Food Plot Prep- Ford 2000 Earns Its Keep- Outdoors

The 1972 Ford 2000 has just underwent a pile of adaptions and this is the first time it is put to work. The list of upgrades are as follows: Petronix Electronic Ignition with matching Flamethrower coil, plugs, copper wires, dust cover, distributer cap, water pump, belt, conversion from Lucas 12v generator to a Delco three wire alternator, elimination of electrical gauges and original dash pod and the installation of a hand made gauge pod with 'off the shelf' oil pressure gauge and temperature gauge and a 12v voltmeter instead of an ammeter as well as a total rebuild of the Holley carburetor. Not to mention the original dry rotted wiring harness was stripped and replaced wire by wire with new wire of the appropriate gauge and Stak-On clips.
Needless to say, I want the machine to have a few hours put on it in easy fashion while monitoring the gauges to ensure all new components are working as desired. We do not want an overheat situation to blow a head gasket because the location in the block was changed for monitoring the coolant temperature.
So far the Blue Goose did not disappoint. It ran for the whole project with only one minor shut down and that one was rectified in less than five minutes start to finish. But there will be more...after all this tractor is 49 years old already and we are wanting to get at least another 49 out of it !!
Yes, we should've brought the two bottom plow so the disc would not have had to work so hard. In retrospect, had we brought that along, we would have for sure had a shut down. The right rear rim is rusted all the way through for about two feet right at the bead of the tire. Just the light pull of the 8' disc caused the tire bead to pop out the rusted rim...any more pressure in the tire would have been catastrophic !! And any pull much harder than we had would have given the same result. So yes, I am and have been looking for a set of 13.6-28's or 14.9-28's on Ford or Massey Ferguson rims to slip right on. It's just a matter of time before she blows !!!!
At least the two boys got their share of seat time chopping the unturned soil into 5'' of powder consisting of dirt, weeds, roots, sticks and stones and the tractor is still running like a top !! Win Win...right ??!! Heck yeah.
I'll get the Holley rebuild and the electronic conversion videos up sooner or later but for now rest assured that the entire exercise was a success... but then again, some measure success by the amount of deer and turkey that's hanging in the cooler. LOL We will see. The game camera is already showing interest from the local wildlife...and the seed isn't even sprouted yet. I guess I should've suggested to the boys to see a different kind of 'wild life' they could've hung the game camera down by the roadhouse next to the Budweiser sign.... Jus sayin'... LOL
Now that this prep is pretty much done, I guess I can go back to where the tractor came from and pick up the 6' mounted disc these boys needed so badly.

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Bonsoir mon ami, that FORD tractor is in great mechanical order and you did an OUTSTANDING work on it ; ) I Like reading your last paragraph ( deer, turkey and Budweiser ! ) Very nice Oliver disk !!! Have a great week Sir Cheers

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahahaha....Dave, I'm glad you enjoyed the humor. LOL. That old Oliver has been around the field a time or two for sure !!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@tractorman4461 Yes these Oliver a great tough going for sure !!! Cheers

[@kevinlundgren4587]

Love the channel. Good wholesome content and great editing👍

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks Kevin. I appreciate those words as well as the time you take to watch. We kinda run the gambit of topics so if its interesting to do, I like to share it if possible.

[@regsparkes6507]

Yessir, you got that Ford 2000 running pretty sweet there pulling that harrow around that field. Nice work, both harrowing and tractor repair!

[@tractorman4461]

Can't resist.... Yes, it was a 'harrowing' experience..... LOL. Now that you mention it Reg, I notice a lot of guys call these a harrow but most guys call it a tandem disc. What we called a harrow either had spiked teeth affixed to sectional framework that could be tilted backwards to vertical or were large wide curved springs and known as a 'spring tooth harrow'. Back turn of the century (1900) the old timers would make a wooden triangle out of hewn timber and drive forge made square pointed spikes through to then pull behind an old mule, or use railroad spikes for a makeshift harrow. That being said, I am glad to be somewhat 'modern' with all my old junk.....LOL

[@regsparkes6507]

@@tractorman4461 Hahaha,.,.yes too, it's like my dear old Father-in-Law used to call me, something like, " come on Farmer, help me with this..."knowing full well, that I knew nothing at all about farming .... ( or so he thought, with a smile ) I have seen those older type of home made harrows, and yes they did used railway spikes hammered through lumber or even welded to and old bed frame on top of which they had piled rocks etc. But hey, it worked! " Necessity is the Mother of invention," so they say! :) Speaking of plowing and harrowing, have a look on You Tube's "Squatch253" video, just up.

