a. The Metal Parts Corp. was located at 930 Tenth Street in Racine, Wisconsin.
b. It is believed all units of both models were assembled in the 60,000 square foot building.
2. How did the Haas name appear on a tractor built by Metal Parts Corp?
a. Mr. Ed Haas was the owner or a major stockholder...and who would ever name a tractor "Metal Parts"?
3. When did production start and how were they made?
a. We have an invoice for the #14 Model D tractor that was sold on September 20, 1949, and it would appear assembly may have started around midyear 1949.
b. The earliest trade journal reports note that a new Haas "Atomic" A-B Series tractor was being produced for the 1949 model year.
4. How many Haas tractors were produced (both models)?
a. At this point we have no figures on the A-B Series and no A tractors as described have been found. In our discussions we agree that probably less A-B tractors were made than the larger Model D tractors.
b. We know of 11 of the A-B tractors in the club, and possibly another one or two that are non-restorable.
c. We have been told Continental Motors may have been the single largest user, as factory mulles.
d. In an interview with Ed Haas, he stated that 301 Model D tractors were made and most were exported.
e. Model D's have been seen in China, Germany, and possibly other places. Thirteen D's are in the club.
5. Did you know or are you related to Ed Haas?
a. Haas is a common German name, meaning "rabbit" and no known connection exists between us.
6. What made Haas think he could profitably produce a farm tractor?
a. Ed Haas had made a good name for himself and Metal Parts with war production and custom casting for other farm machinery makers like Allis Chalmers, Case, Massey Harris, and Fairbanks Morse.
7. Why did they export so many tractors?
a. This requires more than a simple answer, however production was keeping up with demand by then.
b. It also appears that other problems, possibly generated by competitive makes, may have come about.
8. When did they stop making each of the two models?
a. A slight model change was noted in the D tractor, which we assume may have been for 1950.
b. We believe that there is no indication of production after 1951. However, no facts prove this.
c. We believe demand was down and major changes in other tractors would have been difficult to match.
9. Where can I find some of these tractors? I want to add them to my collection too.
a. The best single source is to ask a club member if any are for sale. Scarcity and condition = price.
b. It is more likely that one might show up yet in Wisconsin or Michigan than in other places.
10. If I decide to restore one myself, where can I find parts?
a. The Model D is made up of mostly common parts such as a Continental engine, Rockford clutch, and a Clark-made BF Avery transmission. Though most are no longer in production, some new parts and a limited number of used parts for those are available. No Haas castings are to be found.
b. The B series had problems with final drive gears and these as well as many other parts have to be hand made. Model A Ford parts will fit the inside parts of the engine where applicable.