'37 Unstyled John Deere A

[Jeler]

Hello from Iowa! Believe it or not I started dismantling the Unstyled A two years ago (when I had free time). Well I finally got down to pulling the motor(block & head) out. Unfortunately both the block and head where cracked. I've located another head, but the block #A732R is where I'm having problems making a decision. I've received a quote ($1000) to have the original block repaired but the price is almost double the cost of another block, magfluxed and bored smooth. Is there any value in an older cracked block/trade in value? Any information in regards to my problem would be appreciated or any places I could look for a block or have one repaired in the midwest. (and since this is my first post, I sure hope I've posted it in the right place.)

Thanks from Iowa

 

[MIKE R]

Welcome to the forum. You've got it in the correct forum.

I would have the current block repaired, as opposed to buying another. For all you know you buy the other block and find there is a hairline crack in it too. The only value in a cracked block is scrap price.

Can we see some pictures?

 

[Jeler]

Mike
Thanks for the quick response! Wow! I'll try and get a few pictures tomorrow, then figure out how to post them here. LOL
Thanks for your expertise on this matter.

Jeff

 

[MIKE R]

Just click on the attachment icon and its fairly straight forward from there.

View attachment 302629

 

[Jeler]

Mike

Thanks for the explanation about posting. I'll give it a try.
I noticed two small cracks I've photographed. I've put parentheses around them with
a black felt tip.
Also included is a photo of the head that I'm afraid is doomed. In fact I already picked up
a replacement for that.

Thanks again.
Jeff (fingers crossed hoping this works)

 

[murphy1244]

:welcome: And I second that motion on repairing.

 

[Jeler]

Murph

Thank you! Now I just need to find someone fairly close by to handle the job.
Shipping these blocks can be expensive.

Jeff

 

[MIKE R]

I would bring it to a local machine shop. They will have to tools and capabilities to repair it for you and they should check that all mating surfaces are flat.

 

[Jeler]

Good morning again from Iowa, well I located a very reputable shop close to home to access the block and head repairs. Turns out that
the head I purchased after being informed from the seller was in perfect condition, has cracks also. So that will have to be repaired also.
Total estimate is:

After assessing all pieces of the equation, here is what we have come up with:

Bare Head Welded $510
Valve Job And Reassembly $110
Prep Block To Weld $85
Weld Block $220
Surface Block $100
Magnaflux Block $40
Clean Block $45
Pressure Test Block $65
Install Sleeves(2) $500
Cost of 2 Sleeves $369.18($184.59 Each)
Hazardous Charge $134.05
Tax $143.09

TOTAL $2321.32

Ouch, what a way to start a Monday morning. Without knowing if there's any other major repairs that may have to be done on the tractor, I find it almost too expensive to proceed with the restoration. The tractor in my opinion may not be worth restoring at these high cost. I still have to go thru the transmission, purchase a new radiator, gasket kits, clean, paint, carb. and magneto restoration, etc. etc.
This sure appears to be a large sum of $$ for a tractor that wouldn't even bring over $4500 restored. Any opinions?
Thank you

 

[MIKE R]

If you plan on keeping it spend the money. There is no way you could restore a tractor and make a profit. I look at it as a hobby. Some people go to the mall and spend money on shoes and clothes they do not need, we spend money on tractor restorations.