1952 TO-30 Restore Project

Wolfwise · Jan 10, 2010

Hey folks, I grabbed a 1952 TO-30 for a project and have been slowly working on the minor issues. The tractor runs like a dream and there are no engine leaks, but it is really dirty and grimy and there is virtually no paint on this tractor left. Well there probably is under some of the grime. With that said I hate to tear the engine apart when it is working so well (why fix what is not broke right ). My question to you all is can I leave it together and clean all the grime and have it repainted. I know that if I can get it down to parts I will have a whole lot nicer restored tractor, I just hate to mess up something that is working so well. It does have a few leaks around the steering box and PTO which I am addressing seperately. Any suggestions on how to really clean off the engine area/transmission. Slowy using a scraper and brushes and some goo remover. Took hood and gas tank off so I could really get closer to all the nooks and crannies. Thanks all and love the forums and these old tractors.

Wolfwise

Jeff Z. · Jan 10, 2010

Doing the job like you want to is not that uncommon. Do all you can do with degreaser and a brush and then get a pressure washer that has the detergent injection system. These washer do a good job.

Wolfwise · Jan 10, 2010

Thanks for the quick reply Jeff. I have been paying attention to all the truely professional restoration projects and it seems like they take it comletely down to parts. I guess that way you can inspect the things inside for potential future breakdowns and repair before hand. I am not looking to win any shows, just love these old things and love working them on the land.

(quoted from post at 14:11:41 01/10/10) Doing the job like you want to is not that uncommon. Do all you can do with degreaser and a brush and then get a pressure washer that has the detergent injection system. These washer do a good job.

Jeff Z. · Jan 10, 2010

There is a complete restore which takes alot of time and money and more money $$$$ and a job like you want to do just to have a nice looking nice running tractor.
I would not tare down a good running engine unless I was really bored and needed something to spend all my money on.
I"ll post some pictures of a pressure wash cleaning job I did on a C.

Anonymous-0 · Jan 10, 2010

Wolf Wise,

I discovered some grease, rust, paint and gunk remover called "Industrial Purple" sold at Home Depot. Much better than the "Purple" automotive cleaner and much cheaper. Wear gloves unless you don't want fingerprints.

Sounds like If it was me, I would buy steering oil seals, steering dust seals, steering bearings and PTO seal. I would also replace all other "reasonable to get to" seals and inspect the bearings.

If you get a hankering, I also suggest doing a Re-wire job when you paint the dash.

Mark

Anonymous-0 · Jan 10, 2010

I found oven cleaner works real good on grease and you can get it at Dollar General it only a dollar per can.

Jeff Z. · Jan 11, 2010

Here are pictures of a Allis Chalmers C that had some bad oil leaks.
I cleaned it with degreaser and a pressure washer.
It came out pretty good. Almost looks like it was repainted.

Jeff Z. · Jan 11, 2010

Try Again:

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Crem · Jan 11, 2010

I have a To-20 that I use a lot and about a half dozen years ago I looked at how rough it looked and decided to scrape and wire brush it down and paint it. I did an area at a time starting with the rear axle area. When I got that area cleaned up I used a good paint brush and Rustoleum smoke gray enamel paint. I continued on and finally sanded some of the rough scratches on the hood and brushed that also. Sure it is not perfect but from a little way away it looks OK for a working tractor. I have since scratched the wheels, hood and had some discolorations from leaks etc but I just clean them up again and repaint. You can also buy the same paint in spray cans. This is a quick and cheap up-grade if you don't have a show tractor. It also allows you to get the project finished while not tying up your tractor. By doing sections at a time it is easier to get that part done and then after seeing how it looks, it gives you an incentive to hit the next section.

Wolfwise · Jan 13, 2010

Wow looks great. Thanks for sharing. I will be a regular here and will post some pics as the tractor comes along.

Thanks to everyone that has added thier input and advice. You all really have a nice forum here with alot of great advice. Happy to be here.

Wolfwise

1952 TO-30 Restore Project

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