Antique tractor project

[MF1652]

I have been wanting to get an old tractor for a while now for a fix up project. My fear is I only have basic knowlege when it comes to engines and electrical wiring. I want to take on a project that is not too complicated and build on my knowledge and learn as I go. I figure old machinery would be fun to work on.

Anybody out there have any suggestions on where to start? Any books or manuals anyone has found helpfull for people with basic knowledge?

I have access to an Oliver Super 55 which has not been run for thirty years and has been under cover. It's in rough shape cosmetically but I can handle that. Don't know what the engine would need. Would I be bitting off more than I can handle with this or should I find something else?

 

[MIKE R]

You can get the repair manuals from Steiner Tractor Parts. They also stock most of the parts you would need for restoration.

As far as the mechanical aspect if you are mechanically inclined you should be able to fix it. Take lots of pictures so that you know where the parts go after you have taken them all apart.

 

[MasseyWV]

An old Ford 8N or Ferguson tractor might also make a good first restoration project. They're simple to work on, and easy to get parts for.

 

[MF1652]

After talking with my father he also has a Massey Ferguson 65 and a Ford 9n in addition to the Oliver Super 55 he would let me have. The 9n still has the 6 volt system and other than not being able to start with out a push it runs fine.

I get the impression the 9n would be any easy project to learn on. It's a simple a system and parts seem cheap and readily available.

 

[MasseyWV]

After talking with my father he also has a Massey Ferguson 65 and a Ford 9n in addition to the Oliver Super 55 he would let me have. The 9n still has the 6 volt system and other than not being able to start with out a push it runs fine.

I get the impression the 9n would be any easy project to learn on. It's a simple a system and parts seem cheap and readily available.

In my opinion, any one of those models would be good candidates, especially the Ford 9n. If you plan on doing much work with it later, the Massey Ferguson 65 might be a better choice because it's larger and heavier, but as you probably know, each has it's advantages and disadvantages.

If you choose the Ford 9n, don't worry about the 6v electrical system because it's easy to upgrade to a 12v system if you want.

TractorData.com Ford 9N tractor information

TractorData.com Massey Ferguson 65 tractor information

TractorData.com Oliver Super 55 tractor information

 

[flusher]

I have been wanting to get an old tractor for a while now for a fix up project. My fear is I only have basic knowlege when it comes to engines and electrical wiring. I want to take on a project that is not too complicated and build on my knowledge and learn as I go. I figure old machinery would be fun to work on.

Anybody out there have any suggestions on where to start? Any books or manuals anyone has found helpfull for people with basic knowledge?

I have access to an Oliver Super 55 which has not been run for thirty years and has been under cover. It's in rough shape cosmetically but I can handle that. Don't know what the engine would need. Would I be bitting off more than I can handle with this or should I find something else?

Have access? What does that mean? Are you looking to buy the tractor? If so, you need to check out the engine thoroughly before paying good money for something that may turn into a money pit. A few years ago I bought a 1951 Minneapolis Moline BF tractor (25 hp engine) for $1300. No compression on 3 cylinders, 30 psi on the 4th. Engine rebuild cost $800 parts/$800 labor. So check the compression on that Super 55. I'm still reassembling that BF.



Tomorrow I pull the engine on my son's 1948 Farmall Cub--low compression even after regrinding the valves by hand. Needs piston rings, remachining on head and block, main bearings, valve guides, valves. I'll get the estimate later this week.

Here's my 1945 Oliver 60 Row Crop I bought last year for $2250. So far all it's needed is brake relining.



Do you have a garage/shop with concrete floor, engine hoist, gantry crane, floor jacks, jack stands, impact wrench, lotsa hand tools etc. All of these come in real handy when restoring old iron.

Good luck.

 

[MF1652]

Have access? What does that mean? Are you looking to buy the tractor? If so, you need to check out the engine thoroughly before paying good money for something that may turn into a money pit. A few years ago I bought a 1951 Minneapolis Moline BF tractor (25 hp engine) for $1300. No compression on 3 cylinders, 30 psi on the 4th. Engine rebuild cost $800 parts/$800 labor. So check the compression on that Super 55. I'm still reassembling that BF.

View attachment 255326

Tomorrow I pull the engine on my son's 1948 Farmall Cub--low compression even after regrinding the valves by hand. Needs piston rings, remachining on head and block, main bearings, valve guides, valves. I'll get the estimate later this week.

Here's my 1945 Oliver 60 Row Crop I bought last year for $2250. So far all it's needed is brake relining.

View attachment 255327

Do you have a garage/shop with concrete floor, engine hoist, gantry crane, floor jacks, jack stands, impact wrench, lotsa hand tools etc. All of these come in real handy when restoring old iron.

Good luck.

When I say "have access" I mean free. All three of these tractors are sitting in storage on my fathers farm and have my pick of either.

As for tools, I have it all with the exception of the gantry crane. I'm pretty mechanical, I just have basic experience with motors and electrical.

