Paul Bell, Charlie,
I pulled out my 82 series literature tonight (after all of the in-laws & family left and the household settled down some).
I found the following:
1)The accordian-fold index card sized lietreture that introduced the red tractors only had a 582, no "Special". These tractors were all pre-production photo models, with white painted front wheel bolts. These are the same photos used in the later 8.5"x11" lietrature.
2) My "IH Sales Know-How Product Guide to IH Series 82 Cadet Tractors" does not include the 582S model when comparing and contrasting the 82 series and the QL's.
3) The accordian fold "Specifications" 8.5"x11" literature does not include the 582S
4) The later full color 8.5"x11" booklet, includes all of the same pictures as the index card version with the following exceptions.
582S was added, but all of the pics were the same as the 582 and the word "Special" was air brushed on the hood of a 3 speed CI rear 582 model with the pre-production photo shot white wheel bolts.
Based on Paul's production records, and the lack of a 582S in the early literature, I think It is safe to say that the 582S entered the line ~1 year after 82 series production started.
Note: The 782 on the cover of this literature must have been shot later as well, as it has the revised front grill without the screen, all of the others have the early screen style grills.
Another interesting doscovery:
1282 is added to the full sized literature as well. This tractor was obviously photographed at later time, But interestingly enough the front wheel bolts are red, (can't see the front axle), seat springs, and transaxle are also red.
This may be a literature shot with a pre-production 1282 based on a IH frame/paint scheme, but that may also indicate that IH had conceived the 1282 idea just about the time of the sale, and MTD subsequently produced them. What are the serial numbers/year dates on the first 1282 models? Based on some of the literature shots and the differences in them, the 1282 could very well have been IH developed, but not produced.
This isn't presented to be arguementative or to dispute any of Paul's production data, but rather to try to unravel the details of the "late arivals" to the 82 series line.