Restoring A Tractor

A Weekly 4 Part Series by Dan Peterman
Part 2

We always keep an inexpensive 35 mm camera nearby during our restoration work and use it to take "before" pictures, as well as pictures of components before (and sometimes during) disassembly. Referennce to them can help during reassembly.

Mark parts before disassembly-such as connecting rods, where that special clip came from, etc. Mark wires with tape so you'll know were they go. Obtain the correct Parts book and Repair Manual. They are available through John Deere, but when you go to a dealership and approach the parts counter, you may discover that you're being waited on by someone born 30 years after the tractor was built. You may have to explain that and "830" Rice Special is not a rice-stubble mowing machine (we've been there). Familiarity with your Parts Catalog will empower you to provide the parts representative with the numbers needed to be punched into the computer. Be aware that some current substitute parts that superseded the originals may not look original. Also, the price of some parts may scare you. We often look for excellent used or N.O.S. parts. Beyond that, the success of this hobby has resulted in the birth of many suppliers now dedicated to providing difficult-to-obtain, original-style replacement parts.

As mentioned earlier, we check a tractor over completely before starting a restoration, so we can discover as much as possible and plan accordingly with the owner. Included in our checks is a compression test, and a detailed examination of the radiator-including looking for the presence of oil in the coolant. If the tractor runs we drive it to check transmission function, listen for certain noises (rear end,governor, etc.),and check the various sytems (steering, hydraulics,etc.).

As a matter of polcy we replace all seals and gaskets. Neither we nor the customer wants any oil or coolant leaks inside the tractor, or on their fresh paint job. Besides, it's just plain better to not have to repair anything after the tractor is painted.