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05-10-2010, 11:30 AM | #1 |
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Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Here's mine pierce arrow rear end and aux trans mated to 30-31 model a trans roadster cowl 28 engine front half of frame model A back half flat bar lot of sprockets chain drive type to drive various machinery a whole lot of shade tree engineering.
Last edited by Dennis Pereira; 05-10-2010 at 11:56 AM. Reason: failed photo |
05-10-2010, 11:31 AM | #2 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
test failed
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05-10-2010, 11:31 AM | #3 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
I want a doodle bug.....I don't know why.
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05-10-2010, 11:32 AM | #4 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
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05-10-2010, 11:56 AM | #5 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Dennis, copy and paste from the box that says "IMG Code" and it should work. Here is one of the photos you attempted to post.
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05-10-2010, 12:00 PM | #6 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
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05-10-2010, 03:08 PM | #7 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
here is my tractor
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05-10-2010, 04:37 PM | #8 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
This is the bug that I just got.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us This one is my old Worthington. Uploaded with ImageShack.us This is a Doodletruck I had for a while think it was built by a guy in Maine. Uploaded with ImageShack.us This was my first Doodlrod I built. Uploaded with ImageShack.us This was the last Doodlrod I built it was '32 based. Uploaded with ImageShack.us |
05-10-2010, 05:31 PM | #9 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
taken from the Internet; I always wondered what is was and how they started, a good informative read.
Doodlebug tractor is the colloquial name for a home-made tractor made in the United States during World War II when production tractors were in short supply. The Doodlebug of the 1940s was usually based on a 1920s or 1930s era Ford automobile which was then modified either by the complete removal or alteration of some of the vehicle body. The preservation of examples of the Doodlebug tractor has gotten popular in New England and upstate New York where there are several clubs [1] [2] holding monthly meet-ups in the summer months to put their contraptions to the test by pulling large stone boats in a tractor pull. [edit] History Doodlebugs had many names. Friday Tractors, Jitterbugs, Field Crawlers, and many others as well as the most common, The DoodleBug which was a nick name for the aftermarket tractor kit made by David Bradley “The old DB”. Initially the idea of the homemade tractor came from several catalog and implement companies in the mid 1920’s to the mid 1930’s such as New Deal[3], Peru Plow Co., Thrifty Farmer[4], Sears, Montgomery Ward, Pull Ford, and Johnson Mfg Co. The conversion kits were expensive, some as much as $300 and farmers, hit hard by the Great Depression were a resourceful lot. Magazines such as Popular Mechanics & Mechanics Illustrated provided instructions for building a “Handy Henry" from that "old Ford sitting in your back yard, using simple tools anyone would have." The cost to build a "Handy Henry" made from an old Model T car or truck was about $20 according to the 1936 edition of the Handy Man's Home Manual, and this provided a serviceable vehicle with rubber tires, a big truck rear end and two transmissions to make up for the gear reduction that the kits came with. These Doodlebugs were used to plow, hay, haul logs, and pull out stumps. To do all this, the doodlebug needed good ground clearance for use in any conditions, going under trees, and climbing most any terrain. For protection they had a hood, cowl radiator, a small seat, some had a small truck bed, and most had a hitching point to tow with.[5]
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Dave A Jamieson Portland, ON Canada 1928 Tudor Last edited by dr.j; 05-10-2010 at 05:38 PM. Reason: opening |
05-11-2010, 05:31 AM | #10 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Doodlebug tractors preceded WW11 by 10-15 years. Somewhere in my crap I have pictures of '20's cars made into tractors that were nearly new wrecks. I believe the picture was dated 1922. Farmers were resourceful and wanted to be more productive.
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05-11-2010, 05:45 AM | #11 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
This is mine. I pulled it out of a field in 1977. I used to mow the pasture with it, and hauled wood out of the woods with it. I have not used it in 5 years, so it is for sale.
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11-27-2010, 09:35 PM | #12 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
For some reason I just looked at your Red Doodlebug and see it was for sale in early summer. Do still have it and if so, what is the price and condition? Thanks and i hope you and yours had a grat Thanksgiving.
Abbie prince in S.C. |
11-28-2010, 01:36 PM | #13 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
I have sent you a private message from this site.
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02-27-2012, 02:11 PM | #14 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Before and after of our 30 AA - "Klam Digah"
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02-28-2012, 06:50 AM | #15 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Great thread, just found it. For some reason these things fascinate me don't know why.
Post up some more doodle bugs. Jack Last edited by Jack M.; 02-28-2012 at 07:35 PM. |
02-28-2012, 08:34 AM | #16 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
I drove a Army Air Force surplus CLARK MULE in the 60s pulling trailers and mowers, also a Chieftain factory produced Mule on large acreage facility's. I have seen few factory produced mules in my time. Maybe the doodlebug was fashioned after these. What came first the chicken or the egg?
