TRACTOR PARTS Allis Chalmers Case & David Brown Farmall & International Ferguson Ford & New Holland John Deere Massey Ferguson Massey Harris Minneapolis Moline Oliver & Cockshutt Kubota / Yanmar

TRACTOR MANUALS

Allis Chalmers	Case	Farmall IH	Ford 8N,9N,2N	Ford
Ferguson	John Deere	Massey Ferguson	Minn. Moline	Oliver

Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Best tractor for restoration

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register

Author

Hurst

02-27-2005 11:06:44

Report to Moderator

I am looking into finding myself a summer project and want to restore a tractor. I was just curious for some input on what make and model would be easiest to restore. I would like to restore an old allis chalmers d series, but those are hard to come by. We have 2 farmall 140s that are around mid 70's models (have key ignition), which are a little newer than I want. I have seen a farmall M in the photo classifieds that is near where I live (Midway, Ky). It is not running right now, but for $750 it seems like something I could have fun with and learn from. I am 15, but my dad has a shop on our horse farm, so I will have a place to store it. I don't want to spend more than about $1250 up front and want to have something that will sell well when it is finished. Any input on a model or brand. Thanks

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Dr. Bert

03-01-2005 10:53:31

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

I have restored both large tractors , Farmall M, JD 60 and small tractors 8-N, 2-N. and Farmall A, and many in between. My suggestion is to start with a small tractor like the Fords. Easy to work on, parts are readily available, and they sell well. Also, very useful around the ranch.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Andy M.

03-01-2005 06:56:12

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

Hurst, before you get started, pick a tractor, any tractor and start pricing parts. Figure costs to rebuild motor, hydralics, transmission etc. Then look at what this tractor presently sells for in running condition. This will tell you two things. One is how much it will cost you to restore a tracor and two, how much you can expect to loose when you resell it. Most people who restore old tractors do it for the fun of it not to make money. But it is a wonderful hobby and you will meet a lot of great people along the way.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Mac

02-28-2005 08:47:30

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

I think you can find an older 50-80hp utility tractor and restore with a used fel and actually make some money. Try to find one that's tired but still runs, so you can check out the other thousand things that can go wrong with an old tractor. They are a pretty hot haying commodity around here bringing over $8k....not restored, just working.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Dave 2N

02-28-2005 05:36:25

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

Strictly from a restoration standpoint---I'm not talking about what you will use it for----my vote goes to a Ford N series tractor. They are simple, well designed tractors with lots of parts availability. And they will probably hold their value as well as any other.

I'm speaking from experience here regarding the restoration issue: my son and I have done a JD B, a JD 70, Farmall Super C, a Ford 2N and are working on a Farmall Super H. Of all of them, the Ford was the easiest and most fun to work on. And I think parts are a tad less expensive than those of other brands.

What would I rather be doing right now??? Working on the 50 Ford 8N that's patiently waiting it's turn. However,my wife's Willys Jeep CJ3A is still ahead of the 8N.

I know I haven't given you any info. on the "use" part of the tractor. Just my $.02 on the restoration/refurbishing issue. But I will say this--I'm not a farmer but my Ford 2N does a lot of the work around my 45 acres, even without live hydraulics. Whether it's up in the woods, hogging pasture(with a "Zane Thang"), plowing a little snow or workomg it around the place with a carryall, this 59 year old machine is a user. Even with the six volt system. Keep your connections clean and tight and they will always start.

Time for me to stop rambling.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

john in la

02-28-2005 04:11:36

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

Hurst;
While every one has a brand that they like you really need to decide what you want out of this tractor first.

Is this a tractor that you want to use after you rebuild it?? If so decide what kind of options you want so you can narrow your search down to a smaller group.
Some options you may consider..... Live pto; live hyd; hi/lo trans; diesel; power steering; locking rear axle; ect ect.
The cost would be relative to how many options you need.

Now on the other hand if you are just bringing a old tractor back to life to show; have the experience of rebuilding one; resale; then you need to keep your cost as low as possible.

