Got the F-20 running

[3Lfarms]

Hauled it home last summer after sitting for 30 odd years.


Took it for its first drive Sunday after going through everything but the transmission.



I made sure to not go overboard and clean and paint things. I want it to stay as original as possible. It does have a new manifold and professionally overhauled carburetor, but the rest was mostly just repairs to make it operate correctly, and new tires of course.

I am thinking I want to coat it in linseed oil to preserve it as is. What’s a good mix that won’t turn it into a sticky mess?

 

[Citydude]

Very nice! I'm glad your going to keep the patina.

 

[DJ54]

Good looking tractor..!! I had one years ago, and looking at it parked on your trailer is why I sold it. My old deck over Eager Beaver trailer was 1" under the then 8' maximum width law, and it was right at the edge like yours, when parked straight on. I usually took 2 tractors to shows, so parking it at a slight angle would have been pretty precarious.

I'm more into garden tractors now,and seeing guy's using Linseed oil to protect the patina, which I love. Gives them some character. Like you, what experience I've had with Linseed oil, at least on wood stall doors, seemed to stay somewhat sticky for a whle, and collect dust. I've also wondered what Mineral oil would do.

I did a quick search, and found this article on preserving metal with Linseed oil. I guess the trick is, to use boiled oil, instead of raw, and also gives the ratio to mix with mineral spirits to dry. How to Finish Metal With Hand-Rubbed Oil | Home Guides | SF Gate

 

[KennyG]

I guess I'm out of step now, but I don't understand this whole patina thing. I'd restore and repaint it. Of course, the whole "rat rod" thing leaves me cold too.

 

[Thomas]

Nice to see yesterday's iron still alive.

 

[3Lfarms]

I guess I'm out of step now, but I don't understand this whole patina thing. I'd restore and repaint it. Of course, the whole "rat rod" thing leaves me cold too.

My grand-dad used to say “It’s only original once. “

I like that this one was used but not abused with almost all the original parts vs. a hodge-podge of different tractors covered over with a new coat of paint. It tells an honest working story.

 

[Jstpssng]

I guess I'm out of step now, but I don't understand this whole patina thing. I'd restore and repaint it. Of course, the whole "rat rod" thing leaves me cold too.

:thumbsup:
I'm glad that I'm not the only one who feels that way. I've run pickups with "patina" all of my life, and don't see the attraction.

 

[ruffdog]

That stuff that stops rust but turns it black wouldn't be bad. Bunch of different products at the link:

Amazon.com: VHT SP229 Rust Convertor Can - 1.25 oz.: Automotive

 

[ruffdog]

Rust converter on old tractor:

 

[airbiscuit]

We had an F-30 that loped and ran rough at idle or light load, but the harder you worked it, the better it ran. A neighbor couldn't believe it's power (it had a high compression head), and he tried to stall it out on the silo filer. It just bellowed and the governor opened up, but it could not be stopped.

We also had an F-14 that was great for raking hay. That solid seat pedestal left something to be desired tho

At the time, you could buy them for pennies.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Very nice! I'm glad your going to keep the patina.

Yes paint is just to cover up the real thing in the minds of some.

The tractor that I bought a couple years ago goes by Rusty. It is a 1980 3600 Ford that was never parked under a roof. I did use Phosphoric Acid on it to help with deep rust.

 

[JD3520Turbo]

I just saw several F-20's in running condition on an auction on Big Iron. They cheated and push started them instead of cranking them. I don't blame them. Neat old tractors. That sale had a bunch of old Farmalls on it. Some restored and some not, but every single one them started and ran. H, M, WD9, WD6, 450, 460, Super MD. There are several I would like, but only have budget and room for one.