OH YEAH! Another excuse to post pics of my 40 year old garden tractor.
Although I have to say, these older tractors are a lot more fun (at least for me) when viewed as a fun project (like an older porsche), not a daily driver. When I was depending on these as my only tractor, I HATED them, but when I got a newer tractor, now I love tinkering on them as a project. Also, you mention 14hp kohler. That's what I've got, but I really miss the 16 hp kohler I had, and secretly I want to install a newer 20-30 hp engine. It's been done- a part of the fun of the project! Watch for rust on the deck and assume all pulleys/ bearings need replacement. The beauty of these is that they are one hell of a lot cheaper than 911's and there is no real concours crowd, just old 55+ year olds and beer guts. Good stuff indeed!
oh yeah.. rust in the gas tank. I'm assuming a 70'ish has a steel tank. Make sure the tank is clean. A rusty tank or a tank with moisture leaking through the gas cap will ruin your day. Also, just go buy a new carbuerator. Don't fiddle with the old one. It is probably worn out. The original carbs are expensive, but the walbro's are cheap and will retrofit a k321 kohler engine. You can find them on fleabay.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/DUALRESPONSE1731/ford%20lgt%20145%20snowblower/_MG_9164.jpg