Chris. It probably boils down to the degree of modification and why for me. I tend to look at it from a respect and understanding perspective. Some people simply do not understand what they come into possession of (and don't care even if politely pointed out to them), they are fixated on a personal goal with the vehicle they have and off they go like a bull in a china shop, with complete destruction of the vehicle the ultimate end point. In this area over the years I have seen a very original slat grilled Canadian Contract MB totally trashed by an owner that insisted on dropping a Chev V8 into it along with a power steering setup and adjustable highback modern front seats. A very complete Cab 13 Gun Tractor out in the Shilo area many years ago had the full body ripped off of it and tossed, along with the engine and the frame turned into a giant mud truck with an old pick up body put on it. Similar fate with a COE FWD Tractor here in Winnipeg that had full canvas and all the fiddly bits when found. In fact, right now, just three streets away from where we live, some young kid brought home an absolutely mint Early 30's Chev coupe this spring he bought from the neighbour of his Granddad in the country somewhere. It was a barn find he says he paid $1,200.00 for and it has been sitting outside, at the side of their driveway for three months now getting rained on and covered with bird poop. He plans to 'hot rod it'.
From a personal perspective, I have always thought it would be great to own a Cdn Grizzly or Sexton and also be able to restore the proper RCASC Tractor and trailer rig to move it about with. But I always had it in my mind to find two Tractors: one for full on restoration, the second to carefully repower to get acceptable highway speeds out of. But that is just me.
David
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