From the Fantastic Tractor Collector Blog at Iron Memories
Several recent farm equipment auctions have a large number of restored antique tractors scheduled to be sold in upcoming weeks. I read a couple of years ago how antique tractors were considered a sound investment. You can have a hobby, enjoy it and when the time comes sell the tractor and still have the money you invested. Few other hobbys are as lucrative, and you only invested as much or as little as you chose.
One item I noticed in a couple of these auctions were Ford N’s with “Funk Conversions.” You can go for years and not see a single one, then as if from out of no where comes a sale with three or four.
Ford 2N, 8N, 9N Tractor Funk Conversions
What is a Funk Conversion? The 2N, 8N and 9N could be converted to run a six-cylinder or an eight-cylinder Ford industrial engine. This conversion was designed by a company called “Funk Aviation” of Coffeyville, Kansas, thus the name “Funk Conversion”. This company offered a kit with everything but the engine, to complete this type of a conversion. Numerous alterations, including lengthening the hood, are required to allow for the larger engine, and the tractors factory clutch and transmission to work together properly. The original reason for these conversions was to beef up the N for more power to pull a larger plow. Today it is just for the fun of it. Imagine a 100 HP N hooked to a sled at an antique tractor pull!
The Funk company ceased operations in 1952, so if you want one today you will either have to find one already completed, find someone with a NOS kit, or divise your own version, Like one of the antique tractor owners in the next edition of Iron Memories book of tractor stories has done.
If you are trying to decide if you want to join the antique tractor crowd for some fun, on tractor rides, drives or cruises (what ever the local term is in your area)or antique tractor events. Try one of these already restored models. Then when you are ready try restoring one yourself.
Remember like the old saying goes “Try it you might like it”
