Picked up another HMV accessory today

[Bill_Wolf]

Found this nice shape 1943 Case VAI. Runs well and the sheet metal is pretty straight. Has near new tires. Good start for a restoration.

This 1943 Case was contracted by the War Department for the Army Air Corps. It was equipped with a Case-Detroit CD-14 Sickle mower. It even has the War Department "W" number (hood number) stamped on the data plate.

These tractors would have been used both Stateside and in-Theater, where ever allied airbases were, to keep the grass beyond the hard stands to a manageable level. Tractors at these fields would have been painted "Flight Line Yellow" or Olive Drab.

Post war many of these tractors were picked up by State and Local Highway Departments to control roadside grass and brush. I have seen several but could not strike a deal.

I plan on restoring mine to it's Military heritage....so...I am looking for a 40's era Case-Detroit mower unit and mounting hardware. I would also like to acquire any pictures of these units in operation at Allied bases.

Enjoy,

Bill

[Cat Man]

Bill,

I guess if you put a chain on the back and parked it in front of a CCKW you could call that Case tractor an Auxiliary starter.

They are a neat little tractor. You know me, I like that odd MV stuff too. We had one of the VAI aircraft tugs but sold it to a local Case collector who restored it as an ag tractor. Now you make me want to go and buy it back.

I would vote for the OD paint and wartime AAF markings from a B-17 field in England.

Don't know if you are familiar with Steiner Tractor parts in Michigan. They specialize in correct replacement parts for vintage tractors. Their catalog lists many items for the VAI Case, including a new steering wheel which I see you will need. I bought all the items I needed to redo my Oliver 77 Yard tractor this fall and was very pleased with them. http://www.steinertractor.com

Very neat tractor and a nice size to trailer to a show. Very cool parked next to the fire truck.

Hope you get it done sooner than later.

Cat Man

[Bill_Wolf]

Thanks for the info and comments Catman.

You don't like the Chevy S-10 steering wheel that is currently on it? It also has a modern alternator which I will replace when I find the original type generator unit.

This should be an easy restoration in the scheme of the others that I have already tackled. The trouble will be finding a Case-Detroit Sickle mower.

I previously acquired the Air Corps TM on the Tractor and Mower.

And yes I will go in Theater with the 15th AAF out of Italy. My Dads old unit.

This will go well at the tractor shows displayed next to my restored Case Aircraft Tug.

Bill

[Gordon_M]

I'd have those screws out of the serial plate fairly promptly and replace them with rivets, if I was you.

That plate is possibly the rarest part of it, and it would be a shame if it walked off while no-one was watching it.....

[Bill_Wolf]

Agreed Gordon...the plate is off.

I was going to wait to remove it until I repainted but I will now not take any chances.

Bill

[Barry Churcher]

Bill, here is a part for your restoration. The price is sure right depending on the shipping.
Barry

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Case-Far ... 5884122b9a

[Bill_Wolf]

Thanks for the link Barry.

I will check into it.

Bill

[Cat Man]

Bill,

With Barry's post for the NOS muffler, I had a great party idea.

How about you list all the parts you need for the Case VAI. Host a weekend party at your house / shop. Each of us has to bring a listed Case part to donate. You supply the Burgers and Beer and we should have that little Case project knocked out in a couple days...............

Would the supreme commander put us up?? On second thought, considering what this crew can eat and drink, maybe not such a good idea?

Just kidding - sort of

Cat Man

[John V Cliche]

Cat-Man on my last visit to Bill's he introduced me to the "supreme commander" as" the guy who got him started in this hobby" ....if .....looks could kill.....I wouldn't be posting this

Bill ,what do you need a lawn mower for there isn't 1 square inch of yard left at your place without a vehicle parked on it

Cheers
John



PS. all kidding aside looks like a nice find

[KEVINABR]

Nice addition Bill
I believe some were painted either od or grey
just thought i'd send you this link http://www.controltowers.co.uk/ or google control tower
There are some great pictures of airfields and equipment inc chevy fire trucks here in the uk that were used by the mighty 8th and the 9th usaaf.
Just another hobby of mine
Regards Kevin