I posted this on the N-board but maybe shoulda put it here:
I noticed a pic in Brocks book showing the "experimental prototype" 9n & it had wheels similar to the 8n. Then in the pic of the "first production" 9n it has the normal (to us anyways) wheels but it appears to be a chrome hub.
Anyone know the story on these? I've never heard it mentioned before.

Jon-
I've noticed the chrome hubs also and can only surmise they were put on for the "dog and pony" show Ford/Ferguson put on for the media when the introduced their new tractor to the world. You know, flash them with brilliance...

Tim Daley(MI)

I just bought a tractor, the engine serial # 9N43694, this is telling me that the tractor is a 1940, but the tractor looks like it has original paint red underneath and gray top. also the key is on the left had side at steering colume also it has a 3 spoke wheel spoke steering wheel hich came out on latter 9N's I am not sure hat I have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can any one help ?????????????/

People here on the board have said that it was FOMOCO policy to tell their dealers to repaint all used tractors in the current paint scheme. That's why you occasionally run into an 8N or 9N that was painted in the 1970's blue. It was traded in, repainted according to Ford's recommendations, and put out on the used equipment lot.

Mark-
The 9N and 2N were painted all battleship grey---NO RED until the 8N came out in July, 1947. That being said, many dealers and owners, cashing in on the success of the N's and the arrival of the 8N, painted the early models red and medium grey to simulate the 8N color scheme in hopes it would sell their tractor. This was especially true of dealers at the end of 1946 who were trying to clear 2N inventory to make way for the new 8N so in hopes of "fooling" people into believing as long as the tractor was a "red-belly" they were getting a new model. Parts were changed out over the years too by owners and mechanics so you need to look real close if you are you trying to be original or restoring to original.

Tim Daley(MI)

I was beginning to wonder if I was seeing things! :-)