fragraf wrote:
fragraf said:
SN is 9677449.
It has the generator/starter hanging on the side. I need to do something about the stack. I don't care for that too much and it doesn't do much for a loud one cylinder engine.
I love this thread. :sidelaugh:
Here is a PRIME example as to why we cannot trust the very CHART that we thought we could trust all these many years.
According to the CHART, the very first 444 for 1973 bore the serial # 9676760 but the very first 444 for 1974 began with serial # 9691772. Fragraf's 444 bears the serial #9677449. That would make fragraf's 444 the 689th 444 built since the start of 1973.......according to the CHART. To me, this is certainly not an unreasonable number (production-wise) because the 444's were a very popular model back then. And if Bob is right about the chart being started on January first of each calendar year, then we have no way of knowing how many 444's were built in the months prior to the end of the previous calendar year but after the production line had been shut down for the model year changeover.
Then, as Bob points out.... we have the Parts Manuals that illustrate when Case made enough significant changes to the design of the tractor to warrant a new manual. That could happen at any point in a calendar year, thus making it all that more difficult to pin down the true model year of a tractor. I have seen this happen several times in the past and I have remarked on it several times in this forum. Another example can be found on Page 10 of this thread.
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=3837&start=90
It had always been my belief that the solid hood stripe was used ONLY in 1977, hence my comment to TSS8690 about the true year of his tractor. Once he posted the info off his PIN plate, it sent me on a search in the Parts Manuals and that search indicates that the solid stripe was used in 1978 as well. I could cite about four more incidences where my convictions have been shattered but it should be enough to just say that things are not as cut and dried as many of us would like to think.
Are you confused at this point? Well, don't feel bad because what went on at the Winneconne plant since 1963 is still steeped in mystery. Discussions such as this one will continue as a direct result of the lack of hard evidence that is now likely lost forever, thanks to those who were in control of the company since Case sold it. :thumbdown: :thumbdown:
