Tool and Equipment List

Has anyone compiled a list of all the tools and equipment that are needed for a successful N-Tractor restoration project?

Yes about 1/4 million dollars worth should get you a good starting point......

LMAO on that one Hobo. I'm continually amazed at how many tools I end up getting out for what should be fairly simple jobs.

There is a book out there, titled something like "Restoring Early Ford Tractors" plus/minus that should give an idea of what you will need.

Ambiguous question. A true "restoration project" means restoring it to all original. There can be different levels of that depending on one's understanding of the term. I define it as completely dismantling the tractor and cleaning, rebuilding, and painting every part and system. In addition to an engine rebuild, you have hydraulic system, electrical system, steering system, carb, distributor, governor, and more to rebuild. If you go to John Smith's now archived site and read about his step by step true restorations, you will see what is all involved. Others have done the same -Steve Dabrowski did a fantastic job on an early 9N and an early 8N and both these guys did the majority of the work themselves. A "refurbishing project" means rebuilding it using aftermarket, whatever goes parts. If you are asking about just doing an engine overhaul, that's different. The original 7-piece hand tools were all one needed to dismantle a tractor. Even if you have your shop equipped with an engine stand and pneumatic tools, you still will need/want to have the block boiled at a reputable dealer and Magna-Fluxed for cracks. That is a service well worth the price in itself. I would NOT do an engine overhaul without doing this step. They can also boil the gas tank, radiator, and hydraulic pump too. A good, reputable machine/rebuild shop would also be required if the head needs to be flycut flat. Cost is all relevant -you get what you pay for, what you invest.

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)

Other than you basic mechanic tools , you will want a cylinder sleeve remover / installation tool , set of feeler gauges , an analog volt meter ( one with a scale and needle ) , an extra large set of jack stands , and if you have an 8N a 2" socket for the rear axle nut . A set of service manuals will be needed to get everything in specs .

Harbor freight has a 7/8" - 2" socket , ratchet , breaker bar , extension set for $65 . They also have the large / tall jack stands .

A $15 - $20 digital caliper / micrometer would be handy .

If you have heads studs and you choose to remove them I would bet you will need drill bits and EZ out's .

An N is a great tractor to learn on as you can usually get it overhauled / running OK with a little help from this board . You will need some outside help from a machine shop if you choose to do a higher quality job .

The oil pump will be the biggest concern . It is the weakest link in a rebuild . Most rebuild parts are poor quality and few automotive machine shops have the machines , skills , AND knowledge to do a correct rebuild . 99.9% of rebuilders purchase new oil pumps and are not even familiar with an N oil pump . I doubt that 1 in 100 automotive machine shops could get it perfect . Pride would prevent most from telling you this . We see this topic once a month or more .

Just remember that for every dollar you spend , you will probably lose ninety cents , if you get it running .

(reply to post at 15:57:25 03/15/19)

If you have heads studs and you choose to remove them I would bet you will need drill bits and EZ out's .

Click to expand...

was i that lucky that all of mine came out?

(quoted from post at 15:40:07 03/15/19)

(reply to post at 15:57:25 03/15/19)

If you have heads studs and you choose to remove them I would bet you will need drill bits and EZ out's .

Click to expand...

was i that lucky that all of mine came out?

Click to expand...

YES , you should buy a lotto ticket 8)