November 2019 - August 2021

Engine Rebuild Mechanical Metal Fabrication Welding Paint and Decals

This project was a personal project that I began in the fall of 2019. It was my first mechanical restoration and would prove to test my ability to learn and understand new concepts and apply them practically.

My Great Grandfather purchased this model of tractor in 1939. He and my Grandfather farmed a section of grain and pasture land with it for several decades before the farm was inevitably sold. After hearing stories and seeing pictures of the tractor, it had been my intention to find and restore the same model of tractor.

I purchased a running tractor with hopes that the restoration would not be too difficult; I was proven wrong. Bent lifters, sloppy bearings, cracked water pumps, faulty magneto spark, wrinkling paint and numerous seized parts are only a brief introduction to the seemingly endless list of things that went wrong. Spending many hours sifting through old repair manuals, google and youtube tutorials; I slowly chipped away at what turned out to be a giant undertaking. The engine was fully rebuilt, cooling system overhauled, magneto serviced, transmission flushed, new tires mounted and of course, finally, paint and decals. No nut or bolt was left unturned.

While it was the most difficult project I have ever undertaken, I imagine it will be a very long time before it is surpassed as the most rewarding. I was lucky enough to have my Grandfather around to give me pointers and, mostly, tell stories about the good old days. Those moments are priceless and really what makes life so special.

The end product speaks for itself. Blood, sweat and tears really do pay off. Driving this tractor is something that can't be described. It's a true testament to the tough demeanor of the men and women that used these machines almost 100 years ago.