[@tractorman4461]

@@regsparkes6507 you are the second person in two weeks to suggest Squatch253's channel. He sure has some interesting stuff doesn't he. So I see you too remember the old timers farmer-fixes and builds. Yes, out of necessity. No tractor supply stores to go to back then, just a blacksmith if you were lucky.

[@monajacques616]

Old stuff can still get the job done and this is helping you move some of your treasures. You can show your wife that you were right in keeping it ..For your son’s use how thoughtful of you.

[@tractorman4461]

Oh heck yeah Richard. That's EXACTLY what I was thinking !! Yeah, that's it.... LOL Thank you for the smile this evening.

[@jeffreyhays6970]

good job on the repairs let the young bucks do the work and you supervise ☕ time !!

[@tractorman4461]

Oh heck yeah....those boy was gettin' after it by the time I left that day !! LOL Thanks Jeffrey for stopping in today for a visit !

[@tomfillmore9710]

The tractor is running great and the dic harrows are doing the job just fine nice to see you guys all working together that's awesome thanks for sharing take care

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks Tom. After all those years sitting in the lean-to its really good to get this thing up and running good. It was a job though because it had sat so long and the left rear rim is about to blow the side out and both rear tires are pretty bad. We are looking for a parts tractor with good tires and rims. Any of the small Fords, Fergusons and Massey Fergusons will interchange. They changed this into a pretty good food plot in the end.

[@Bret4207]

The Ford is running good. It's funny with old busted up, worn out equipment like that disc. Sometimes they work a lot better than you'd think they would! Semper Fi!

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahaha....the owner matches the disc. LOL....busted up and worn out !! Thanks for watching the fun Bret. S/Fi

[@AmericanTradesmen]

That old 2000 sounds great! Thanks for another great video 👍

[@tractorman4461]

Hot doggies Andy, I might have finally got lucky on one. LOL. But I need to get some fresh skin on the rear. The right rear rim is literally coming apart from the calcium damage.

[@AmericanTradesmen]

@@tractorman4461 you should be able to source one relatively easy. There are a lot of those machines around and I’m sure those rims were used on a lot of different tractors. Keep the great content coming, I know I’m not alone on this but we learn a lot from you sharing your wisdom

[@tractorman4461]

@@AmericanTradesmen Yes, we have a Ford salvage shop 20 minutes south of me. He's probably parted out a thousand old 8, 2 and 9n's over the last ten years. I'm looking for just the right one to buy with a good matched set of rears, then part out the rest of it. Thanks Andy for the nice comment....but if they are too nice, they'll think I'm paying you to say 'em.... LOL

[@jankotze1959]

O Yes my Friend, that was the coolest video seeing the 2000 doing a great job and run so well, what was sitting on the right front disk, it looks like a piece of wood or something, that old disk cut the grass in mulch and is good organic matter, thanks for sharing 44

[@tractorman4461]

I saw that while editing. It was just a little piece of rotted tree root that the disc cut through enough to stick on there for a few minutes. Apparently it didn't stay stuck on there very long though. Boy o boy, that ground was hard !! But it was good to get some run time on that tractor. It's not done one bit of work for around 20 years sitting in a lean-to. It took a lot of work to get it back in the groove.

[@mattthescrapwhisperer]

The old Ford does pretty good!

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks Matt. Yes, it is a nice smaller utility tractor a bit more versatile over the N series due to modernization. This 'thousand' series created some serious maintenance problems though. The engine now has a fuel pump and the routing of the lines are all but impossible to remove with any degree of ease. Plus the Holley carb is a real pita to service. They have the most oddly shaped gasket that will ruin just about every time the carb is disassembled. And lets not even start talking about the Lucas electrical system...... LOL

[@mattthescrapwhisperer]

@@tractorman4461 Well, it's a Ford LOL!

[@tractorman4461]

@@mattthescrapwhisperer Remember when Fords slogan was: "Ford Has A Better Idea"....?? Yeah, right. LOL

[@mattthescrapwhisperer]

@@tractorman4461 Ha!

[@ButlerOutdoorsCanada]

That's a great way to getter done man! I Love them old disks no matter how scuffed they are!! Great video man!

