How To Restore Classic Farm Tractors

Finally! A restoration guide with the kind of detail needed for a first-class job. How To Restore Classic Farm Tractors is packed with hundreds of helpfull full-color photographs, proven tips and techniques, and money-saving advice from restorers who know what works...and what doesn't.

This guide will walk you step-by-step through the complete restoration of your tractor from disassembly to engine rebuild, from electrical repairs to painting and final detailing. There's even a handy section on parts sources.

So, no matter if you favor John Deeres, Fords, Farmalls, A-Cs, or Minnie-Mos, with Gaines' guidance you're well on your way to showing off your shiny "new" classic tractor!

Author Tharran Gaines has specialized in agricultural writing for 25 years. He has written owners manuals, repair guides, and sales brochures for most of the major tractor companies.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1—Shopping for a Tractor
Working tractors | Collector tractors | Shopping for a tractor | Evaluating a running tractor | Negotiating a price

Chapter 2—Setting Up Shop
Tools | Specialized tools | The value of shop manuals

Chapter 3—Getting Started
Take your time | Establish your goals | Document the process | Finding replacement parts | Clean it up | Paint removal | Disassembly | Removing broken or damaged bolts | Shaft repair

Chapter 4—Troubleshooting
Put your senses to work: using your eyes — using your ears — using your nose | Simple fixes | Compression testing

Chapter 5—Engine Repair and Rebuilding
Freeing a stuck engine | Ring job or complete overhaul? | Engine disassembly | Piston ring replacement | Engine block preparation | Main and rod bearings | Push rods | Camshafts | Rocker arms | Valves and valve seats | Valve guides | Valve springs | Pistons and sleeves | Piston pins | Rebuilding the engine | Valvetrain overhaul | Oil pump restoration

Chapter 6—Clutch, Transmission, and PTO
Transmission inspection and repair | Torque amplifiers and Power-Shift transmissions | Clutch inspection and rebuilding | Clutch throw-out bearing | John Deere two-cylinder clutches | Power takeoff repair

Chapter 7—Final Drive and Brakes
Differentials and final drives | Differential and final drive inspection and repair | Axle shafts | Brake restoration | Brake adjustment

Chapter 8—Front Axle and Steering
Steering configurations | Front axle repair | Steering wheel repair

Chapter 9—Hydraulic System
Basic principles | Hydraulic system contamination | Troubleshooting | Hydraulic seals

Chapter 10—Electrical System
Magneto systems | Magneto inspection and service | Timing the magneto | Distributor inspection and repair | Coils | Generators and voltage regulators | Starters | Converting to 12-volt electrics | Wiring | Spark plug wires | Lights | Gauges

Chapter 11—Fuel System
Fuel tank | Fuel hose inspection | Carburetor repair | Carburetor rebuilding | Carburetor reassembly | Diesel systems | Oil-bath air filters | Manifold inspection and repair | Governor overhaul

Chapter 12—Cooling System
Special needs for kerosene engines | Cooling system inspection and repair | Radiator caps | Fans | Hoses | Water pumps | Thermostats | Belts

Chapter 13—Tires, Rims, and Wheels
Tire repair and restoration | Wheel and rim restoration

Chapter 14—Parts Fabrication
Parts fabrication basics

Chapter 15—Body Work and Paint Preparation
Surface preparation | Repairing sheet metal | Dents and creases | Repairing holes and rust areas | Painting: the primer coat | Selecting the right primer type

Chapter 16—Paint
Matching paint | Selecting the right paint type | Painting equipment | Applying the paint

Chapter 17—Decals, Name Plates, and Serial Number Plates
Researching decal originality and placement | Tools and supplies | Surface preparation | Decal application | Emblems and name plates | Serial number plates

Chapter 18—Taking the Next Step
Antique tractor shows | Farm equipment demonstrations | Tractor games | Antique tractor pulls

Appendix—Parts and Information Sources