TRACTOR PARTS Allis Chalmers Case & David Brown Farmall & International Ferguson Ford & New Holland John Deere Massey Ferguson Massey Harris Minneapolis Moline Oliver & Cockshutt Kubota / Yanmar

TRACTOR MANUALS

Allis Chalmers	Case	Farmall IH	Ford 8N,9N,2N	Ford
Ferguson	John Deere	Massey Ferguson	Minn. Moline	Oliver

Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

restored/not restored?

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register

Author

mike a. tenn.

03-12-2007 04:38:44

Report to Moderator

y'know...you guys that tear your tractor all the way down, and fix it back to original, right down to the nuts and bolts, really impress me! you are, and will ever be the "elite" amoung us when it comes to TOTAL restoration, and i respect and appreciate all the work and skill you put into your hobby. not all of us are on the same playing field tho. because of time, funds, skill, or lack there of, some of us just cannot do what you do!

i've notice a few "commenters" across these forums that sound like they look down their noses at those of us who like to "tinker" with our tractors, fix 'em up and make them look..."nice". maybe they won't be perfect or "fully restored" or "restored to original", and maybe the paint won't be exact or perfect, but alot of time and work and learning goes into any effort to take an old tractor and make it run and look good, and deserves a measure of appreciation and respect. i'd like to know, how many of you "perfectionist's" FIRST tractor turned out "perfect"? everything starts somewhere.

my 2 cents,
-mike

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

03-13-2007 10:44:04

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

I just get them working and then I use them; so if it"s a working tractor a good cleaning and a "DuPont overhaul" should be all that"s necessary to have a "restored" tractor. Truly restored to as-
manufactured state would mean replacing all the seals, gaskets, bearings, gears, etc. I"d rather have seat-time myself. My 2�.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

KEB

03-12-2007 20:25:28

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

Have one question. If the definition of a "restored" tractor is one that is as close to the way it came from the factory, then how do you justify using new technology paint, etc? To each his own, but seems to me that falls into the same category as the resto-rod in the car world.

I'm working on a Farmall Regular. It'll have all the mechanical issues fixed, all the leaks fixed, and look reasonably close to what I believe is how it looked when it came from the factory. If there was any original paint left on it, I wouldn't re-paint it, but what little paint there is left is the wrong color.

I have a Farmall H that's got a 10 yard paint job (not mine) on it and the wrong decals. Someday I'll get around to cleaning it up & repainting it, but right now it's just fine for what I do with it.

If you have the $$$ and inclination to go for a total teardown type restoration, go for it. To me, half the fun of owning antique equipment or cars is doing it yourself.

Keith

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Clint Youse MO

03-12-2007 17:15:39

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

I agree threre are different levels of restoration but why tear into a transmision and rearend if it is ok I would rather look at a good original than a repaint but I respect teh guys that go complete through a tractor. but some of the tractors are being "restored to way better than they ever were originally better paint better tires tin work and cast made smoother. so what should it be restored to factory condition or with all the better stuff I like looking at all the tractors so it does not really matter. I like putting an up grade on my tractors the nicer paint 12volt conversion and take the extra extent and have pride init. I have a friend that once it all to be factory original down to every bolt went out there the other day he was wire brushing bolts to go in a G john deere because he could not find ones with the right head me probably put a common hex head bolt in and been all right but to each his own

Clint

PS northeast puller I like what you are doing some more of us should try and help new guys young and old get in to this hobby a lot of really friendly people to meet doing this

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Mike M

03-12-2007 18:25:16

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to Clint Youse MO, 03-12-2007 17:15:39

On a transmission that is 40,50, or 60 + years old how are you going to know if it is ok or not UNLESS you look ?????

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

1941 farmall a boy

03-12-2007 15:14:11

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

One of my friends in the car club told me carson you cant make a old truck into a brand spankin new truck there's just no way same with with the tractors. No matter what there will all way's be someing that need's to be work'd on. Now unless you have all the money in the world then you can and even at that its still gonna be hard. With my 41 A im not even gonna mess with the trans its ok for me. If its not broke dont fix it as my mom tell's my dad lol. Carson

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

dandeere

03-12-2007 12:26:02

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

Just a thought, anyone with deep enough pockets can "restore" anything, not too many can make an restored, "original". Its kind of like "Antique"s Road Show", now what you have here is eighteenth century highboy chest that"s worth $500.00 refinished or $50000.00 original.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Mike M

03-12-2007 12:40:23

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to dandeere, 03-12-2007 12:26:02

That's the trouble with the tractor market.It's totally different than any other collector market. I can't say as I ever saw an original paint tractor bring more than a repainted one. That's why you see so many quickie paint jobs on tractors for sale as that's what sells. This may be starting to change though ?

