive by, but what are the realities of adapting one to a project?
Thanks in advance.....

Hey J.A.,

Better late than never..........I'm a relative newbie, so this is the first time I saw your post.

Anyway, I'm using a '57 Case tractor grill shell on my '29 model A Tudor project. I sniped the grill shell off ebay and I did have to put up quite a fight for it, with what I think was a tractor restorer.

Here's of photo of it along with my body shell as she sits right now. Since my rod will have an aircraft inspired design slant, I think this grill shell will be perfect, as it really resembles a vintage aircraft engine cowling. Near the top of the grill (in the location of the old circular Case emblem), will live a 4 inch chrome bullet (aka, propellar spinner).

Also attached is a scan of the CAD file elevations and a rendering of my project, I did some time ago. A few things have changed, but it should give you a point of referance. Check out the wing section/fuel tank behind the cab. It's from a 40's Piper. Yup......sniped this one too.

Even though you started this thread a couple years ago, I thought you might still have an interest.

Later,

PS: While I'm at, here's a photo of the custom frame I'm building as we speak.

[Moonglow]

This little David Bradley tractor nose will see duty on my boardracer project. The doggone thing is only 18" wide, but I'm either going to cut and widen the "back" of the hood, or cut it off and just make my own. Shame to lose that louvered top, though.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/gowjobs/projects/davebradley01.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/gowjobs/projects/davebradley02.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/gowjobs/projects/davebradley03.jpg

Wow.........that is one wicked tractor shell. It would be a shame to lose the top line and louvers, but a man's gotta do wahta man's gotta do..... It would be perfect for a 4-banger, pretty mauch as is. That would require a custom radiator (maybe V shaped?), but what the hey..........

[Moonglow]

I'm going to use this puppy.

Tell me what you like best. Crank hole up or down?

No bout-a-doubt-it. I'd say the crank hole needs to be on top, other wise the proportions are outta wack..........

[AHotRod]

Hey J.A.,

Better late than never..........I'm a relative newbie, so this is the first time I saw your post.

Anyway, I'm using a '57 Case tractor grill shell on my '29 model A Tudor project. I sniped the grill shell off ebay and I did have to put up quite a fight for it, with what I think was a tractor restorer.

Here's of photo of it along with my body shell as she sits right now. Since my rod will have an aircraft inspired design slant, I think this grill shell will be perfect, as it really resembles a vintage aircraft engine cowling. Near the top of the grill (in the location of the old circular Case emblem), will live a 4 inch chrome bullet (aka, propellar spinner).

Also attached is a scan of the CAD file elevations and a rendering of my project, I did some time ago. A few things have changed, but it should give you a point of referance. Check out the wing section/fuel tank behind the cab. It's from a 40's Piper. Yup......sniped this one too.

Even though you started this thread a couple years ago, I thought you might still have an interest.

Later,

PS: While I'm at, here's a photo of the custom frame I'm building as we speak.


Do you have any pictures of your project now?

[Thumper]

LMAO...........I love this shit !!!! :D:D

[CoolHand]

I think it's funny how four years ago the guy who suggested using a tractor grille was praised and people found pics to help show him different set-ups.

Now people just bitch and pile on about how untraditional and ratrodish it all is.

I think about half the guys here have gotten hemorrhoids in the last couple of years or something. They sure are a bunch of sour asses sometimes.

IMO some of those tractor shells look cool as hell. Some others, not so much. But that's the way of most things. . . . .

[Thumper]

Yeah....its kinda like a .."Whats hot...Whats not " type of deal. I'm laffin my ass off over here because that last guy that brought this got his ass ripped :rolleyes:. If I needed a grille and thats all I had and it blended well with the car...I'd fuckin use it .

[Anderson]

When you're broke, cheap parts look good...and you have cheap tastes....

then you get more money and can afford nicer looking stuff. And that allows you to see the other stuff (what you thought was cool) for what it is, cheap junk.

So per my post 3.5 years ago on this subject....tractor shells, 99% of the time, look like hell on a hot rod. Tractor shells and tractor seats belong on a tractor.

I do like the one Gowjobs posted though.

[Crash Fistfight]

I got a old Hoight Clagwell I'm fixn to mount on my rod. Soon as i figuer out the picture thing I'l send some

[Moonglow]

Do you have any pictures of your project now?

Sorry for taking such a long time to respond. Just finished moving from Tennessee to New Mexico and I had a few software issues to sort out.

Anyway........here's a couple photos of my project just before she got loaded up to make the trek out to New Mexico. No change since then (November '07).

Next up is the chop (about 6 inches) and mock up my Ford in-line six & the three speed manual tanny. Both are out of a '64 F-100.

[Mac the Yankee]

Bib Overalls,

What brand is the shell?

[GaryC.]

GOWJOBS....
here's an idea for keeping those louvers.
cut em from the back section and weld them
to a shortened front section.

Best looking tractor grill hands down!!!!

GaryC.