[@tractorman4461]

Well, it may have been a bit better to turn it under with the two-bottom. But this way it was good exercise for the old Ford...slowly being broke back in to work for her living. LOL

[@oilyragsgarage7200]

Smooth running Ford gas engine👍

[@tractorman4461]

Yes it is, but it took a bit to get it there. It had sat for years in a lean-to before it came to live with us. I got it up and running back then, but it ended up sitting for another few years until recently. I think last fall I converted to Petronix ignition and installed a new water pump then this spring got real serious about making it a daily driver.

[@oilyragsgarage7200]

@@tractorman4461 the electronic ignition is a good idea. Your son looked he was enjoying using the old iron. Did some slashing today myself, got a new video up👍.

[@tractorman4461]

@@oilyragsgarage7200 A lot of guys say they are not needed and just a waste of money, but this tractor has yet to fail cold or hot since the upgrade to Petronix. When trying to start at anything near a freezing temperature before the change, there was nothing to be done to get it to fire up. This was with all new FORD dealership ignition components...points, condensor, coil, dist cap, dust cover, wires, and plugs. Even a brand new Group 31 battery and fresh gas. Now she rips it....Just like THAT! I've been meaning to drop by your channel so right now sounds like a good time !! I'm assuming the 3000 is still running smooth....?

[@oilyragsgarage7200]

​@@tractorman4461 Electronic ignitions are the way to go. I put one in my old Ride-on mower, starts first time everytime. Thanks for dropping by my channel, looking to upload more often, so stay tuned.

[@OGAOutdoors]

Wendell looks good the old tractor is running good. Take care, Ben. #ogaoutdoors

[@tractorman4461]

Yes it is, now if I can just get it hooked to the pto wood splitter for a few hours. It loosened up quite well once it got warmed up. Thanks Ben for the visit.

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

What fun! I’ve been home now for 9 days and Alice is taking care of me like a king! They are still messing with all the medicine to get mu b p under control. But it will take some time of course. I can drive after four weeks and this coming Saturday it will be three weeks. So all is going pretty good this far except for adjusting my meds. Nice old Ford pulling that disc! Love it! Kind Thanks for the 44 vid my friend! DaveyJO

[@tractorman4461]

Hang in there ol' buddy. You'll be back in the saddle terrorizing the countryside before you know it !! Remember I told you what my dad always said: "The good Lord doesn't want you and the devil wouldn't take you".... I'll check for an email update to see what you've decided about heating this winter. Going the propane direction doesn't sound too bad. Remember they make wall mount ones that vent directly out through the wall without a flue. Have a great day and do what Nurse Alice commands !! Tipping another cuppa JO towards your good health my friend.

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

@@tractorman4461 Had a much better day than yesterday. Adjusting the meds is taking some time. Had a nurse here yesterday and I almost fainted from low blood pressure. She had me lay down and I quickly recovered. So instead of 9 meds I’m taking 4 and I see the heart doc Friday. He’s a great guy and acts like a human, imagine that. I still deciding about heat but I did find a business that two of my friends use and they’ve aways been pleased. A wall mount propane heater sure would be easier. I’ll certainly let you know my 44 buddy. Ali takes great care of me little ole self, couldn’t ask for better! More later 44 Family. DaveyJO

[@tractorman4461]

@@daveyjoweaver6282 Sounds like you have the right guys to talk to about the heating issue. Too bad we live so far apart huh. We could solve the problem over about ten gallons of good ol' JO. Of course it may take a week or two. This might give you an idea though they are not exactly what I had in mind. Just a variation so you might be able to find some questions to ask the contractors. www.pickhvac.com/space-heater/ventless-propane-heater/ Have a wonderful evening DaveyJO !!

[@rockeerockey6941]

Bush Hog needs to be leveled! 😃

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahaha...I was hoping no one noticed Rockee. LOL. Yes, it sure did need to be leveled out just a little. All we did was shoot a bit of grease in the U-joints and check the oil in the gearbox.

