1948 Co op E3

ddolvin

New User
Should I repaint this tractor when we restore it or clean it? This is my grandfathers barn kept, not perfect tractor. But, it is straighter and has more original paint than I remembered.
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If it was me I would swap the rear wheels from one side to the other so they would be narrower and degrease everything and enjoy it.
 
Leave it like it is. It is nice just the way it is now and you cannot unrestore a tractor!
The lettering is in great shape too.
Maybe spray it with something to preserve it. Others on here can help with that. clint
 
You are very observant. My grandfather had the wheels inside out to widen the stance for the steep hills on his farm. The tractor was too wide for our trailer so we have already switched sides. The wheel weights were still attached and on the inside.

Thanks, I am leaning toward not painting but am concerned about how to preserve it if I decide not to paint.
 
Thank you Clint.

I am leaning toward not but I would like to learn how to clean up the rust and preserve what is there to preserve.

Hope to get some guidance here on the forum.
 
I would give it a first class painting for grandpa. Here's a WD45 that a daughter had painted for her dad at Christmas. He bought the tractor new in 1954. Hal
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I like the Co-op just the way it is. Clean it up and maybe give it a wax job. These old tractors can be original only once.
 
Beautiful!

Was this her first restoration? I would be interested to know her process for cleaning etc.

Thanks, we are still completely undecided on weather to repaint. Heck, we have not even started, ha! Long way to go and neither one of us has ever tried our hand at a restoration.
 
Thanks Rusty,

We are really undecided. I think once we check
the engine out and get it cleaned up we'll have a
better idea. My concern in not painting is how do
we address what rust there is on the tractor and
preserve it. I believe 95% or better of the paint
is there with very little body damage so it does
make it a difficult decision for us. The wheels
and weights concern me a little as well as the
tires. The tires (front and left side) are the
originals from 1948. The right side tire has been
changed, but they all seem to be holding air. The
rear wheels are filled with liquid as well.
Thanks again!
 
The man that painted it lives in Ft. Recovery, OH.
His dad sends me pictures of the tractors he paints. Here are a few more pics of the tractors he has painted. Hal
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I always first think they should be restored but actually when I go to a show those original tractors are the ones I stare at the most . So , no, it is perfect the way it is. It is a sweet tractor!
 
I would degrease it and use some rubbing compound on the hood and sheet metal. Once it is cleaned off I would wipe the whole thing with kerosene to stop any rust and shine it good. I saw an original paint Rambler once that looked brand new. The old lady that had it new wiped it once a year with kerosene on a rag. You can do stuff like that with the old single stage paint. You sure can wax it with the shape of the paint that is there.
 
Degrease the tractor then find some Fluid Film oil in a spray can and a rag. Or you can use ATF oil to pull the shine. THEY ARE ONLY ORIGINAL ONCE! I wouldn't worry about the tires right now if they don't leak. If the rears leak drain them and wash them immediately when your done to prevent rust. Clean and paint the rims on the inside and put new tubes in.
 
Super, thank you for the tips. I am seeing an over whelming sentiment to clean it and keep it original. Thanks.
 
I would clean up the original paint first using rags and diesel fuel. It looks like it has enough good paint left that it will be fine with just a clean up. Like others have said, the original look is popular now. My Cockshutts had been repainted several times so I did not have that option.
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No one can make that decision for you, and there are no rules. I paint mine. The best original I have had is a International 300 utility. Used very little and still has the decent original tires. I will probably paint it anyway as restoring tractors (a LOT more than painting) is my hobby. I don't do them to sell, and there are few tractor shows around here, so I do it for myself.
 

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