Spirit Of 76

[rhastings1]

Hows it going I have a Spirit Of 76 was wondering how rare this tractor is and what the value of it may be. Thanks Randy Also I'm new to the site does any one know how I can post pictures of the tractor

[Bigdog]

Randy - welcome aboard! I don't know how rare the Spirit of 76 cadets were but on the picture question - If your picture is on a photo host site that allows linking it can be linked to your post. If you look at the menu at the top of the page you will see a selection named Cubfest Host. It is our resident photo host site for the board. You can create a free account there and upload you pictures there to link them to your posts. If you would like, e-mail me your picture and I will post it for you. My e-mail is in my profile.

[rhastings1]

Thanks for your help my file size is to big thanks again Randy

[moparado]

Don't know about this here resident photo hosting site but some photo sites automatically resize large photos down to a size they can handle. However its best if the photo is resized by yourself with a good photo editor.

Better yet, to avoid likely resizing artifacts and for the best internet quality photo, its best to take pictures with the internet in mind. Most of the better digital cameras have picture size (pixel width/height) settings. Some even have settings specifically for internet uploads or for email attachments.

Ken

[rhastings1]

Thanks for all your help I got the pictures loaded finally Thanks again Randy

[Donny M]

Thanks for all your help I got the pictures loaded finally Thanks again Randy

Now you just need to post them:

[red56turbo]

NICE looking 76!!!! Those small cadets always look as if they would break if you hit a big bump. Great job!!

[Paul B]

Randy
The Spirit of 76 (SO76) is really the only Cadet lawn tractor that IH built, that is considered a "collectable". That is not to say that some people may not collect or have more than one or two of the Cadets, the Cadet 95 electric rider has some following for example, but by a large the Cub Cadet garden tractor has a much larger following and is more collectable than the Cadet lawn tractor, except for the SO76.

There were fewer than 4,000 made it is thought, but the S/N listing's found for the lawn tractors do not always jive from one list to another, and the totals come up different - 3,504, 3,713, 3,714 etc., but they are rather rare. They did have their own S/N range, 028600 thru 032314 according to some list, but all numbers may not have been used.

The little tractor is the same as a Cadet 76 except for the color scheme, which was done for the U.S.A.'s Bicentennial in 1976. The seat and steering wheel were white rather than the black of the standard 76, and to find a SO76 that still has both intact is an accomplishment in it's self, since the SO76 is the only thing that the white ones were used on. The steering wheel is a white plastic material, not just the black wheel that is painted white. There are probably more SO76's out there now than what IH built, so be aware there are standard model 76's (and the later models of the same basic tractor, like the 80,81,111,282,382, etc) that have been painted and decaled like a SO76. The decals are available from several sources.

Prices range from $75 to $600,$700 or more, depending on the condition, but today, $250 - $400 is probably more realistic for one totally restored. It seems the interest and higher prices of a couple of years ago has dropped quite a bit. A new in the box, 1/16 scale, toy version made by Ertl, will sell for nearly as much or more than the real thing.

They make nice little tractors, that are fun to drive, and the picture of the one that is posted is a very nice example of a SO76.

[rhastings1]

You know I've joined a few chat forums before and always seem to get some smart ass no it all who is just a jerk.I appreciate the comments on my tractor and the info on the history of the S076 I totally disasembled it sand blasted every piece and repainted it I rebuilt the motor using all oem parts I also bought a brand new hood for it from cub cadet they only had three of them left. Over all I'm happy with the way it came out I have showed it all over this summer and have gotten good feedback. The bad part is that I have over 1200.00 into it not including labor but who cares I dont plan selling it.My next project is a cub. But any thanks alot Randy Hastings

[rhastings1]

[moparado]

Great refurbishing job!
My first thought is this tractor is a natural for leading the local 4th of July Parade!

I'm a little on the confused side though! Is the tractor DonnyM posted the same tractor?
Ken

[rhastings1]

Hey hows it going I was very green to this site so Donny M posted it for me then I figured out how to I have more pics on the cubfest photo site just click the link at the top Thanks Randy

[Denny Clayton]

Great looking Cadet! Looks like a keeper.