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02-28-2012, 12:36 PM | #17 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
My 1928, which has been in the family 34 years and has seen 3 generations sit behind her wheel (my Dad, me and my son). My Dad bought this for me in 1978, when I was 11 years old and itching to "wrench" on our 1930 Town Sedan - he thought I'd do less damage to this and it was our father-son project. My son and I went through her again when he turned 11 a couple of years ago. His enthusuiasm prompted me to find the "Klam Digah" - pictured above.
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02-28-2012, 12:41 PM | #18 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
By the way - I am actively looking for a Model T-based doodlebug (or tractor conversion). If anyone knows of one in the New England area, please contact me at [email protected]
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02-28-2012, 04:21 PM | #19 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
I used to own a Worthington lawn tractor but sold it.
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02-28-2012, 04:38 PM | #20 |
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02-28-2012, 04:39 PM | #21 |
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02-28-2012, 04:44 PM | #22 |
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02-28-2012, 04:57 PM | #23 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
I miss my Worthington.
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02-28-2012, 05:03 PM | #24 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
In south Jersey many were used in the blueberry fields. There are about 12 of them rusting away in Flemmings Junk yard. See http://www.flemingshows.com/around_the_grounds
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02-28-2012, 09:04 PM | #25 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Here is one that I used for mowing grass and plowing snow. It had a pto. The picture was before it was done.
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02-29-2012, 07:31 AM | #26 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
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I bought this last summer because the engine sounded so good. I found it in the trees behind a house that was having a garage sale. The owner's dad built it to haul deer out of the woods. It has a Model A engine and tranny. The guy welded a sprocket to the tranny output and geared it 3 to 1 to a GM rear end that is turned upside down to give 3 speeds forward with the engine mounted backwards over the drive wheels. For some reason the original builder removed the steering, drive chain and seat, and mounted a tongue to pull it around. I've been thinking about added back the parts he removed so I can use it as a field buggy, or mount a snow plow on the front of it. |
02-29-2012, 10:05 AM | #27 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Here's a Model A tractor that Pop built when he was about 14 years old. That's not him, but a friend of his driving it.
One of the best features of this one was the fact that it had two Model A transmissions, one right after the other. Put 'em both in reverse, and between that and the low gears in the rear end, the thing would rip tree trunks out of the ground. It did a lot of work for a lot of years, but sometimes it was just fun to have a hay ride. Last I heard, that tractor went to someone in Ridgefield, Connecticut probably 15 or 20 years ago. Now that I know how to keep a Model A running, I wish we still had it.
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02-29-2012, 02:43 PM | #28 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Very cool, I like the hay ride.
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02-29-2012, 07:20 PM | #29 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Here's a couple pictures of mine. I'm not sure where it came from originally, but I think my dad and uncle paid $75 for it. It originally had a Hudson radiator. I got the plow from the scrap yard, the pump came off my uncle's doodlebug and the frame was built with the help of my uncle. I've been told the second transmission is from a Hudson.
Red Last edited by Reds34; 02-29-2012 at 07:22 PM. Reason: Add info |
02-29-2012, 07:37 PM | #30 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
This is my Doodle Bug, bought several years ago from Long Island, owner said it came out of Pennsylvania.
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02-29-2012, 10:31 PM | #31 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
This is my entry! No, I do not own it, but saw it in Washington State some time ago.
I am sure it is still there. I know, it is a model T, but still worth a picture. |
03-01-2012, 10:48 AM | #32 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Nice picture.
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05-01-2012, 05:06 AM | #33 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Bump for more pictures.
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05-01-2012, 05:42 AM | #34 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
here's a doodlebug club
http://clubs.hemmings.com/doodlebugs/ |
06-27-2013, 07:21 AM | #35 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Here in Sweden the building of home made tractors was also big in the years around the WW2.
I am a big collector of these old tractor myself. Here are some pictures of some of mine Made from a 1949 Bradford, with an extra gearbox from a Ford Prefect. Made from a 1949 Ford Popular, with an extra gearbox from a 1940's Chevrolet and a Ford 2-ton truck rear axle. Made from a 1935/36 Chevrolet truck. Made from a 1941 Chevrolet truck, with an unknown truck rear axle. Made from a 1947 Chevrolet truck, with an extra gearbox and rear axle from a Ford truck. Made from a 1950 Volvo PV 445 delivery, with an extra gearbox and rear axle from a 1940's Chevrolet. Pic from how I found it. Made from a 1946 Dodge tow truck, still need some work. My latest find, a home made tractor made from a former Volvo PV834 Ambulance. Made from a 1930/31 Ford model AA, with an unknown truck rear axle. Pic from where I found it. Made from a 1939 Plymouth, with an extra gearbox and rear axle from a 1940's Chevrolet truck. Made from a 1932 Volvo LV72 truck. And finally so far one made from a Volvo LV66 bus. But there is a lot of work before they all can roll by their own power. |
12-27-2013, 03:04 AM | #36 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Here's me and my first doodlebug, which I just reluctantly sold...