This second option is where I think you as a 15 year old fits in. To keep cost down you need to get a tractor that every one has.
While I do not know about your area I would think it is like most; and the Ford N is the most popular. You can get parts every where and the supply of parts keeps the price in check. Go to e-bay and do a search on tractor parts. I think you will see more N parts than any other type of tractor.

So do your home work..... Decide what is best for you.... And let us know how it turns out.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Jim.UT

02-27-2005 19:45:07

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

The Ford N-series (9N, 2N, 8N) do not have live hydraulics nor live pto, yet they always sell well. There's just something about them that says "buy me" to certain people....especially when they're all restored nice.

The other advantage to them is the easy availability of parts, both replacement, maintenance parts and restoration quality parts. I guess that's because almost a million of them were built and I keep hearing that it's estimated that almost half of them are still in operation.

Really you should choose one that you like personally. It's less likely you'll run out of steam on a project if it's something you really like.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

skipper

02-27-2005 16:58:51

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

Well, Hurst I guess I look at it a little different. I would go with a tractor just a tiny bit newer that had live PTO and full time hydraulics. Something like the Farmall 300 to 450 series or John Deere 50 to 620 series. They really aren't much harder to work on. Can cost a tiny bit more to get but the value is so much more and much easier to resale if you go that route. If you use them when you are done you have a MUCH more versatile machine to do a lot more with. The best way of getting your money back out of a restoration is to use it. Stick an ad in the local paper for mowing and discing and you could possibly come close to breaking even, depending on where you are, plus the ownership becomes a lot more meaninguf.
Skipper

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

GRAY WHISKERS

02-27-2005 16:45:27

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

Hurst.Heres one site. Hope this get you motivated.Are you smiling yet?????

http://www.ytmag.com/nboard/messages/480711.html,

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

GRAY WHISKERS

02-27-2005 16:27:32

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

Go for the gustoo. Being a young man heres what i think you should do. Look for an old Ford 2N,8N,9N. with a blown up motor.Now find a old flathead V8 and put that in her.You will need a Funk conversion.Do the tin and exhuste work and a 60MPH wind won't wipe the smile off you face drive that beast down the road.And o ya that will be a chick magnet.Go to the Ford N forum and theres some picture off a couple.Ill try to find the ink and send it later. Good Luck,Whiskers on the side.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Hurst

02-27-2005 16:58:28

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to GRAY WHISKERS, 02-27-2005 16:27:32

I have a few questions. I have heard of these before, but never really considered one. I do like the idea though. Do the 8ns have a live PTO? Also, how much am I looking at spending? Do you know of any places to find flat head v8s around central Ky? How hard are the conversions? Is this too hard on the drive train? Would I still be able to use this to pull balers, rakes wagons, etc.? Would this be a practical tractor or more show? Sorry, thats a lot of questions in one thing, but I am curious about the funk conversions. Thanks

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

john in la

02-28-2005 04:18:58

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 16:58:28

A 8N does not have live pto.
The V8 funk conversion is just for show. It has no practical use on a farm in my mind.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

John M

02-27-2005 16:14:06

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

I tend to favor a good ole Farmall M,since i now have 3 of them,but you probably would not get your money back on it if you did it right.maybe a good little Cub you could ge tclose.I would shy away from a Deere unless it was mechanically in real good shape and needed little more than paint.But one in that shape would be high,since it is a Deere and they have gotten ridiculous in my opinion.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

John A.