[@rockeerockey6941]

@@tractorman4461 Rocket J Squirrel and his Hawkeyes see everything! 😆

[@tractorman4461]

@@rockeerockey6941 Aw man...crack me up !! LOL

[@316jd140]

Morning, Wendell. That Ford is doing a good job and she sounds great. I'm working on a '47 Ford 8N that someone replaced the engine with a 2N engine, and then replaced the front distributor with a side distributor. We're having problems getting it in time. I may switch it back to a front mount distributor. That ground looks to be a bit hard - plowing it will be difficult, and as you mentioned it's probably full of tree roots. If you need help plowing it, let me know. I haven't plow in a couple of years. I wouldn't mind seeing what my 2N with the 2 bottom Ferguson plow can do.

[@tractorman4461]

Now that would be a fun plow day wouldn't it. He's done preparing this area, but if we get in a situation where another area is needed to prepare, I will get in touch with you. I could use my H and the Little Genius two bottoms and the three of us would knock 'em dead. Did you have to change the timing gear or just the front cover with the new distributor.

[@316jd140]

@@tractorman4461 This 8N came to me like this. Both the timing gear cover and the camshaft gear, and maybe the camshaft itself, have to be changed to mount a side distributor. Plus, since the side distributor is on the right side, the alternator has to be moved to the left side and have to have home made brackets. Plus, to mount the alternator on the left side, the oil filler tube has to be pushed against the engine block, making it hard to fill the oil. It's sort of a Frankenstein. The 5o-52 8Ns came from the factory with side distributors, but Ford made the necessary changes to have the side distributor, i.e. moving the alternator (originally the generator) to the left, moving the oil filler tube back a bit, and adding a peek hole on the right rear of the engine block to see the timing marks on the flywheel. The front mount distributors can only go in one way, so it's immediately in time.

[@tractorman4461]

@@316jd140 I wouldn't think you'd have to change the actual cam. The cam gear should bolt onto the flange on the cam with probably two, maybe four bolts. Then the normal timing procedure should be a snap. The flatheads in the Massey's have similar drives with the offset tang that can't be installed wrong. I just installed a new distributer in a 48 Ford with the front distributor for an old buddy. He bought a new 12v coil too and also a one wire Delco for it. I knew some stuff had to be relocated, but wasn't sure exactly what. I really am not an old Ford guy...but I'll take one or two at the right price any day !!

[@316jd140]

@@tractorman4461 There is a 8N just up the road from me. It's been sitting for years. I asked the guy if he wanted to sell it, and he said yes. He said $800. I asked if the engine is free, he didn't know. So I said $400. He countered back at 6. I believe it's all there, but without knowing the engine is loose, it's a parts tractor at best. So, I'm not sure I'm willing to go $600 on a parts tractor. Maybe you would be interested. It's an earlier 8N, with the front mount distributor.

[@jrobert9611]

The Ford sounds like it’s running pretty smooth. Guess you got the right combo of needed repairs. Looks like you might could use some rain, ground looking a little dry.

[@tractorman4461]

Oh man...its dry as a powder puff. We had 2/10 the other day but that was like less than a drop in a deep bucket !!

[@davidsutton414]

Every disc I grew up using, we repaired and maintained, had wooden bearings. If they were kept greased, they lasted a long time. We farmed river bottom land and the sand would shorten the bearing life. We didn't let them go when they got loose, wood was easy to repair but repairing worn metal was not.

[@tractorman4461]

Yes, we kept a stack of wooden 'boxings' in the blacksmith shop and would change them as needed. We'd grease in the morning then again along with our sandwich at lunch. This old disc is not that far gone. The worst thing is one of the two rub blocks on the front section is worn down to a nub. A good days maintenance would put it back in excellent condition, but there isn't much call for a drag disc any more to most guys. But you use what ya got when its needed. Thanks David for the comment, and everything you said is spot on !!

[@peewee.3138]

Dump some old motor oil on the old bearings and it’ll be fine!

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahaha...yeah, that'll work. I'm fresh out of bear grease, but I do have a bucket of lard. LOL Good comment Peewee. Thanks for watching.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Wendell! That old Ford seemed to run pretty dog gone good! How old is that Oliver disk harrow? Thanks for sharing!

[@tractorman4461]

That old drag tandem disc is from the late 40's or maybe the early 50's. Its got a few miles on the odometer, that's for sure.

[@FromSteelToWood]

This tractor runs great! Where did you get the parts? Locally? Online? Thanks!

[@tractorman4461]

I ordered the water pump and Petronix ignition on line Joe, but the dash pod was just made of scrap metal and all the gauges are off the shelf auto parts stuff as well as the three wire Delco.