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12-27-2013, 01:18 PM | #37 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Here's one that I "discovered" this summer at a steam show and threasherie in Iowa. The second picture is the same brand -- Thieman -- tractor kit as one that I also "discovered" at the Model A Days at Amana Iowa. The first one is really gussied up, with chain covers, oil bath air cleaner, and PTO. The other, earlier, version was the base version. Here's a blurb about Thieman Harvester from a recent issue of FoxTales, our club newsletter.
Thieman Harvester Company employed 120 people to build tractors from 1932 until 1941 in Albert City, Iowa. In 1936 the base tractor could be purchased for $236, less the engine assembly. A running tractor with a reconditioned Model A engine listed for $363.75, with the rebuilt engine a measly $127.75 option. Three rubber tires instead of the standard lugged steel wheels added another $122.71. Or, you could have the tractor delivered and install the engine from your old Coupe, Town Sedan, or Cabriolet and get double the value from the investment in your Ford. For the “average farmer,” that was a very popular alternative … a Ford-powered tractor that could do “the Work of … “Four to Six Horses at the Cost of ONE HORSE OR LESS …” |
12-27-2013, 03:06 PM | #38 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
A Dodge Bros. that a friend of mine bought.
A Model A based tractor I used to have, with a TT worm drive rear. I must not have a picture of the wrecker equipped unit I have now, or my Worthington. |
06-18-2014, 04:23 PM | #39 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
I know it's not a doodle bug, but it's fun. It's made from Model T parts and it Briggs & Stratton motor.
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06-25-2014, 08:53 AM | #40 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
nice A tractor just listed on ebay that matches the "kit" one that was mentioned on this site. sold last month for 7500.
the one on the bay starts at 3500. |
02-21-2015, 11:35 AM | #41 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Here's my 1930 Model AA Doodle. I use it as a run-around at my local antique equipment show: nationalpike.com The wheels have had the centers cut out and welded over the existing Ford wheels which had been bolted in place but were torched off at the spokes! I think the wheels are Dodge? 6 spoke holes in front, 5 in rear.
Last edited by ravenblack1970mach; 03-22-2015 at 07:19 PM. |
02-21-2015, 07:44 PM | #42 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
not a Doodle bug, but Beverly Hill billy's type car.
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03-16-2015, 07:50 AM | #43 |
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03-16-2015, 09:41 AM | #44 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
Here's an A model that I just got from a member of the Franklin, N.Y. Doodlebug club. Hopefully it will warm up enough soon to get more work done on it. I have a question about the radiator on this, I believe that the '32 comm. grille and radiator were added later by someone and they are probably a couple inches too tall so rather than cut stuff to lower them I wondered how tall a '30-'31 radiator is ? Maybe I could just swap out the radiator and trim the shell a little on the sides? Does anyone have a '30-'31 that they could measure and give me an overall height? Thanks
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03-16-2015, 11:00 AM | #45 |
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It's NOT a passenger car shell, it's a commercial that has been painted so it kind of looks like a car grille and looks a bit better than what it is. I'd gladly trade it for one that has already been modified for a channeled car that is in similar shape, I do want to keep the '32 look though.
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03-16-2015, 12:23 PM | #46 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
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Last edited by jimvette59; 03-17-2015 at 08:19 AM. |
03-16-2015, 02:43 PM | #47 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
I'm not all that experienced with Model A's but the firewall etc. looks like '28-'29 to me and if I raise the sides then my steering column will be way below the cutout in the firewall. Also the hood is only 28" long and the date on the Worthington tag is Feb. 1927 there are no engine #'s must be a comm. eng. I think Ford sold these to manufacturers of comm. equip. like Worthington mower co.
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03-16-2015, 04:46 PM | #48 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
The steering column hanger is not stock it should be longer or you can extend it.
Last edited by jimvette59; 03-18-2015 at 07:51 AM. |
03-17-2015, 07:19 AM | #49 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
What are these things worth? Found one in N.J. model A with a truck trans. heavy rear, no grill or hood,engine seized. It appears that it is all there from the pictures.
Haven't looked at it yet two hour ride. I'd like to know what it might be worth? He is asking $750.00 No title Last edited by Jack M.; 03-18-2015 at 09:30 AM. Reason: addition |
03-18-2015, 06:00 AM | #50 |
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Re: Doodle bug tractors post a photo
If there's some hope of freeing up the engine that's probably a pretty avg. price, if the engine is just a boat anchor it's a little high.
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