G154 Restoration

[NHmitch]

I have been working on my Bolens G154 Iseki TX1300F and just gave it a new paint job, and decals. It was preetty rough when I got it, and it dosen't need to look new to work hard, but I like it better that way, and it will probably make the metal last twice as long. The condition I bought it in last year, was the original paint job, seat, and I think the original oil. I have replaced the tires with R1 AG tires, the seat, the lights, the warning lights, the hazard lights, the shift boot, and oil, and air filters, the alternator, and I added ROPS. I have a new steering wheel on the way, and it almost looks like it did on the sales floor. I was only 5 when it was new, so this is what I imagine it looked like new. Anyways, the decals and a lot of the parts came from Sams Bolens. He did a great job with them. Has anyone else restored their Iseki? Below are the photos when I bought it, and the photos today after the new paint and decals. It is kind of hard to tell, but the paint, decals, and overall condition were a bit rough, and rusted. This tractor is like a little tank, and now its like a new little tank, so time to to put it back to work. Take care, and enjoy spring!

Mitch

Original Condition

New Condition

 

[Bilko]

Very nice job on the restoration. It may not work better with new paint, but it shows you take pride in what you own!!!!

 

[284 International]

That sure looks nice. Great work!

 

[NHmitch]

Thanks for all of the nice comments. Before when it was dirty, I would just work it all day long until it was covered with mud. Now, it gets covered with mud, I have to wash it. Funny how that works, but I want to take good care of it, and make it last. Also, The guy that I bought the decals for sale has them for most Bolens Iseki models if you think that you are interested in restoring, or repainting your tractor. It was a good feeling making her shine again., and work hard again like it was built for. We area a very lucky few who are able to have one of these great Iseki tractors that are hard to find in the US Most people hold onto them until they pass, or someone inherits the tractor. But, there still are a few good Isekis out there on the forums, and craigslist. If you do decide to restore your tractor, Jims Bolens has the parts, service, and incredible decals. He is a great guy to work with, and he runs a very friendly personal business. There are also some very good and reputable dealers on this forum who will go great lengths to help you. Again, Thanks for all of the comments! Its time to get to work on all of the projects I couldn't over the long winter here in New England. Well actrually it was kind of mild, but hey.. I thought this might be funny for some of you,

 

[Ilikeurtractor]

The condition you refer to has been diagnosed as "tractoritis". Don't worry, you're not alone. I have five tractors (3 Iseki's (Bolens G174,Bolens G172,Iseki TX1300F), 1 Satoh (S373D), and throw a Craftsman mower in the bunch although it isn't even near the same class) and really don't have a need for any of them except maybe one that can mow which the Craftsman fills. I plan on having all but one in excellent condition mechanically and cosmetically when I'm done. It's been a lot of fun so far. Not sure where I'm going to stop. Will probably continue and branch off into other brands some day (Kubota or whatever comes along cheaply). Many used tractors just need some cleaning and painting and I found a lot of the mechanical repairs are not that difficult. It is hard to keep costs down on parts though. Even paint isn't exactly cheap when you need a custom mix.

 

[flyer61]

I have been working on my Bolens G154 Iseki TX1300F and just gave it a new paint job, and decals.

Great Job!! It looks new! I've got a G152 I'm getting ready to restore and am having trouble finding the decals. I've found the "Bolens" hood decals but have not been able to locate any of the others. Did you replace all your decals? If so, where did your find them? Thanks, again fantastic job!

Flyer61

 

[NHmitch]

I got them all at Sams Bolens, he is great to deal with, and did a great job with the decals for a very reasonable price. They fit perfectly, and I used a rattle can for the paint that I bought at Tractor Supply. It is the Valspar Tractor Restoration series tractor and implement finish, 3348 Ford Gray. It runs about $8 a can, and I used about 4 cans. It is a bit brighter than the original white, but it looks great! Thanks for the comments! His website is Decals. His number is (219) 661-1405. Anyways, keep us posted on how it comes out, and if you need any help, please let me know!

Mitch

 

[flyer61]

Thanks for the info Mitch. Sam is where I got the hood decals several months ago. He said he didn't have any of the other decals for the G152. They must be a little different from the G154. I'll check back with him again maybe he has them now. Thanks again,

Kevin

 

[uman78]

I have a 1978 G174 I'm planning on restoring. Did you use just plain white paint or a formula?

 

[NHmitch]

I used It is the Valspar Tractor Restoration series tractor and implement finish, 3348 Ford Gray. They sell it at tractor supply, if you have one near you. It worked great, and it has more of an auto paint finish and quality to the paint. I was really happy with how it came out, and I am sure that you could use plain white also on it. Even though the color was "ford grey", you can see it came out very white. I hope this helps, Let us know how you do with it!!

Mitch

 

[chupacabra]

I noticed that you replaced your alternator? Where did you get it? Mine is not charging and i either need to get another one or get mine rebuilt.

Thanks,

Chupacabra

 

[NHmitch]

I noticed that you replaced your alternator? Where did you get it? Mine is not charging and i either need to get another one or get mine rebuilt.

Thanks,

Chupacabra

It's a Nippondenso alternator, and an exact match for the OEM alternator. I did quite a bit of searching when I bought it. It is exactly the same one that came on the tractor when it was new. It is not cheap, it is $149. It was a big job too, because the screws that hold the alternator are on the inside of the fan belt area, so you have to do a lot of reaching. Also be very careful with the plastic plug, that plugs into it, because they can become brittle when the are old. It was very nice to have the new alternator in it. The tractor seems to run better, and the lights are much brighter, plus I don't have to jump start it all the time.


The link for the alternator is, New Nippondenso 12 Volt 35 Amp Satoh Alternator: Alternators &amp Alternator

 

[MyG154]

Mitch - I'm almost done with my reassembly. Was going to put the seat on last night but it is is less than acceptable condition, the upholstery is in terrible shape. I gave it a temporary wrap with some black gorrilla tape, but I've decided it needs replacement. Where did you get yours? I've seen the style on ebay but they looked pricey...

After reading your thread again I went and looked at my alternator and indeed the plastic plug from the harness that plugs into the alternator is not in great shape. I doubt I could get it unplugged without damaging it. Just for future reference... When you did your alternator replacement where you able to replace the plastic plug as well?

Hope all is going well with the wood splitting -

Mark

 

[NHmitch]

Hi Mark,

I got the seat at tractor supply: Compact-Tractor Seat, Black - 2780004 | Tractor Supply Company and the plug was a bit harder to come by, but I was able to track one down at small import tractor in Oregon: Small Import Tractor Supply The seat is expensive at $89, but it fits perfect. My seat was in the same condition when I got it, and I had to replace it because of the upholstery, and rust. It looks great so far!

 

[MyG154]

Thanks Mitch! - I suspected the seat was from Tractor Supply. I'll head down there this weekend to see what they have in stock. I went ahead and re-installed the old seat last night. I'm headed up to our place in Maine next Friday afternoon with the machine and figured it would work for the short term. Thanks also for the lead on the plastic plug. If you happen to have a part number please pass that along and I will email and order one to have on hand for the future.