 

[MF1652]

By the way flusher, beautiful oliver. I love the sheet metal on those old tractors. They have such a sleek look like it should be on a race track and not in the field. :thumbsup:

 

[flusher]

By the way flusher, beautiful oliver. I love the sheet metal on those old tractors. They have such a sleek look like it should be on a race track and not in the field. :thumbsup:

I drive it around the field just to keep it lubed--no real work. It's a hanger queen and a parade tractor. Need to replace the temp gauge--when I get time. This week's work is on the Farmall Cub--pull the engine and get it to the engine shop for a complete rebuild.

 

[Thomas]

Do have place thats out of the weather to work?
Can you pace yourself..no bull'n or jam'n.?
Lots info out there on how to for yesterday iron...ebay to you tube.

Try and pick the tractor you always wanted to rebuild..no second choice.

Do keep us updated.

 

[MF1652]

Do have place thats out of the weather to work?
Can you pace yourself..no bull'n or jam'n.?
Lots info out there on how to for yesterday iron...ebay to you tube.

Try and pick the tractor you always wanted to rebuild..no second choice.

Do keep us updated.

That's what is slowing me down. In order to have a place to keep the tractor under cover while working on it, I will need to keep it at my fathers farm. I would rather bring it home where all my tools are. If I bring it home, the motorcycle will have to sit outside. (wont go over well with the wife) So while I decide which tractor to work on I'll need to move some stuff around to make space. I also have no need to rush and can take my time with this project.

As for picking which one I always wanted to rebuild, I have fond memories of the MF. I remember riding on the 65 tedding and raking hay with my father as a kid. I'm leaning toward the 65, but I keep going back to the Oliver Super 55. That Oliver is a beautiful machine with details you don't find in modern equipment.

 

[Diamondpilot]

This is a fun project but as Flusher and the other guys who restore them will tell you they are money pits. Case in point, my co-pilot spent $5000 on restoring a 8N when you include the tractor, parts, paint, wheels, tires, engine rebuild, 3 point lift rebuild, replacement steering box, ect, ect, ect.

His tractor would bring $2250 on a good day around here in todays market. It is what it is.

Chris

 

[MF1652]

This is a fun project but as Flusher and the other guys who restore them will tell you they are money pits. Case in point, my co-pilot spent $5000 on restoring a 8N when you include the tractor, parts, paint, wheels, tires, engine rebuild, 3 point lift rebuild, replacement steering box, ect, ect, ect.

His tractor would bring $2250 on a good day around here in todays market. It is what it is.

Chris

Point taken but my motivation is to fix up some family history and then hang onto them. I don't mind spending some money. I figure a few thousand stretched out over many years won't be so bad.

 

[flusher]

That's what is slowing me down. In order to have a place to keep the tractor under cover while working on it, I will need to keep it at my fathers farm. I would rather bring it home where all my tools are. If I bring it home, the motorcycle will have to sit outside. (wont go over well with the wife) So while I decide which tractor to work on I'll need to move some stuff around to make space. I also have no need to rush and can take my time with this project.

As for picking which one I always wanted to rebuild, I have fond memories of the MF. I remember riding on the 65 tedding and raking hay with my father as a kid. I'm leaning toward the 65, but I keep going back to the Oliver Super 55. That Oliver is a beautiful machine with details you don't find in modern equipment.

I hear ya--you never have enough shop space. Here's what my 24x42 ft shop looks like now--three tractors inside-1948 Farmall Cub being disassembled now for engine rebuild; 1951 Minneapolis Moline BF (the red/gold) partially reassembled after an engine rebuild; a 1964 MF135 diesel (in the background) waiting for service (oil leaks, new clutch).



Hope you can find a workspace. Good luck.

 

[jusalooking]

I have done my fair share of restoring, Yea You have the Engine, Usally the tranny,s are fine, Maybe the Brakes but eveything is pretty simple BUT take a good look at the tires before You Decide which one to go with, Tires , Tubes and Rims are really priciy right now, Then if they are loaded that is something else that adds up, Good luck

 

[jusalooking]

I hear ya--you never have enough shop space. Here's what my 24x42 ft shop looks like now--three tractors inside-1948 Farmall Cub being disassembled now for engine rebuild; 1951 Minneapolis Moline BF (the red/gold) partially reassembled after an engine rebuild; a 1964 MF135 diesel (in the background) waiting for service (oil leaks, new clutch).

View attachment 255733View attachment 255742

Hope you can find a workspace. Good luck.

You can never have enough space, We Built a New 40x60x14 6 yrs ago, Now we are building a New 40x100x16 all metal building, The Only problem is that You got to heat or cool whatever size you end up with, Your shop looks good tho

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have done my fair share of restoring, Yea You have the Engine, Usally the tranny,s are fine, Maybe the Brakes but eveything is pretty simple BUT take a good look at the tires before You Decide which one to go with, Tires , Tubes and Rims are really priciy right now, Then if they are loaded that is something else that adds up, Good luck

Yep, the guys I was mentioning above spent nearly $2000 on tires, rims, and wheels for a 8N. Gets pricey.

Chris