How to Restore Your Farm Tractor

Tharran E. Gaines is the author of How to Restore Classic John Deere Tractors (2003), How to Restore Classic Farmall Tractors (2005), How to Restore Ford Tractors (2008), and How to Restore Your Farm Tractor (2013), all published by Voyageur Press. In addition, he has written numerous repair manuals, owner's manuals, and assembly instructions for farming-related companies, as well as newsletters and feature articles, radio and TV commercials, video scripts, and advertising copy. In 1991, he started his own business as a writer, and today continues to operate Gaines Communications with his wife, Barb, out of their office in Savannah, Missouri.

CHAPTER 1 Shopping for a Tractor
Working Tractors
Collector Tractors
Shopping for a Tractor
Evaluating a Running Tractor
Negotiating a Price
CHAPTER 2 Setting Up Shop
Tools
Specialized Tools
The Value of Shop Manuals
CHAPTER 3 Getting Started
Take Your Time
Establish Your Goals
Document the Process
Finding Replacement Parts
Clean It Up
Disassembly
CHAPTER 4 Troubleshooting
Evaluating a Tractor That Runs
Simple Fixes
Compression Testing
CHAPTER 5 Engine Repair and Rebuilding
Freeing a Stuck Engine
Ring Job or Complete Overhaul?
Engine Disassembly
Piston Ring Replacement
Engine Block Preparation
Main and Rod Bearings
Push Rods
Camshafts
Rocker Arms
Valves and Valve Seats
Valve Guides
Valve Springs
Pistons and Sleeves
Piston Pins
Rebuilding the Engine
Valvetrain Overhaul
Oil Pump Restoration
CHAPTER 6 Clutch, Transmission, and PTO
Transmission Inspection and Repair
Clutch Inspection and Rebuilding
Clutch Throw-Out Bearing
Power Takeoff Repair
CHAPTER 7 Final Drive and Brakes
Differentials and Final Drives
Differential and Final Drive Inspection and Repair
Axle Shafts
Brake Restoration
Brake Adjustment
CHAPTER 8 Front Axle and Steering
Front Axle Repair
Steering Wheel Repair
CHAPTER 9 Hydraulic System
Basic Principles
Troubleshooting
Hydraulic Seals
CHAPTER 10 Electrical System
Magneto Systems
Magneto Inspection and Service
Timing the Magneto
Distributor Inspection and Repair
Coils
Generators and Voltage Regulators
Starters
Converting to 12-Volt Electrics
Wiring
Spark Plug Wires
Lights
Gauges
Gauge Replacement
Gauge Restoration 1
CHAPTER 11 Fuel System
Fuel Tank
Fuel Hose Inspection
Carburetor Repair
Carburetor Rebuilding
Carburetor Reassembly
Diesel Systems
Oil-Bath Air Filters
Manifold Inspection and Repair
Governor Overhaul
CHAPTER 12 Cooling System
Cooling System Inspection and Repair
Radiator Caps
Fans
Hoses
Water Pumps
Thermostats
Belts
CHAPTER 13 Tires, Rims, and Wheels
Rear Wheel Removal
Tire Repair and Restoration
Wheel and Rim Restoration
CHAPTER 14 Setting Up Shop for Bodywork and Painting
Bodywork Tools
Air Compressor
Paint Guns
Bodywork and Paint Area
Safety Equipment
CHAPTER 15 Paint Removal
Cast-Iron Preparation
Sheet Metal
Sheetmetal Paint Removal
Media Blasting Sheetmetal
Chemical Stripping
Paint Stripper Application
CHAPTER 16 Sheetmetal Repair and Parts
Fabrication
Parts Replacement or Fabrication?
Parts Fabrication Basics
Rust Repair
Dents and Creases
Repairing Holes and Installing Patches
Using Body Filler
CHAPTER 17 Painting Preparation
Cleaning Parts
Masking
CHAPTER 18 The Primer Coat
Choosing the Right Primer Type
CHAPTER 19 Paint Color Selection
Allis-Chalmers
Case
Cockshutt
Farmall/International Harvester
Ferguson
Ford
John Deere
Massey-Harris/Massey-Ferguson
Minneapolis-Moline
Oliver
Available Colors
CHAPTER 20 Primer and Paint Application
Practice Makes Perfect
Adjusting the Spray Pattern
Paint Application
Flash Times and Recoats
Finishing the Job
CHAPTER 21 Decals, Name Plates, and Serial Number Plates
Researching Decal Authenticity and Placement
Surface Preparation
Decal Application
Emblems and Name Plates
Serial Number Plates
CHAPTER 22 Taking the Next Step
Antique Tractor Shows
Farm Equipment Demonstrations
Tractor Games
Antique Tractor Pulls
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
APPENDIX: Parts and Information
INDEX
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS