This article is about my '53 Ford Jubilee and a story that starts with taking the tractor to my brother's Starter/Alternator Rebuilding shop for a wiring fix. The generator was shot as well as all the wiring. I dropped off the tractor expecting a transformation from a 6 volt to a 12 volt system utilizing the original generator housing, and a total rewiring of the whole tractor. The front end center pin bushing was worn also so I ask that they replace it if they had time. Well, that’s what I had told them to do - I guess, however, they had a plan of their own.

I returned to the shop two weeks later, only to find the tractor totally disassembled. Terrified by the sight, I asked (voice quivering) if they could put it back together. They assured me it would be 'okay', so I left for home explaining to my wife that they meant well and that I could probably find another tractor, 'pretty cheap' .

For weeks when I would go by their shop my tractor sat, no visible improvements, under a tarp, on jack stands, with nothing but motor, transmission and rear-end being even remotely recognizable. In all honesty I had began looking for a replacement. All hope was gone of ever seeing my Jubilee back together again.

I had wanted a "Golden Jubilee" since I was 18 years old, the first time I had a close-up encounter with one was for snow removal at a factory I was working at. The body lines and style were so impressive, I decided that if and when I had the chance I would own one of these 'neat little' tractors. I'm now 41 and had owned this little prize for only 6 months, so you can see the disappointment was heart felt.

They could see the trauma I was suffering after a while and let me "in" on their plan to restore the tractor. I was informed of all the parts and supplies they had bought and to be patient, they’d get it back together.

About a month later they called and told me about a parade in Beattyville, Kentucky that they wanted me to enter the tractor in. My response was "Sure, Okay whenever you're done with it, if it looks that good I'll retire the tractor and just show it."

What I was about to see was completely unbelievable. The tractor was back together, prettier than the picture I was shown when they said they were going to restore it. Truly I was shocked when I showed up to haul it to the parade. I had an hour and 15 minutes to get to the parade 30 miles away through winding country roads, but we put all efforts toward making the "debut" and made (in my opinion) a most successful and wonderful appearance in the parade.

It is with this in mind that I ask you to help me thank my brothers for what they have given me by this restoration. They would truly be proud to see their "handiwork" in this publication, as would I. They deserve recognition for this accomplishment, as I am very proud of not only my brothers but the pride and quality they put into their work. I salute them, and I thank them for such a wonderful prize possession as my tractor.

The promise to retire the tractor has been fulfilled, and it has since seen one tractor show and another parade, however I am looking forward to going to as many shows and parades as possible this year. I have only put 3.4 Hrs on the tractor since I got it back, but I have enjoyed it greatly every time I raise the garage door and see it sitting their in all its splendor. Thanks again to My Brothers, Tim and Al (Ralph) Estes at A & E Rebuilders in Irvine, Kentucky.

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