Anyone here judged 4H tractor restoration?

My 14 year old is restoring a Ford 2600 with my help. It won't be done in time for the fair but I signed him up in the "Tractor Restoration" category. Figure he'll have enough done by then that we can do a poster board with pictures and a project book with whats been done, costs, estimated future costs, etc...

Wondering what type of stuff he'll be asked during judging so he can be prepared. Also, anyone know if he could bring the completed tractor next year or would that be considered to be using the same project twice?

As a 4-H leader i can give several things to consider. It is probably not going to be usable next year. It is fine to use it as a poster
presentation and may prove attractive in that it gives insight to what was done. 30 inch by 40 inch (or as required by rules)Posters should have
less than 50 words on them in 75 point type or larger. A notebook of the process should be a part of the presentation with dates and both
success and non-successful parts of the restoration. By the way a restoration is complete disassembly and replacement of all components out of
specification. If that was not as deep as he went, call it a repair and refresh.
He will be asked how much you participated and should say what you did and why (danger, process, weight, or skill level) he should know and
describe where parts were purchased. He should be able to describe what remains to be done. he should know the specifications of the machine
and its former use. He should be confident in his answers, and not go off on other topics. Short answers that are directed to the question are
best. There may be many more people to be judged, and time is important. He should be able to identify what he learned more than the tractor
itself. My son was a successful stat fair winner here in MN several times after getting champion ribbons at the local fair. Jim

Thanks, that will help a lot.

Here's what they have listed under the power category.

"Exhibitors will demonstrate their skills & knowledge of the
automotive, small engines, tractors, electrical, electronics, &
welding fields. "

and this is what's listed under tractors.

"A. Completed project record book may accompany project
in place of written description of steps
CLASS
1. Project 1 Tractor engine or maintenance
2. Project 2 Tractor engine or maintenance
3. Tractor Restoration Project #1
4. Tractor Restoration Project #2"

Here's some pictures showing about how much it will be disassembled. The sheet metal around the fuel tank will be coming off at some point too.

I have not judges a 4-H restoration, but I have judged other restorations at our fair. very much against my better judgement. The problem is
that it's too easy to just reward money, not the actual work involved. I'd much rather see the kid with a well done Farmall H recognized than
someone who could afford to have a professional restoration of a John Deere HWH. If our hobby is to have a future we need those young people
involved.

I am also a 4H advisor. None of the members of my 4H group have ever done a tractor restoration project, so I don't know a lot
about it. However, I would think that the rules may vary from state-to-state. I do know that there are some projects in which
you can do a continuation the following year, I just don't know if tractor restoration is included. It seems that since it's a
large project, it would be one that could be taken for multiple years. But I would recommend just calling the county extension
office and asking the question.
One other item to keep in mind is that one of the rules here (I guess it's a county rule but not sure) is that to remain a member
of the 4H you have to have a project judged each year. So if it's the only project he's taking he would need to go through with
judging. Again, that type of rule varies between different counties and states, so it's best to call and find out.

Instead of documenting the restoration this year, how about a
poster explaining the internal combustion engine. Use photos
from the ongoing project. That should keep the restoration
legal for next year. Dave

That's a good idea and got me thinking about it a bit. Wondering if he could display the hood and have this years project be a focus on paint and paint prep. I might see who I can get a hold of in the county and see what their thoughts are.