I'll offer you my opinions on where you might start. I'm assuming that the tractor has sat for along time and is not running.
First, I would find out what model tractor I have. There should be a serial number plate on the dash just above the steering column. Since you say it is a '55, it is probably a TO-35, but the serial number will tell you the right answer. After you have the serial number, go to the left of this page and in the Research & Info Section, click on Serial Numbers and find out the model number.Once you have that, buy the appropriate FACTORY shop manual, owners manual, and parts manual. It may seem a bit spendy but the info contained in there is invaluable. It'll indicate what kind of job some of the simple maintenance proceedures are and you can decide whether you are capable of doing them. (Remember, this tractor is not the Space Shuttle or an F-22. They are relatively easy to work on and there is plenty of expertise in this forum with probably 100's of years of cummulative experience.) Read up the sections on the engine and the fuel system first so you can understand how things work. Look up (in the parts manual) the part number of the gas cap and the oil filters and order them. Also get a set of points, a distributor cap, spark plugs (and plug wires if your wires are cracked and sorry looking). Look in the owners manual or the shop manual the type of engine oil you'll need and get the required number of quarts of oil. Look in the fuel tank and see if there's a bunch of crud in it. If there is visible crud in the tank, put in some gas,remove the fuel valve/sediment bowl and try to wash the crud out. You may have to do this several times. If there's fuel in the tank, drain out the old fuel, clean the fuel filter(s) and the sediment bowl. Put a couple gallons of gas in it. Charge the battery. Check the fluid level in the radiator, the trans/hydraulic system and the engine oil level. Top off if appropriate.
When the battery is fully charged(assuming it takes a charge),open up the fuel valve on the sediment bowl, make sure the tractor is out of gear, step on the clutch to reduce the transmission windage, turn on the key switch and try a start. If you're lucky, it'll start and run. Let it warm up, drive it around and then change the engine oil. Consider changing the coolant if it looks bad or isn't a 50/50 mix. If it doen't start, get back to the forum and we'll help you troubleshoot. If I've neglected anything, someone will post a follow up and let you know.
Welcome to the world of antique tractors.
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