Restoration opinion

mcrow4117 · Jan 3, 2018

I have restored two tractors a 1948 C Allis Chalmers and a 1952 Farmall H. Both had set for over 20 yrs and neither ran when I got them. Looking for a new project a John Deere A is my preference. My question is what’s everyone’s opinion pay more for a running driving tractor and restore or a non running barn find for a 1/3 the price. Below are the before and after pics

old · Jan 3, 2018

Well other then having to flip the monitor upside down to see you pictures the look good. Me I prefer to buy them not running and cheap and many I have picked up had locked up engines and I freed them up with out ever pulling the head. Picked up a IH 300U for $100 and had it running 30 minutes after I got it home

JD Seller · Jan 3, 2018

Anymore you can buy running tractors with good tires for less than the parts and tires would cost to put on a non running one.

Stephen Newell · Jan 4, 2018

The next time you might assemble one right side up.

Steve@Advance · Jan 4, 2018

Hard to say, depends on what opportunity comes along. Every situation is unique.

Not running typically knocks the price down to scrap value unless it's something rare. Just have to look it over carefully for major problems, like broken/welded cases, freeze damage, missing parts.

A lot depends on your ability. I hate body work, so I would look for one with good sheet metal. Someone that is good with body work might be more interested in finding something good mechanically.

Since it's not likely to ever be able to recoup the cost of restoration, building something that has some personal meaning is a major consideration. Something you plan on keeping, using, showing, having some story behind it.

mcrow4117 · Jan 4, 2018

sorry guys I didn't realize I posted pics upside down

JOCCO · Jan 4, 2018

I am with JD seller for common models you can buy them in fair shape and go from there. On that LATE PRODUCTION A WATCH THE CRANK SHAFT SPLINES, BOTH ENDS FOR WEAR. As the other posters said tires and sheet metal can be money quickly.

ss55 · Jan 4, 2018

Starting with a parts tractor will usually cost more to restore than starting with a running tractor in good condition. Currently 1960's tractors are the most popular for new restorations. 1940's and 1950's collections are being sold off into falling prices.

If you are looking to have a finished tractor with some usefulness and value, you might want to consider something newer than a JD A. Even the next newer model, a JD 60, could have more useful and valuable features like: live PTO; live hydraulics; power steering; and maybe a 3 point hitch.

Charlie M · Jan 4, 2018

I'm the same way. For me part of the fun of buying another tractor is the challenge to get it running. Unfortunately I will buy a tractor that is considered too far gone by most guys and spend way to much money getting it running. I keep telling my kids they can recoup the inheritance money when I'm gone. LOL

s,mac · Jan 8, 2018

Any more if a tractor is in fairly good original condition I will clean it up and leave it that way. The only ones I would do a total restoration on is a family or a rare model like a orchard or a high crop. I keep my eyes open for good used tires that I need. Two years ago I bought a 36 Case CO for 800.00 it had four new tires the same size that I needed for a 77 Oliver orchard project. The tires priced out for 1600.00. I now have a running Case CO on full steel and new tires for the Oliver. If you can find deals like this it helps. Steve

mcrow4117 · Jan 8, 2018

(quoted from post at 09:40:54 01/08/18) Any more if a tractor is in fairly good original condition I will clean it up and leave it that way. The only ones I would do a total restoration on is a family or a rare model like a orchard or a high crop. I keep my eyes open for good used tires that I need. Two years ago I bought a 36 Case CO for 800.00 it had four new tires the same size that I needed for a 77 Oliver orchard project. The tires priced out for 1600.00. I now have a running Case CO on full steel and new tires for the Oliver. If you can find deals like this it helps. Steve

The allis I restored was a family tractor it was bought new by my great great grandfather and has always been in the family. I agree part of the fun is to get them running again. Buying them cheap and not running and spending money a little along does make me feel like I’m getting a better deal until I start adding up receipts and realize just what I have in them

Mike M · Jan 8, 2018

Anyone with enough money can buy one done. It takes a special sort of person to take a bad one and make it good especially if you don't have a lot of money to throw at it.
You might want to find on that was supposedly restored and then tear into it and fix what the other guy didn't. Very hard to see what was or wasn't done but you can see things like new tires and radiators. Every one is different. The complete running tractor I drove home ended up needing the most repairs and dollars spent on it then many of the others I bought in pieces ! Get several of the same model and build the best one from all the parts. I've Done that several times too.

Restoration opinion

mcrow4117

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old

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JD Seller

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Stephen Newell

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Steve@Advance

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mcrow4117

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JOCCO

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ss55

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Charlie M

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s,mac

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mcrow4117

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Mike M

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