Massey Discussion Forums > Massey Talk > Massey Harris General Purpose Four Wheel Drive
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RE:Massey Harris General Purpose Four Wheel Drive

Im hoping somebody can help me out on this. I would like to find a GP with one or two original headlights like in these pictures. What I'm after is if they are marked with a manufacturer or maybe a model number too. These original headlights seem to be the hardest to find original 4wd part.

thabks.
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RE:Massey Harris General Purpose Four Wheel Drive

Tom,
This question has challenged me for quite awhile also.  My current thought is that they may have come from the same source as Model T Ford headlights from 1925-27.  While certainly not authentic or  documentable, they look to be similar size and shape, mount similarly and connect the same way.  Originals are relatively easy to find, and parts such as lenses, reflectors and connectors are available.  A pair of complete reproduction units is about $350.  

One source for the Model T parts and repros. is at Macsautoparts.com.  A pic from that website is attached.

Can you tell me what the publication or advertising literature was that you posted?  I haven't seen that one before.

Thanks,
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Jerry Thomas

Batavia, IL

RE:Massey Harris General Purpose Four Wheel Drive

My name is Alan Painter, I live in Brownsville,Oregon and have just rejoined MCA. I have two MH GPs and Joe Poncelet asked me to provide serial numbers and pictures.

The 1931 I purchased from Michigan state over 20 years ago, it had been used in an apple orchard mostly for spraying duties, serial number 302190.  The second seat is for my shot-gun rider, it’s still pretty wild out here in the west. 

 The headlights are not original equipment  but are KD 867 made by the KD Lamp Co., Cincinnatti.  I have been able to find these at auto swap meets.

The OHV tractor is serial number 303295 and came from British Columbia.  I did get it to run as you see it in the picture but it has been through a barn fire since and is now in worse shape.  Needs major restoration.     Working on a Wallis right now so this GP will have to wait.     Best wishes, Alan

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RE:Massey Harris General Purpose Four Wheel Drive

Alan,

Thanks for the pictures of your GPs, are they both 66 inch tread width? or is the overhead valve a 76 inch tread width? I can't tell as the picture is on an angle they should be stamped on the serial tag or if not just under the tag on the casting.

After looking at your serial numbers I have two GPs in my collection that are very close to yours one is only 5 apart of your GP on rubber with serial Number 302195-66. I got this tractor from Inwood, Manitoba Canada back in 2002 it was in rough shape but is up and running now. The serial tag was missing but it was stamped in the casting so at least I know what number it was.

The second tractor I have is only 13 numbers off of your OHV tractor being Serial Number 303308-48 it is not running yet as I am still looking for a manifold for this tractor. I picked this tractor up near Jarvis, Ontario Canada back in 2004 I believe it still has all the original tires on it yet with the heavy cast centers. Here are some pictures of them.

Joe
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RE:Massey Harris General Purpose Four Wheel Drive

Joe,
            Yes, they are both 66 inch tractors, sorry I should have mentioned that.

Here is some information on serial numbers that maybe you can confirm.  

In 1997 I attended the Massey Ferguson 150th Anniversary Celebration in Milton, Ontario.  There I met Brian Mc Govern who had researched the Massey archives for the GP serial numbers versus years produced. This is what I recorded in my notes. 

 1930 - 300001 to 301417,

 1931 - 301418 to 302851,

 1932 - 302852 to 302979, these first three years production all used the Hercules  OOC flat head engine.

 Starting in 1935 the GP was equipped with a valve in head engine, Hercules OHC, serial numbers 303001 to 303400. Apparently these were all produced in 1935.

I don't have any contact information for Brian, I think he was from Ottawa, Ontario.

Alan


RE:Massey Harris General Purpose Four Wheel Drive

Looks like between Alan and Joe we may have the start to a GP registry.  I would like to see not only the tractor SN and width, but also the engine style and SN.  

My GP is tractor SN is 302395 - 60

It has a Hercules OHV engine in it, Model OHC, SN 650338; 4x41/2, tag then shows "012" and "008".  Does anyone know what those numbers mean?  The paint on the tag is gone, only the stamped information remains.

I'm the third owner of this tractor and purchased it from the dealer who took it in trade in the early 1950's.  Was the engine a replacement?  Was it an experimental installation? Where does the engine number fit into the dates of production?

Thanks,
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Jerry Thomas

Batavia, IL

RE:Massey Harris General Purpose Four Wheel Drive

Jerry,
            I communicated with you some years back when you were looking for a source to rebuild a water pump, and later you copied a late parts book  for me, many thanks for that.
The 012 and 008 are valve clearances for exhaust and intake respectively. Below is the engine tag off my OHV tractor s/n 303295 and the brass tag from my 1931 flat head engine tractor s/n 302190.     Alan
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RE:Massey Harris General Purpose Four Wheel Drive

If you want a serial number registry you can go to David Parfitts website and look at the ones he has listed. Definitely not all of them out there but a great start. These 4wd masseys seem to have existed in great numbers. 

http://www.steel-wheels.net/registermh.html 

RE:Massey Harris General Purpose Four Wheel Drive

Many thanks Alan,  that's good to know.  I should have asked for that information while in the engine rebuild process, and will check the clearances when it gets warmer, just to be sure.  

The water pump was rebuilt by your source and is doing a great job of circulating coolant.  Service was quick and reasonable.

Hope you got the information needed from the parts book, they contain so much valuable information that you just never think you'll need to know!
Jerry Thomas

Batavia, IL

RE:Massey Harris General Purpose Four Wheel Drive

Hi Tom,

Thanks for that link.  I don't think I have seen that list before.  Nice to have the information!! Thanks also for helping put the list together!

Gary