Tractor Restorations

[flusher]

This description closely matches what I have in mind so it looks like I'll be doing a complete, or near complete restoration when the time comes.



My plan is to purchase a Massey 135 in reasonable running condition, with good tires and rims, for approximately $2000-$4000 then spend approximately $2000 on the restoration. I will use the tractor to complete my immediate projects then begin the restoration at a later date. This will also give me the opportunity to evaluate it and clean any grease or oil that has accumulated over the years.

By capping my total spending at around $6000, my hope is that I could at least come close to breaking even if the need or desire ever arose to sell it. That's not counting my time of course.

I bought a 1964 MF135 diesel deluxe with multipower in Jul06 from a neighbor for $3600. It's a field tractor that's been lowered for work in his olive orchard (16" dia rear rims carrying BF Goodrich 18.4-16A 6-ply rubber, shortened front axle spindles to keep the tractor level).

It ran OK but was in pretty rough shape, cosmetically.



I did a partial restoration (alternator, water pump seal, fuel tank cleaning, new oil, fuel, air filters, new belts/hoses, radiator cleaning). It was repainted using Valspar tractor restoration paint and a $40 HVLP spray gun from Harbor Freight.






My 135 is in my shop right now--engine oil leak, 2-stage clutch needs to be replaced, rear pto oil seal leak.

 

[bucktaker]

not trying to bust your chops but be advised you would be hard pressed to sell any MF 135 for 6000.00 unless it was a rare version. hope you have fun.



This is a picture of a 600 ford I "restored" for my next door neighbor who lets me use this it and it stays in my barn, next to my MF35 and Kubota L5740

 

[MasseyWV]

not trying to bust your chops but be advised you would be hard pressed to sell any MF 135 for 6000.00 unless it was a rare version. hope you have fun.

I never believed I would be able to get $6000 if I ever decided to sell. I see them advertised all the time for $5000 or more so my thoughts are if I got several years use and anywhere near $5000 that it would be close enough to breaking even to me.

However, I have no plans to sell, barring unforseen circumstances. This restoration project will be for me.

 

[2458n]

Bucktaker nice looking tractor. The Red Belly Ford makes you think you bought John Deere priced paint. The reward is doing what you want to do. A close friend has to have the correct wiring that came from the factory for his Oliver. Another friend has a rough looking 1650 that has about 3000.00 dollars in motor and steering rebuild. Hey its your money spend it the way you want to. Beaware of what your buying to start with.

 

[MasseyWV]

Hey its your money spend it the way you want to. Beaware of what your buying to start with.

Buyer beware (caveat emptor) is certainly good advice for anyone to follow, especially when one gets caught up in the desire to "have it now". Speaking of the dangers of buying used, I've been reading about people who bought used tractors and had a lot of problems but in at least a couple of cases they only had themselves to blame. For example: One person bought a tractor from a dealer without having seen it first, and another looked at the tractor but didn't test drive it. Why anyone would do this is beyond me but needless to say, both cases didn't end well.

Please continue to share pictures and stories about your own restorations, I enjoy seeing them. When the time comes, I plan to do the same. Great job by the way, I tend to get so focused on a topic that I forget to say that sometimes.

 

[bucktaker]

Bucktaker nice looking tractor. The Red Belly Ford makes you think you bought John Deere priced paint. The reward is doing what you want to do. A close friend has to have the correct wiring that came from the factory for his Oliver. Another friend has a rough looking 1650 that has about 3000.00 dollars in motor and steering rebuild. Hey its your money spend it the way you want to. Beaware of what your buying to start with.

Really just tisco ford paint with hardner ...tractor history ...this tractor came with huge trencher attached from the factory only see one picture of one a military seabee video. 80 yr neighbor bought this tractor in 1970 and had the trencher removed and added the 3 point.

 

[jimmysisson]

Have to disagree about inferior original paint jobs on some of these rigs - 60 years in the sun/rain/sleet and it's just faded? That's some GOOD paint. Compare to some implements (Fisher snow plows, some GM trucks come to mind) and your red belly is looking great!
Jim

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. and remember.. they were stuck with alkyd only paint back int he 30's and 40's

 

[Ken]

How far will some go to make a complete restore.
I over a peroid of 3 years watched a man in Russelville ARk. completely re do the tractor .
All external bolts replace with new , all internal moving parts checked for factory torerance.
Then primed and painted and all blemishes removed . As accurate as the day left factory.
Then put up for sale and quickly sold don't know the price. When retired time isn't counted .
ken

 

[Soundguy]

given the paint and finishing technology 'back then' and the fact stuff was assembly lined. It's actually easy to make one 'better' than it rolled out of the showroom..

it's all about cubic money..

how fast is your wallet?