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Maintaining an original tractor

D

DScott

Member
I have a 1938 JD model A that is original with maybe 50-60% of the paint left on it. The rest is a light surface rust. Parts of it has a lot of dirt, oil and grease on it now and I am thinking about cleaning it up (pressure washing). How do you keep it from rusting further without paint? At the shows I see some that look like they have some kind of thin oil or coating on them but it seems like oil would attract dirt like crazy just setting in the barn. Any tips or experiences to share on this?
Seems like I saw a question on this subject awhile back on one of these boards but I can't find it now.
 
Hi D scott... I Too have a '41 JD H that is in Original Cond, And pretty Good paint, But haven't gotten the Courage to do alot of Washing on it. Looks Nice like it is!<> But to answer Your Question alot of Guys on here use Linseed Oil for one ... And Im Sure others will have other tried and true Concotions.. Hope this helps! Larry KF4LKU
 
the dirt ,oil, and grease are what is keeping it from getting any worse,Leave it on until you decide what to do after pressure washing. bill m.
 
I have sprayed some clear paint from cheap rattle cans on our original 530 in spots. That linseed oil should work too.
 
Forgot to add that here in Ohio unless keep in a heated garage even the repainted ones will rust back up again.
 
Move to Arizona and keep it out of the sun moisture and UV rays are the killers. The UV fades the paint and moisture causes rust plain and simple.
 
I've heard of people washing their cars with some kerosene in the water. But I would just keep it in from the weather. Factory paint on this old equipment is very easy to take off so be careful. Keep the grease and dirt on it. If you have to take it off I would use a hand held wire brush not a pressure washer. I would ask a body shop or a paint specialist on how to preserve it's looks.
 
I'd think that wire brush would remove paint or anything else just like a power washer. I think if you are keeping the original paint you'd best not hit it with much more than a soapy cloth or sponge. As far as preserving it , you might gently wash it and try waxing a test area out of plain view (Underneath back pumpkin) and see if that wax helps. I think you can keep bare metal rost free with oil , but I bet oil will destroy that original paint. Good Luck.
 


Armor All is the best product for what you want. You can even use the Armor All spray tire foam this is much quicker with great results.

I spray down the tractors with it every 3 months and it keeps them perfect [ not the belts or seat].

I came accross this when i was looking for a way to protect the pipes on the snowmobiles. The pipes get rusty and have to be blasted every other year. When i started treating them with the Armor All i havn't painted one sence, besides it keeps things looking great.


When it comes to protecting this old equipment this is the greatest thing sence sliced bread, no B.S .


Jim
 
Thanks for all of the ideas. Moving to Arizona is a little more effort than I had in mind :p , the linseed oil and Armor All ideas are more inline with what I was thinking. I have a scrap fender that I think I will test these on to see which works best for me.
I had also thought about just leaving the dirt on the tractor as is but I'm afraid it will draw and hold moisture eventually cause a rust problem. The tractor stays shedded but still gets some moisture thru condensation.
 
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