02-27-2005 15:37:25

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

Hurst, A Farmall M, IMO would be a good pick to start off on. The tractor is straight forward to work on. There are few surprises/ oddities.There is a wealth of info here on the Boards, IH & Tractor talk. If the tires are good enough, a tow bar can be used, on the front two holes of the pedictle of a regular double tire tricycle front. Don't exceed 20mph. (I pulled one 120 miles to college for a tractor shop class one semester). So that can save you money hauling, Only if it has pretty descent tires. Since the tires are probably marginable maybe 10 to 20 miles tops.
The engines have sleeves so rebuild kits are avaible. No real surprises on oil pump and drive setup. The tranny again is straight forward. Very simple to work on, one guy here on the boards (Kelly C.) has his own website and has documented work on his H, 300, and 400 IHs. He had pics of engine, tranny work, OBTW the tranny setup is pretty much the same from the H through the 450 series, with respect to the same tractors in the series ie H,300,350 amd M,400,450.
There is a little bit of difference in the hydrolics, from the Lift-all on the Letter series to the Live units on on the late SMs and number series. Now with respect to 3pt hook up implements a 3pt can be added. If you need too to make the tractor more useable with newer mowers and other implements.
Frontend work and painting can be done depending on the extent of what you are planning to do and the extent of your desire. Still as before there is a wealth of info here as the problems arise, DON'T be bashbul, ask away and folks here arealways glad to lend their knowledge to you.
Have fun. Sic-um!
Later,
John A.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Hurst

02-27-2005 16:13:09

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to John A., 02-27-2005 15:37:25

Did the Super M have a live PTO? Any other differences between the M and super?? Thanks

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

John A.

02-27-2005 19:38:49

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 16:13:09

Hurst, Not all SMs have LPTO. Only the later models, Specificly, the SMTA only. Though the SMs are not usually broken down in to divisions by a lot of folks, I do.
There are 3 divisions or Series. So here they are.
Start with a regular ol garden varity M, then
Add the larger engine, and Disk brakes. This is a Stage I.
Add live hydrolics and move the Batt from under the fuel tank to under the seat. This is a Stage II.
NOW.. Add a TA (Torque Amplifer) and LPTO, and you have a SMTA.
There was one more Series of the SM line this culminated in the 400 IH tractor. This info can be found in Guy Fays book on the Farmall Letter Series.
Hope this helps
Later,
John A.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Rod in Smiths Falls, ON,

02-27-2005 15:32:03

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

I've never done much work on a tractor but where I was getting my loader put on I met a pair of brothers, 16 and about 14 who have. They have two Allis Chalmers (D-14's?), one completely restored, and a Cockshutt 30(live PTO, eh?)which is in pieces all over their dad's (hah!) shop.

You don't want to make money on this; you want to learn and have fun doing it. Go for it, and be sure to get dad and grandpa involved.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Hurst

02-27-2005 15:29:39

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

Thanks for the input. I see that everyone says that you won't make any money and hardly ever come close to breaking even. The main reason for this project would be for a learning experience so that I can save my dad money in the shop by not having to send a tractor out too much. My dad isn't really fond of the idea, he thinks that I should worry about other stuff besides tractors bc we most likely will not own a farm when I get out of school. I don't know what else I need to worry about right now, Im at boardind school and making straight "A"s, and I still spend plenty of times in the forums. Without this forum I don't know how I would get by being away from the farm so long. Since we are no longer growing tobacco, maybe I can restore a farmall M or H and he can sell one of the 140s. They are great tractors but the offset is a pain with the PTO and traction. I am still taking input, and would love to hear your opinions, good or bad, let me know what you think. The only reason I don't really want to do a 140 is bc its not "my", so I wouldn't get the pride out of driving it. I want to be able to sit down on "my" own tractor and work some. Thanks for your help and all of this is helpful so far. By the way, the M that I am looking at is not running, but the block is still good, and also, I want a tractor that needs to be overhauled, how else will I get to tear down the engine ? :)

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

evielboweviel

02-27-2005 15:35:34

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 15:29:39

to fix and resell you need a Ford 8n, Oliver S55 or Massy Ferguson 35. Small tractor, gas powered, 3 point and pto. Everybody moving out to the country just has to have one of the above or a new foriegn diesel, or at least they think so.
Good Luck
Ron

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Sloroll

02-27-2005 15:04:24

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

I'm ging a step back from the others. For a first time I suggest an F-series or a Regular Farmall. They are incredibly easy to work on, parts are inexpensive and there is very little in the way of tinwork to do. First time out of the chute they can't be beat. The engine can be worked on right on the frame (no splitting if bad clutch or tranny). I could go on and on. Find one with a road gear or a 39 model with factory rubber and a high speed fourth and you are in business. I'm with Hugh, don't expect to make money.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Four Feathers

