NEWBIE

[b:0db36c7549]Im new to the forum world and the tractor restoration world. lot of first tonight. i have a john deere 50 (1955?). i do know that the motor isnt locked up. where should i start on restoration.[color=green:0db36c7549][/color:0db36c7549][/b:0db36c7549]

you have a big pile of work to do before even thinking about paint. as the painters say..." painting is the easy part, its the preparation thats the work."

Howdy Justin - welcome to YT!

First thing we need to know is, for what reason are you restoring? Some folks like it best when you leave her old workin' clothes on her, but others like all the fancy-schmancy lipstick and mascara. There's no wrong answer here, but knowing what you intend to use it for would help.

That's the best starting place I can think of offhand.

Welcome....Im fairly new also but have found many friends that are willing to help Paint or no paint- get er running ; fix the leaks...then your ready to move on....good luck !

Fresh battery, fuel, new plugs, plug
wires, points, rotor, condenser, cap,
fresh oil change, check the radiator,
get her started and go from there

Start right under the radiator cap, and work your way back....all the while...enjoy!

I never change anything other than the fuel system cleaning and engine oil replacement before I try to start it. Replacing multiple parts (especially if a learning
mechanic) is a great gateway to frustration. I if the engine will not run after changing all those parts, and it was because all the valves were stuck, or a rod was
disconnected, the expense would be wasted. If some replacement part was bad, you might not expect it to be at fault. Analysis first then tune and make better. Jim

I don't know Deere, but I'll just drop a Welcome to the boards here.

If you get stuck on how something goes, there is a section just for deere(down below)....Some folk just kinda hide in their brand, so posting a exact "how's this model..." question up top in talk or tales might not get as many hits.

Takes some time to get use to the forums but gets addicting once in. We'd all love to see some shots of your project before and as you go along, just a note new users have a probation period of so many post or so much time before they are allowed to post pictures (unless you drop the YT crew a line, saying you are a real person and want to post)

Welcome!

Welcome Justin!

There are a lot of decisions that need to be made first.

What will you be doing with the tractor once finished?

If this is going to be a working tractor, you'll want to concentrate on getting everything mechanical
working correctly. How far you want to go is up to you and your finances. You could do the basics, get it
running, see what else rears it's head, deal with the problems as they arise. But avoid cutting corners, do
it right, do it once. Also consider doing any upgrades, electronic ignition, alternator, these things
improve reliability, what you need for a working tractor.

Another option is a "parade tractor" or light use tractor. This gets a partial tear down, fix what needs
fixing, stop the oil leaks, a decent paint job. Something you can be proud of when done, but not afraid to
get it dirty doing a little mowing.

The most serious is a "true restoration". The entire tractor is disassembled, down to the last screw. Then
put back with no corners cut, no after market parts if avoidable, a professional paint job, and tons of
money and time! I seriously would not recommend this for a first time effort.

Lastly, if you have any intention of doing this to turn a profit, forget it! You will spend way more than
you can ever get for one of these old tractors! Best done for sentimental reasons or just as a hobby and
the satisfaction of a job well done.

Once you decide to get started, the first thing to buy is a good shop manual. Start reading it before you
ever turn the first bolt! Pour over it, study it, get into the mind of the engineer that designed it! You
will be amazed with the things you find that would have been overlooked otherwise. The manuals will more
than pay for themselves in mistakes not made!

And you will need plenty of space to work in. Something with a concrete floor, protection from the weather,
preferably climate controlled. Procure some tables, some large surfaces you can lay parts out on, sort, bag
and label, and photograph. Once the tables are full, sort and store in containers to free up the table
space. You'll need a safe and effective way to wash greasy parts, and a pressure washer. Connections with a
reputable machine shop is a big plus.

As for body work, some people are naturally inclined to do it, and do quite well. Myself, I hate it with a
passion and always turn decent into disaster! But trying to do it in the same room as the mechanical work
is done will get real messy. Consider the cost verses the hassle and the result, you may want to hire that
part out, your decision.

Hope this is in the ball park of what you were asking, let us know. No such thing as a dumb question!
Youtube is your friend!

The John Deere website has a free download for the parts manual. It's really helpful for disassembly and reassembly. You can order service manuals from the John Deere website too.

It sounds like your 50 is not a running tractor, but I may have misread your post. There are folks on the YT Deere forum that have lots of experience, and they also have a desire to help you succeed.

I also have a 50, and it's in scattered pieces in my shop. I hope to get it back together last year, if you know what I mean.
YT Deere forum

...You mean Deere actually "gives" something away?!?!? :shock:

(quoted from post at 20:52:01 08/03/17) The John Deere website has a free download for the parts manual. It's really helpful for disassembly and reassembly. You can order service manuals from the John Deere website too.

It sounds like your 50 is not a running tractor, but I may have misread your post. There are folks on the YT Deere forum that have lots of experience, and they also have a desire to help you succeed.

I also have a 50, and it's in scattered pieces in my shop. I hope to get it back together last year, if you know what I mean.
YT Deere forum

Click to expand...

where can I found that download your talking about.

(quoted from post at 05:22:40

Click to expand...

where can I found that download your talking about.[/quote]ttps://forumphotos.yesterdaystractors.com/photos/mvphoto1497.png[/img]

If the tractor isn't running yet, I would not start any "restoration" or invest much money into it until it is running again and you can better evaluate how much work and money it will need. It would be best if you can drive the tractor "as-is" for a few years to get to know it and decide if you like it or if you something would fit you needs better. Your 50 is a very handy small/yard tractor, especially if it has live PTO and live hydraulics.

Non-running it may be worth $500, running it should be worth $1000 to $2000 depending on condition and tires (new rear tires will cost $500 each), and restored it may be worth $3000+ (restoration should cost $4000+ if it does not have any major problems). Currently the collector market is shifting to 1960's tractors, and many collections of older tractors are being sold off as the owners get older. Bottom line, you will get your money back out of getting it running and maybe get most of your money back from getting it back into working condition, but a restoration could be will be a labor of love, a lot of fun, but it will also be a money-pit. Have fun with your tractor!

Welcome!You will like it here!

One little note. If you take the tractor totally apart, then paint as
you go. If you get things underway and think you want to paint but
arn't sure of something STOP right there. Paint is the very last thing
you do. My neighbor did his Deere from top to bottom. Beauty of a
paint job. He had no idea what that little handle was for. Fork on the
PTO was busted. Want to guess what things looked like after that tear
down ?

X 2 as per Janicholson

www.jdparts.com use the previous catalog when looking for a particular model.

Welcome to the Yesterdays Tractor forum.

This is a good place to learn what you need and share what you know.

There are a lot of folks on this forum with various expertise, experience, and knowledge.

Some of us are even outstanding in our field.



"<font color="#6699ff">[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]where can I found that download your talking about.[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]</font>"

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