With exception for the true restoration buff, most of us want our tractors to look good and run well. For us, duplicating the exact factory item isn't a priority and few would notice if we did.When I'm repairing or restoring almost anything, I like to take time to look at how things were done and compare them with how things are done today. The original manufacturers would have jumped at the chance to use some of the modern products we have available today. Major improvements have been made in areas such as: Paint, charging systems, ignition systems and safety. New primers and primerless paint gives superior corrosion protection and a beautiful finish that is more durable and resistant to staining from fuels and oil. For the price of an old regulator, you can replace and upgrade your charging system with an internally regulated alternator that's both cheaper and more reliable. Solid state ignition systems don't have point wear and deliver superior spark in all kinds of weather. And if you're going to use your tractor for real work, your wife and children would appreciate it if you came home in one piece. ROPS (Roll Over Protection Structure) were not developed when most of our tractors were manufactured but those cages are worth their weight in un-broken bones. With my tractors, I like to admire the past but keep an eye open for what's been done since then to make things better.
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