Spirit of 76 questions

[mtromberg]

I just bought a new place and in the old barn there is a Spirit of 76. I found the serial numbers on this forum and I will be checking tonight to see if it is an original or a paint job.

It is in rough shape and I'm assuming it has sat in the barn for quite a few years. No mower deck but there is a snow blower with it.

I'm working on getting the place cleaned up and as of a week ago, it was going to get tossed in my scrap steel pile.

I don't want to just scrap it if it is worth something to someone. I know I can't ask "what's it worth" on the forum, but I am clueless as where to even start. I don't have any interest in restoring it myself but I don't know if I should give it away, part it out, etc.

Thanks,

Mitch

 

[kmcconaughey]

Mitchell, WELCOME to the forum!

Best thing to do is take some photos and post them here for starters.

 

[mtromberg]

Serial Number is 31029, that is good right?

I just a quick overall picture but if there are specifics just let me know. I haven't really looked it myself, just pushed it out of the way. I'll try to get a couple better photos later this week.

Thanks

 

[kmcconaughey]

Seeing that is has the white steering wheel, and it is white plastic not just painted white, I would guess it is indeed a legit Spirit of 76. Looks like the hood is in decent shape as well. They usually crack at the lower front where they hinge. I would say for sure do NOT scrap it! The steering wheel and other parts do have value. The snowthrower for the model 76 is not often seen but not sure I would say they are rare. More photos would be a good thing. We here (I) like photos.

If you were a little closer to me (I'm in Wisconsin as well, but down in St. Croix County) I'd stop by and have a look. I have a running SO76 but a previous owner installed a non-stock replacement engine and made some mods to the hood to get the replacement engine to fit.

 

[mtromberg]

I will definitely get some more photos.

I have family in Grantsburg and in Baldwin and I get there every month or so. I could bring it that far if you wanted to take a look at it some time.

Mitch

 

[jbaker]

nice barn find, save that little guy

 

[kmcconaughey]

Mitchell, I would be interested in seeing it in person.

 

[vthomley]

Mitchell, nice bonus find with your purchase of your new place. And congrats on your new place. I know of a shed in Baldwin, WI that has room your Spirit of 76 - well let me rephrase that - lots of people have room for it!

Kraig will help you for sure!

 

[fcurrier]

By Myron Bounds (Mbounds) on Saturday, April 11, 2009 - 08:53 am:

Jason B: For the 1976 US Bicentennial Celebration, IH took the existing Model 76 and painted/decaled it in Red/White/Blue within a specific serial number range and rebadged it as the "Spirit of 76". The SO76 was available as an option only during the 1976 model year. Each IH dealer only got about two or three of them so they are fairly scarce, although I suspect the dealers probably could order additional ones if needed.

Myron B

 

[mtromberg]

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. There were a few delays from the sellers but the deal closed on Monday. Now that I officially own the place, I can get back to business.

I did notice that the hood is cracked up near the top front corners.

I will try to get a couple more photos soon.

Mitch

 

[mbounds]

Mitch T: congratulations on the SO76. I have one also.
I recommend you contact www.binderbooks.com and order the following:
1) SO76 Operators Manual 1 084 376 R1
2) Parts Catalog IH Cadet Lawn Tractor Equipment CPE-2
3) Parts Catalog Lawn Tractors TC-157
4) Service Manual Lawn Tractor Chassis GSS-1436
5) Service Manual Lawn Tractor Engine & Fuel System GSS-1441

NOTE: Each of the above contains needed information NOT found in the others! You'll need 'em all. BTDT!

The cracks at the top front of the hood is a routine result of normal stress. A fiber glass boat repair shop can fix and reinforce this weak point. New decals are also available if needed. Contact me if I can help.

 

[kmcconaughey]

Mitchell, congrats on closing on your new place!

 

[mbounds]

Mitch: A precautionary note. The white steering wheel and the white steering wheel cap are very unique items.... Take care! They don't make them any more and generally are unobtainable. Other than the color, like everything else mechanical (less paint & decals) on the SO76, they are the same as the standard black steering wheels on the regular Model 76.