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Mike M

03-12-2007 11:09:59

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

It just is easier to call one "restored" than it would be to explain the different levels of repair and painting and reconditioning ,rebuilding refurbishing etc.

For myself I have just seen so many bad/worn out things once I've looked inside of these old tractors it is darn near impossible for me to put the blinders on and just do only part of one. On every single one I've torn down there has always been something I found that made me glad I found it. If you have owned a particular tractor for a really long time or if it has been in the family and you know the history of it then I could see where it would be easier not to tear into and look over everything.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

John S-B

03-12-2007 10:44:13

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

I guess there would really be different levels of restoration. The top level would be museum quality where everything is original and specific to the year the tractor was built with matching serial no.s on the engine and transmission. There would also be mechanical restoration where everything has been gone through and the tractor is ready to go to work. To me, I don't believe a piece of equipment has to be completely disassembled down to the last washer and nut to be restored, as long as it was checked for wear and prepped for painting resonably well. I should also be specified what was done during the restoration. Minor wear on components like transmission gears do not call for replacement IMHO to qualify for restoration.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

treeman

03-12-2007 09:56:26

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

Is it possible to restore a tractor? Are there levels or degrees of restoration? When a tractor is first assembled every component that goes in is manufactured to a set of specifications. Who has the capability to verify every specification on every component to say it is restored to original condition? Even new parts may be made by third party manufactors. I am puting a 1972 Cub Cadet 149 back in service. I am stripping, filling, replacing some parts, primeing, and painting. I have replaced almost all the original bolts with bolts from TSC. When I finish if someone says "Wow you restored it" or "Hey you repaired it" I will be equally happy. I will know that I did it. I may never let it work again but I know I could. When I look at it or drive it I will know it is better than the Cubs down at TSC. They don't make what I have anymore.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

rrlund

03-12-2007 09:50:26

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

I have nothing in the world against a sharp usable tractor. To make my Oliver 77 reliable for every day use,I put a 12 volt generator off of a 1600 on it.Not an alternator,because the side curtain won't close with one on it. It looks original with the generator,but I'll never tell you it's restored,just a heck of a nice looking usable repaint. It's just the terminology. If someone advertises a restored tractor,and I drive 200 miles pulling a trailer to be greeted by a dented half missing tractor painted with a barn broom,don't expect me to be smiling when I walk away. Thats all anybody is saying.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

northeast puller 1

03-12-2007 09:39:14

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

Mike I am a purist and true restorer how ever I do pull, plow and play with all of them and if they get dirty or scratched we take them home and fix them. I did my first tractor in school in FFA in 1977 and have come a long way from my first farmall H.. I do not make fun of any body restoration or lack of . I am currently helping 2 young boys and their fathers in my home shop on their early attempts at repair and restoration . I am not doing it for them I am showing them and letting them use my 25 years of colleting the tools to do it right. They are learning how to find NOS and used parts and make a deal to buy them and learn how to budget and all about good and bad buy�s. When I go to shows there is a photo album with the full restoration and a venders list from ware the parts came from so as they can see the parts them self�s for quality confidence in buying from that vender.
North East puller 1

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

mike a. tenn.

03-12-2007 11:14:31

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to northeast puller 1, 03-12-2007 09:39:14

NE Puller...obviously you are NOT one of those "few" i mentioned, and i'm glad we have guys like you around that have BTDT (been there done that) to help the rest of us along like you're doing with those guys you mentioned. i have a lot of respect for "purists and true restorers" like you. i hope you didn't take my posts the wrong way. there are alot of others just like you too.

i'll say it once again...i AGREE with you all that the word "restored" is often used wrongly to describe what has been done on a machine. but the word IS confusing. i think if i was talking to someone long distance and he told me he had a "restored" whatever, i'd ask him what his definition of the word was before i'd travel a long way to look it over to possibly buy. all i'm saying in my posts is that everyone has a different thought on how they want their own personal machine to look and how much time and effort and funding they're willing or able to put into it, and no one else should feel so superior that they "belittle" that in any way...and once more, there are a "FEW" (not the majority, most are like you puller, VERY helpful and encouraging)) on these forums and other places that do. i'd be surprised if you told me you'd never seen one or two.

