A lot of these old units are Johnny Cash tractors - 37, 38, 39, 40 , , , , , 49, 50 Caterpillar

I really appreciate the detailed information on the D8 history. I am hopeful to eventually restore the tractor so this is all very helpful information that I never would have known if not for everyone's help here on the forum.

was looking at your video, and what does it say on the back of the tank. I would say that was on there before the CCU was installed.

It is very difficult to read, but the part I can make out is something about a construction company.

Hi, BrianCamling.
The CCU that you have on that tractor is not 'period-correct' for that machine either. As I understand it, Cat did not start making CCUs until about 1946-47, after the arrangement with LeTourneau for attachments fell through during WW2. Back in the day when the 1H was the reigning model, the CCU would have been a LeTourneau. I would suggest sticking with what you have as it is a better CCU.

Your tractor may well have been a farm 'dweller' in its younger days.

Just my 0.02.

I plan on keeping the blade and CCU, but I want to get the rest of the tractor looking presentable. I need to track down some of the hardware such as the levers for instance, because as you can see from the video they have been replaced with sections of pipe. But it will keep me occupied for a long time!

those tapered hand grips are still available new from cat. i cant remember the part number.

thanks!

I found the serial number on the CCU. It is 9D2197. I tried a search but can't come up with where to track that number down. Does anyone know from the serial number what year the CCU is? I am guessing that would then be the same year as the hard nose and blade that was installed at some point in the 1950s. Thanks in advance for your responses.