02-27-2005 14:55:29

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

Thanks Rusty it's nice to see someone giving positive advice to our young people. We all learn by our small misstakes,a learning step in lifes' pathway to happiness

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Bob02

02-27-2005 14:54:40

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

Here in PA the little Ford N Series tractors are a good item. Parts are easy to find and more reasonable. Resale seems to be a snap with the 3 point hitch even without live PTO. I see them and Fergusons for sale a lot. Even if it is easy to sell probably won't get all of your money out of it with a restore job. The process can be a fun family project.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Shepherd_Bill

02-27-2005 14:47:27

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

You probably should consider what will sell in your area. Maybe one of your little Farmalls would be best for your first restoration.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Woodmouse

02-27-2005 14:30:02

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

How much money ya got to spend? How much time have you got to spend on the project? Working conditions?
How much is it worth when you are done?
Know any one who wants a $5000 dollar tractor with $15000 worth of new parts??
A rebuilt motor can cost $7000 and then there is the rebuilt----- ----
Getting the picture?

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

02-27-2005 13:33:21

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

H or M Farmall would be a good choice as would an A or B John Deere parts for all of these are easily obtained but take some advice from us old farts if you are planning on restoring a common model of tractor correctly to resell you will never recover the money you put into it

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Hurst

02-27-2005 14:08:42

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to BJ, 02-27-2005 13:33:21

So you don't think that I would get my money back on an H or an M? what models would not be common, but still easy to find parts for? I have a limited selection since i can't afford to haul anything. Thanks

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Hugh MacKay

02-27-2005 14:54:45

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 14:08:42

Hurst: I rather doubt there is a tractor out there you will recover your money on. I have Farmalls Super A, 130 and 140, I would guess have topped the $15,000. mark in the past 10 years. No way I'd ever see my money back, as I've never even touched the cosmetic end of it yet. I probably have another $15,000. in attachments and implements.

I personally know a guy with 80 fully restored letter series Farmalls. He tells me when he started 35 years ago the average cost was $4,000. and today It's pushing $10,000. Size really doesn't make much difference. Now he does complete mechanical and cosmetic restoration. That collection has close to one each of all gas, diesel and lp versions ever built. Last time I talked with him he still needed couple of the V's to complete the collection.

If you start doing cosmetic and few necessary mechanical items, the value of your end product will be quite easily detected. Only one way to make money at this, custom rebuilding for customers with deep pockets.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

dr.sportster

02-27-2005 13:12:00

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

If you are going to sell it when you are done you may want something popular and reliable.In that respect Farmall 1950s vintage.I know maybe I say that cause thats what I like but they are popular and marketable.1970s will not be as high interest in my opinion.Parts always seem available.I am ignorant to parts availability of other brands myself.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

rustyj14

02-27-2005 11:55:57

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to Hurst, 02-27-2005 11:06:44

Check in Farm and Dairy.: www.farmanddairy.com. They have a classified section selling lots of tractors, etc. Might find something in there. they seem to be in the Ohio/ Ky., etc. area! by: Rustyj

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

02-28-2005 00:33:54

Report to Moderator

Re: Best tractor for restoration in reply to rustyj14, 02-27-2005 11:55:57

i suggest buying a few books on tractors and see what you like. it will make your decision easier. then start looking for it. if you buy something you dont like,or find it hard to restore,or find parts for,you may never finish it. there is alot to choose from . if this is your first restore, i wouldnt buy a basket case. start with something that is more complete. the smaller tractors are a little easier to restore and resell. it also depends on if your going to use it or restore for resale or show. when you get what you want, buy the owners , service, and parts manuals to help you put it together correctly. farmalls a,b,c allis b,c,d series, deeres, fords, ect. check around before you buy. pg

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

[Options] [Printer Friendly] [Posting Help] [Return to Forum] [Log in to Reply]

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home | Forums

Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy