"The tires are usually shot or worn out," Bud said. "But if you watch for sales, or know a good dealer, good replacements can usually be bought reasonably. Dealers sometimes have good used ones, too."
Need a rare tire? Several manufacturers have entered the reproduction market, and advertise in tractor collector publications.
Go by the book, when possible. Get the tractor's parts manual, when available, and if you can find an operator's manual and an I&T (or similar service manual), you're that much ahead. While original manuals are certainly nice to have, they've become highly collectible as well. If you can't find an original (or if you do, but it's out of your price range) look for traders and reproductionists who advertise in collectors' magazines.
The stuck engine presents a different challenge. Bud created his own penetrating formula, one which includes "Rust Bust," a commercial product. He begins by squirting it into the spark plug holes. Eugene Alt just uses diesel fuel on top of the pistons, bolts a bar on Deere flywheels, and gives it a push every time he walks by. Patience is required: That method, he said, can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
"If worst comes to worst, I usually take the block out of two-cylinders and press pistons out," Eugene said. "With wet-sleeve types, both the piston and sleeve can be pressed out, but that's not generally feasible with dry sleeves, such as on the IH's."
Give some thought to your workplace, and your tool inventory. Eugene routinely works with valve spring and piston ring compressors, engine stands, and a large-capacity air compressor for sandblasting and powering air tools. You may even end up custom-crafting your own equipment, Eugene said. He, for instance, used a jack and hoist to make a "cherry picker" on wheels.
If you've restored old tractors, we'd love to hear from you! Share your success stories: tell us what tools worked best, what techniques gave you good results, what you'd do differently. We'll run your comments in a column each issue. Send your pointers to Farm Collector, 1503 SW 42nd Street, Topeka, KS 66609; FAX (785) 274-4305; email: farmcollector@qnetworks.com
Gary Van Hoozer is a Missouri writer specializing in vintage agriculture and farm history. FC
Like repairing a house, it can easily run double what you'd expect on cost..."