Steps in Planning an Antique Tractor Restoration

From all of us at Iron Memories, here’s wishing you a Happy and prosperous 2011. Like most of us you are probably making a list of resolutions that you feel will change your life for the better. As for me, yep you guessed it, I’m making resolutions for 2011 too, and like you, and I am wondering how long I will keep them. I hope some of you have made resolutions to complete your antique tractor restorations. I read an article yesterday containing some tips for keeping those resolutions. I interpreted them into an antique tractor restoration project scenario to share. 1. Make a plan; Break each project down into manageable mini projects and set aside time, you won’t get it all done in one day. Quoting a good friend, “to eat an elephant take one bite at a time.” 2. Enlist help and share your goals; Sharing goals with someone who is supportive and will help encourage you when things get tough, makes projects go better. Even if your friend can do no more that hand you tools, go for refreshments, or hold the flashlight, you are not alone and that does make a difference. 3. Break tradition; avoid known distractions; if you usually go to the house for a break, and know it may result in sitting down to watch a television program that can lead to a nap that will waste the better part of the day, or taking a phone call from a friend that is known to result lengthy conversations, take a pass. Stay on track, bring refreshments with you, they can be enjoyed during a break while you assess your progress, or let the answering machine take a message, and wait call your friend when you finish for the day. 4. Celebrate milestones; celebrate small goals with a small celebration, and bigger ones in a larger way. If your goal was to get a water pump on by noon, celebrate with a snack or phone call to a friend. If it were a larger goal, like the first time you get the engine started, celebrate in a larger way, this would be a good time to shout hooray to all your tractor friends. Keep a journal, maybe ask your supporter to take pictures, and make a scrap book to remember your milestones so you can share it with friends and family in the future. 5. Set a time for competition; Over the years I have talked to many “Ben Gonna’s” that have a project tractor they have never started on, and even more that started and stalled out, and still trying to find time to complete. Make time, and set a deadline, you will never get it done otherwise. I agree there may be other obstacles that can prevent completion, but barring anything catastrophic, if you make time, you will find time. Maybe an upcoming show or family get together could be your inspiration. Following these steps can help you get your project done. P.S When you get your project completed send me your story, it could get featured in the next Iron Memories annual book of restoration stories.