ok..i'm done. back to my shop!
have a great day y'all, mike

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

northeast puller 1

03-12-2007 09:36:56

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

">Link

Link
Mike I am a purist and true restorer how ever I do pull, plow and play with all of them and if they get dirty or scratched we take them home and fix them. I did my first tractor in school in FFA in 1977 and have come a long way from my first farmall H.. I do not make fun of any body restoration or lack of . I am currently helping 2 young boys and their fathers in my home shop on their early attempts at repair and restoration . I am not doing it for them I am showing them and letting them use my 25 years of colleting the tools to do it right. They are learning how to find NOS and used parts and make a deal to buy them and learn how to budget and all about good and bad buy�s. When I go to shows there is a photo album with the full restoration and a venders list from ware the parts came from so as they can see the parts them self�s for quality confidence in buying from that vender.
North East puller 1

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

dhermesc

03-12-2007 07:15:44

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

The real issue is using the term "restore" vs "refurbish". I've never restored a tractor in my life, but I've "refurbished" a few.

The big problem is the guy that power washes (maybe) a tractor and then sprays on a coat of Rustoleum that is close to the original color and then advertise a tractor as having been restored. While asking a price that is comparable to one that has been taken down to the castings.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

mike a. tenn.

03-12-2007 06:56:04

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

i'm not saying that the term "restored" isn't being used incorrectly. nor am i accusing MOST folks, INCLUDING alot of the "true restorers" on these forums of "looking down their noses" at those of us who "tinker" with our machines just for the fun and enjoyment of getting them in working order and just plain making them LOOK good. most of them are very helpful and encouraging! but i have seen posts from a "FEW" (as i stated in my first post) commenters, that practically lash out at anyone who doesn't completely restore their machine down to the original nuts and bolts, use the EXACT right paint codes or the absolute best paint on the market, and one i just saw lately that made me feel like he thought i shouldn't even be allowed to TOUCH an old tractor unless i planned to completely, totally, and perfectly bring it back to showroom condition, or better. i've seen a "FEW" of these people i'm talking about, come to a local tractor show where alot of work and effort was put into simply making tractors look nice, showing their own "expertise" off by pointing out every little flaw or incorrect part, and literally degrading the effort, right in front of the person who had simply brought the tractor there to let everyone take a gander at it, instead of complimenting the guy on the things he did well. i just feel that no matter what level we take our "tinkering" to, we all have one thing in common, and that's a love for old iron, and that outta be enuf to keep us all from being classified as either perfectionist purists, or simpleminded hacks.

just my own thoughts,
-mike

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

TomTX

03-12-2007 06:13:22

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

I don't think people are looking down their nose, just objecting to some uses of the "restored" term. I don't "restore" anything, and never have. Can't afford it for my working tractors. I fix anything mechanically wrong, and go overboard doing preventative maintenance, oils, fuel treatment, filters, etc. What really gets most folks in trouble is saying they "restored" a tractor, when then just fixed what was obviously wrong, cleaned and painted it. That is a far cry from "restored". Another term mis used just as much is "overhauled" or "rebuilt" an engine. Many folks just put in new rings, grind the valves, new inserts, new sleves and say its been "rebuilt" when in fact that is probably less than 50 percent of a complete "rebuild". In other words, many folks tend to overstate the amount of their repairs. Tom

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

other Sam

03-12-2007 05:04:31

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

I agree not all tractors have to be or should be "restored", I like to see them in all conditions from original (prefered) to restored. I don't like to see them over restored. The guys are not looking down their noses at you. They are merely saying don't pass something off as restored when it is only a quick paint job.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Dave in GA

03-12-2007 04:58:50

Report to Moderator

Re: restored/not restored? in reply to mike a. tenn., 03-12-2007 04:38:44

Mike, I agree. I have just as much appreciation seeing an old, rust-covered, unrestored tractor as I do the gleaming, 100% restored ones. There was a parade a few years ago with about a dozen old tractors in it, all of them restored except for one rusty unstyled A which was poppin' along with the rest of them. I kinda liked the old A the best. Who knows, maybe the man driving it just saved it from a scrap iron yard.

I've been to tractor shows where there would be a proud owner of 3 or 4 polished, glistening machines which the owner bought in pristine restored condition which he could "show off." He didn't do any of the dirty restoration work himself and virtually didn't know anything about his tractors except how to start them and drive them in parades. Just down the row there would be the opposite, a greasy teen or old guy proudly displaying the tractor that he spent countless hours on, dismantling, sanding, blasting, machining, looking for replacement parts, and finally painting. Not a perfect restoration, but he did his best. This owner has a special relationship with his tractor that the first guy hasn't experienced. I can appreciate both of these people, but I can personally relate to the second one a lot more.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

[Options] [Printer Friendly] [Posting Help] [Return to Forum] [Log in to Reply]

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home | Forums

Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy