FARMALL M worth restoring...

Le9102011

Member
Hello, I have been finding this forum very usefull, and I have a neighbor that wants to give me a farmall M. It is currently not running, and is probably stuck since the spark plugs were removed and I don't know how long its been sitting there, its probably going to need new rims on the back and the front, and complete overhaul and who knows whatever else, but it seems to be all there minus the starter and generator. Just wondering if this is something that would be worth bringing back to life, but I can see $$$$$ flying out of my wallet if I do decide to bring the ole girl back to life...
 
I guess it would depend on what you want to do with it. It could be a money pit if all you want to do is get it operational again. However, if you wanted to used it as a working tractor, it might be worth it.
 
If you do take it on, as a project, take your time. I would suggest that you put an alternator on it instead of looking for a generator. I bought a 400 that did not have the spark plugs in it either. One piston was difficult to get loose, but i did get it running. If you are doing this for yourself, then enjoy it and learn. It might be a cheap education. Or you may learn that it was a mistake.
Golf pass- over $750 per year.
Archery- one hunting arrow and head about $18
League Bowling- $13 per week and $140 ball
Fishing boat and truck- Thousands of $$$$$$
Snowmobile or ATV $6000 to $14000
It is your decision
Good Luck
SDE
 
Well I?ve never had anyone explain it like that. But oh so true. I?ve rebuilt a John Deere model a that was in similar condition and should?ve never taken it as far as I did and just parted it out but the memories that I made with my daughter and the looks on our faces when it started popping back to life was priceless so needless to say that tractor is never going anywhere. I know it?ll probably take 2-3k just to get it running and probably another 1500 in tires but the body work is next to nothing since it?s been in az it?s whole life and was a cotton field tractor.
 
It will be a money pit, plan to put 2-3K into it, then get $1200 back when you sell it.

You have to to it because you enjoy it.
 
(quoted from post at 06:40:19 07/11/18) A Farmall M is ALWAYS worth restoring. Ellis

I like the way Ellis thinks. ???? Everyone else is right, too- except for the alternator suggestion. Yuck. ???? Here's how I look at it:

Restoration is enjoyable (to me and many others)

These old machines from the 40s and 50s are very satisfying to use (within their limitations), have excellent longevity and "rebuild-ability" and are sharp looking to boot.

A few things to consider-

A restored tractor can be as reliable as a new one- sometimes more so.

While restored tractors generally aren't worth reselling, if you consider what a comparable modern tractor would cost new, even the cost of restoration (whether mechanical or complete) is not that much. It's a lotta bang for your buck.

Any old tractor will need freshening up and will cost you money. Might as well start with FREE.

At least at free maybe you could sell it for what it took just to get it running, but generally, I think the old tractors are most valuable to collectors or users themselves.
 
(quoted from post at 06:40:19 07/11/18) A Farmall M is ALWAYS worth restoring. Ellis

I like the way Ellis thinks. :) Everyone else is right, too- except for the alternator suggestion. Yuck. :) Here's how I look at it:

Restoration is enjoyable (to me and many others)

These old machines from the 40s and 50s are very satisfying to use (within their limitations), have excellent longevity and "rebuild-ability" and are sharp looking to boot.

A few things to consider-

A restored tractor can be as reliable as a new one- sometimes more so.

While restored tractors generally aren't worth reselling, if you consider what a comparable modern tractor would cost new, even the cost of restoration (whether mechanical or complete) is not that much. It's a lotta bang for your buck.

Any old tractor will need freshening up and will cost you money. Might as well start with FREE.

At least at free maybe you could sell it for what it took just to get it running, but generally, I think the old tractors are most valuable to collectors or users themselves.
 
Sounds like you are OK with the money, then go for it, enjoy the adventure.

I second the alternator, no sense farting around with 6V.
 
Well, for me it is the thrill of the hunt.. The challenge of bringing it back from the dead... And the joy I get when I fire it up and think about all the world events and tough times the tractor has seen. In a way, it is a method I use to keep the stories alive.

My grandpa got his M for free from a neighbor, motor stuck. He brought it back to life in the 1980's (Tractor has fallen away from the family now). My M I pulled from the salvage yard, motor REALLY stuck.. I have more into the motor than the whole tractor is worth, but it will probably never have to be opened up again in my lifetime. I chronicled the whole rebuild on YouTube (channel link below).

All but one of my current 7 tractors were saved from dead. Some were stuck, only a couple were loose. Picked up a nice running Super M to replace my M, but I just can't part with the M, so the Super is now on the market. I am not really in the hobby to sell, or to make money. I collect and waste money in a way that brings me joy.

If I came across a tractor for free... I would be ALL OVER it. Haven't won that lottery yet, though.
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Kens YouTube Channel
 
An M's about the easiest tractor to work on. Used parts are plentiful and if you take your time and keep your eyes open, you can find everything you need including tires and rims and not have too much money into it.

I've read many accounts where someone just sprayed one of the dozens of magic engine unsticking potions down the cylinders, broken the engine loose, changed the oil, and ran it that way. Never touched the head. So just because it's stuck doesn't mean it needs a full overhaul.
 

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