[Hydriv]

As many of you know, I am a bit of a purist at heart. It bothers me when I see these tractors painted differently from when they left the factory. However, there are exceptions to my self-imposed rule and the Zebra 446 was definitely one example because it was done by a Pro who knew what they were doing and I found the end result most pleasing to my eye.

All of us in Admin keep an eye on the other forums and I know that they keep an eye on our forum too. I was so impressed with this particular example of paint treatment, I decided to bring it here to share it with all of you. In the early 80's, International Harvester was on the verge of bankruptcy and Case bought them. Shortly after, Case sold the OPE division to Ingersoll. Had that not happened, then perhaps this tractor might have been a reality, due to the heavy influence of IH brass ending up on the Case payroll. Yes....it's all speculation but while I still love the Case OEM colours, I can't help but admire the well-executed thought that went into this tractor.

The tie rod, drag link and the axle pivot pin were fabricated from stainless steel. The exhaust system is custom using available mufflers and have a copper ell as the turning tip on the tail pipe. And yes, the paint is IH red.

How about you? What do you think?

 

[Donkman]

Yep, I like it! :thumbsup:

 

[CASE 220/4]

Wow. that does look really good. Im almost tempted to make my 446 look like that but I dont know if I could bring myself to changing it to something it is not.

 

[Hydriv]

What I like about it is that the changes were very subtle. The main difference is the shift from Power Red to IH Red. We've already seen the Black Frame tractors anyway so choosing to spray the rest of the tractor black isn't much of a shocker. We're used to seeing silver used on the wheels so once again, his two-tone treatment of the rear rims is still in keeping with existing paint themes but with a twist. The crowning glory would be the hood decal treatment that employs traditional elements but with a different shape that has not been used previously. It's attention to detail that sets this tractor apart.

And this was a Sunset tractor, in case you have not figured that out.

 

[mtbiker60]

Very Appealing!

 

[Caseman2]

Tom, I'm glad you brought this here, I too was impressed with this paint scheme and pmed the op and asked/invited him to come here with it, I don't know why he hasn't.

He was also worried about the purist and I related to him he wasn't too far off as this may be what a modern day Ingy would look like if Case had retained their lawn and garden division and IH forgo pushing the Cub/MTD line then adding the IH colors to the mix.

I then urged him to send pics of this to CNH for "shits and giggles".

 

[Hydriv]

Frank,
Now you can go back to MTF and tell this guy that his photos are already on display and under discussion on that "rogue" CCI site. :sidelaugh:

 

[Snotrocket]

I like it. It looks very well done. :thumbsup:

 

[Caseman2]

Frank,
Now you can go back to MTF and tell this guy that his photos are already on display and under discussion on that "rogue" CCI site. :sidelaugh:

I'll do that and once again invite him over.

Done, we'll see if he drops by.

 

[Nutcase446]

This tractor is very well done. I think that there is a place for tastefull customization. I can appreciate a restored 57 Chevy or a nice custom 57 Chevy (but never a rat rod 57 Chevy). Of all of the Cub Cadets, the only ones that I like are the red ones that were labeled International and that color scheme wasn't too far off from this one.
If you don't like this tractor, you won't like the one that I want to do at some point. I want to paint a late 70s 400 series like the same era 70 series big tractor with Power White fenders and hood and the rest Power Red. Gregg

 

[InTroubleAlltheTime]

Tractor is very nicely done, it definitely works for me. :usa: :usa: :usa: I like them ag tires too, nice deep tread.
:222: :446: Best Regards, Rich

 

[InTroubleAlltheTime]

If you don't like this tractor, you won't like the one that I want to do at some point. I want to paint a late 70s 400 series like the same era 70 series big tractor with Power White fenders and hood and the rest Power Red. Gregg

Gregg: Seen several red cubs painted/patterned off the big brothers in LAGC. I especially liked the one they fitted with the small diesel. I think its a great idea. Look forward to seeing it.
:222: :446: Best Regards, Rich

 

[Bill.H]

I was the first to to praise it on MTF, and as I pointed out he's owned and used it for 38 years - so the tractor deserves something that it is happy with. I think it works. I'm glad to see some who might be known as purists have agreed.
That said, however, I don't like the SS tie rod. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's just too bright? Red-painted steel would have looked nice. Possibly with gold chromate rod ends.

 

[Donkman]

I would like to know more about the exhaust system, custom using available mufflers and have a copper ell as the turning tip on the tail pipe. Where they were purchased from, cost etc...
I have a 1973 446 I am reworking now and it needs new mufflers.

 

[mjodrey]

I must say,I really like it painted up that way,it looks very nice. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:



Maynard :canada:

 

[Mr onetwo]

Here is a picture of a big boy Case that I think is interesting to compare...I agree that the tierod doesn't seem to fit....red would be better IMO.

 

[locomoconomo]

I think the tractor is Gorgeous. I like the Zebra Tractor as well. If you want to paint YOUR tractor any color in the rainbow and alter it to suit your purposes then Ooorah!! I believe there is a time and a place for purism, but that is up to the individual. Despite my LOVE of CASE Tractors, they are still only tools. I'm glad the gentleman who owns this tractor gets lots of use out of it and it obviously makes him very happy and he take pride in it and it shows. I look at tractors like this for inspiration and ideas for projects that I have and examples like this tempt me to set my goals higher than I might otherwise achieve. Thanks to all who employ God given gifts of craftsmanship in various mechanical mediums that provide inspiration to those of us who otherwise lack the skills.

Again, stellar tractor.

- Jimbo

 

[eBoyDog]

I would like to know more about the exhaust system, custom using available mufflers and have a copper ell as the turning tip on the tail pipe. Where they were purchased from, cost etc...
I have a 1973 446 I am reworking now and it needs new mufflers.

That is the Thermo King TK-1

http://www.stanleymuffler.com/store.asp ... egoryid=56

He used the stock pipes to go to the new muffler and welded a support bracket to one of the orginal mount bolts. The TK-1 inlet is 1 1/2" while the stock pipes have are 1" ID so that was very good feat he did adapting them.

I'm thinking about going the same route for the exhaust on Zebra 446 if all else fails. I'm trying to contact "rusty-case" on ebay and see if he can fix me up with a pair of 1" bent pipes and perhaps even a re-production pancake muffler (I'm not holding my breath on the later). He's the eBay seller that has been selling reproduction Kohler exhausts for very reasonable prices.

 

[Hydriv]

FYI.... rustycase is a member here. He is oldcoltcaseguy and is also known as Jim Daenzer. Send him a PM.

 

[Billygoat]

GREAT looking tractor. It's obvious that a lot of forethought, professionalism, and craftsmanship went into it's transformation. :thumbsup: It's really refreshing to see changes like that done with such quality instead of seeing where someone went willy-nilly with whatever spraybombs they found at the suplus store. And it doesn't have a yellow seat. :sidelaugh: