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Restoration Process
I will explain the process we use to restore the older vintage antique tractors such as the John Deer model “L” shown below. This tractor will be placed in a local museum when completed. This is the same process that I would use for a parade or show tractor. Of course I realize that not everyone wants their tractor taken to this extent, however, they sure have a lot of pride in ownership when being restored to this extent.
The first thing that is done is to pressure wash the entire
tractor to remove as much of the oil, grease and baked-on dirt as possible, it
is then brought into the shop to be disassembled.
If it is determined that the engine needs to be rebuilt, it is removed and receives a complete major overhaul. The fuel system, either gas or diesel, is rebuilt as required. Anything needing done for the engine to function at top performance, will be done. I do not believe in simply replacing the rings & lower bearings. If the engine uses oil, knocks, or has a lack of compression, it needs a major overhaul, simple as that. If the engine is not to be rebuilt, all gaskets & seals, with the exception of the head gasket are replaced.
I prefer to completely remove and check every part of both
the transmission and differential. However, if the owner does not want to go to
that extent, the same process will be used as on the engine when a major
overhaul is not performed.
The front wheel bearings will be inspected and replaced if needed, the rear wheel bearings will be inspected when the rear wheel seals are installed.
As every part is removed, the mounting bolts are bagged & tagged for easy reinstallation later. This helps to keep the machine as original as possible. Factory bolts, which are still in place, may be reused.
All parts including the sheet metal are thoroughly cleaned using either a solvent, sandblasting or wire wheel to remove any rust, dirt, oil or paint.
No sandblasting is used on an assembled engine, transmission or differential as the sand will make its way past the external seals and cause internal damage. These units are stripped by using a paint removal solvent and a power driven wire wheel.
After being cleaned, all of the lighter parts are hung on racks to be painted before being reassembled; this is to insure that every part receives a complete painting. Before painting all dents or cracks in the sheet metal are repaired. If any of the sheet metal can not be repaired it will be replaced.
The entire tractor will receive a minimum of two coats of primer paint and four coats of the final top coating. We use top grade filler primer, which after sanding helps to insure a gloss finish when the painting is completed. We always try to match the factory colors as close as possible when applying the final paint.
After the tractor is completely painted and mostly assembled, components such as wiring, spark plugs and gauges are installed. The hood is then installed and the decals are applied. On these older tractors, it is best to replace all of the wiring. We can build most of the wiring harness in the shop, the others we order either from the dealer or after market source.
We make every effort to insure that when the restoration is completed, the tractor will look and perform as good or better then it did when it came from the original dealer’s showroom.
All of this detail work takes a lot of time and material which can be costly, however, when completed the pride in ownership is great also. As I stated at the beginning we realize that not everyone wants a show tractor, whatever your needs are, restoration, repair, or a complete rebuilding of your tractor, most likely we can fulfill your need.
Give us a call, we will be happy to discuss your needs.
We are from the old school, we were taught to take pride in our work and that quality counts.Antique Resources
Copyright ©2008 Holzkamper Webs
