Restoration

David G · Nov 12, 2014

This term comes up all the time.

I have sandblasted down to frame, prime, painted, replaced all seals, rebuilt engines and replaced tires on my tractors.

I do not consider them restored, because I did not take every piece apart, check tolerances and bring back to spec.

Where do we call the game.

VADAVE · Nov 12, 2014

Refurbished

rrlund · Nov 12, 2014

You'll get as many different answers as there are people on this forum. Here's what I found when I Googled a definition of it.

Repair or renovate (a building, work of art, vehicle, etc.) so as to return it to its original condition.
"the building has been lovingly restored"

synonyms: repair, fix, mend, refurbish, recondition, rehabilitate, rebuild, reconstruct, remodel, overhaul, redevelop, renovate;

in-too-deep · Nov 12, 2014

I like "rehabilitate"!

David G · Nov 12, 2014

I like that term

G1355 · Nov 12, 2014

I wouldn't call taking every piece apart, check tolerances and bring back to spec restoring, that'd be like building or "rebuilding" it. I consider restoring getting back similar to how it was when new, oil leaks gone, new tires, gauges, paint, and every thing to work as it should get all shields covers back on and get all safety decals where need be that's some stuff that takes time rounding up parts and making it look good and looking at brochures or pictures to make right when unsure.

Thing I see alot is people saying restored when its simply a new paint job that looks like a five year old painted it and still has overspray on tires, tires all weatherchecked and they didnt straighten any sheet metal or spend time getting rid of grease or just painted over old decals.

GeneMO · Nov 12, 2014

"fixed-up"

rrlund · Nov 12, 2014

Or if I'm doing the restoration,"fix". lol

Stephen Newell · Nov 12, 2014

I would call what you have done restored. I think there are different levels of restoration and taking one all apart like you are describing and put the tractor back to like new condition would be a museum quality restoration.

Zachary Hoyt · Nov 12, 2014

Some of my tractors have looked more regurgitated than anything else.
Zach

Nebraska Cowman · Nov 12, 2014

"Restored" to what? Restored to the condition it was last used? Restored to the way it spent most of it's working life? Or restored to the way it left the factory or dealer lot when new? because after all, "restore" only means "to return to a previous state" If someone goes to the doctor and is "restored" to health, you don't hardly expect to see him return home a a baby in diapers.

redforlife · Nov 12, 2014

My personal opinion, to do a restoration means to bring it back to an original like new condition the way it was when rolled out of the factory. It is impossible to do a %100 restoration. Lets just face it, you are going to have to use some used parts with some wear. Just no other way around it. That is why I used the words "like new" in my first statement. I don't get to picky about nit picking. If the engine is in good shape etc., I would still consider it restored. If it is wore out and burns oil and smokes, I would obviously not consider it restored.

donjr · Nov 12, 2014

How's about "a good paint job"....

David G · Nov 12, 2014

Zach,

You made me laugh,

Thanks

Gary in da UP · Nov 12, 2014

Good Question. Your right, that isn't restoring, your just playing ketch-up on delayed routine service and adjustments. I have a project and it isn't a restoration either. Its a lot of labor no matter what. What's important are the results. I like mine to start and run well, steer and stop like new. Old tractors slobber fluids, I like clean tractors to work with and work on. I like to tart them up with paint too, but anyone who sprays a clearcoat on an old tractor and calls it restored or original paint needs intervention.

Dick2 · Nov 12, 2014

We used to call a new paint job a (insert nationality of your choice) overhaul.

Royse · Nov 12, 2014

I take my definition of "restored" from working on classic cars.
Back to the way it was when it rolled off the assembly line.
A rebuilt engine, to stock specs, might be acceptable.
At least the numbers would all still match.
A replacement or a bored out block would not be.

On my little Ford tractors, the replacement 6 loop rims would
rule out a "restoration", as would automotive paint with clear
coat or the wrong color of paint, wrong sized tires, etc.
In other words, unless it is a MM UDLX or similar, it will never
be worth the money it would take to "restore" it.
I don't restore mine. I call them refurbished.

Greg1959 · Nov 12, 2014

Royce- That is one purdy tractor!

Thanks

RandyB(MI) · Nov 12, 2014

So that would mean ,also, that clear coat urethane paint and the required body filler to "perfectly straighten" body panels and also hi-tech vinyl decals all used on a 100 pt, numbers matching Hemi Cuda should render it "refurbished" as apposed to "restored" ? Lot of old tractors had lettering silk screened on. No-one does that anymore so any vinyl decals are "refurbish". Even so called silk screen decals are faux. How bout the oil/coolant? Any NOS gauges out there? Over standard bore? Turned crank? If this is the criteria then there aren't any "restored" machines. Originals maybe, but not restored. So IMHO it's up to each individual or club/association to define it as that is how many different definitions there are and someone will always argue it anyway.

Royse · Nov 12, 2014

"So that would mean ,also, that clear coat urethane paint and the required body filler to "perfectly straighten" body panels and also hi-tech vinyl decals all used on a 100 pt, numbers matching Hemi Cuda should render it "refurbished" as apposed to "restored" ?"

Why would anyone with that car skimp on details?
Unlike a common model tractor, it would be worth restoring.
If someone wants to slap decals on it, its their car I guess.

Royse · Nov 12, 2014

Thanks Greg. It's one of two I finished this year.
Good working machine now, back in the fields.

RandyB(MI) · Nov 12, 2014

Many Hemi Cuda,s came with the semi gloss black side 1/4 pnl "billboard" with the word "Hemi Cuda " in it. (Decal )

Royse · Nov 12, 2014

If it came with that decal, a decal should go back on it.
Silk screening it would not be a correct restoration IMHO.
How many people would know? Only the correct police.
They still look great.
On some very old cars, its nearly impossible to know what
they came with, so it is an all out effort to get it right.
But how many times have you read a tractor ad that said something
like "completely restored, converted to 12V"? One or the other.

Dick L · Nov 13, 2014

I feel as you do and do not use the word restore when taking a tractor down to a pile of parts and rebuild. I have a tendency to get handy with the tool shop machines and welder while and before assembly. I work for my own entertainment and not to other peoples specs.

LeoinMI · Nov 13, 2014

I guess my NAA is "fixed up". Like Royse says,..you work on your own tractor to your satisfaction,..not other people's specs. As long as you are happy with the results,that;s all that matters.

2underage · Nov 13, 2014

Reconditioned is the term that I prefer. To restore something means to make as before or like new. It is nearly impossible to "restore" anything.

kansas45 · Nov 13, 2014

I fight with myself about clear coating a tractor or piece of equipment. I want to do it, but it just wouldn't go with the theme of a good restoration or refurbish or whatever the heck you want to call it, of a older model tractor.
While we are on the subject, do any of you try to leave the factory spot welds showing, or do you smooth everything with filler?
Someday I'm gonna' clearcoat a tractor that I intend to keep, just to satisfy myself.

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