[AT] What is the Best way to Restore your new found treasure?

[Al Jones]

I have been working on my Super A off and on since 2001. (!)  I lack a
good space to work at home (and not 100% sure of my mechanical abilities
in some departments....this was a family tractor and I want it RIGHT the
first time) and thus had a lot of work hired out.  What I did was I had
the engine overhauled, then used it in the garden and for other odd jobs
for about a year before I moved on to the tranny/final drives.  It took
about 3 tries to get all the leaks stopped there.  Now it is in the
paint shop.  The advantage to doing it this way is I had plenty of time
to evaluate the tractor mechanically, and if still not right I was able
to take stuff apart without worrying about paint being messed up.
However, if I could do it all over again, as parts were removed for
overhaul/repair, I would take many of them right on to the paint booth
to be cleaned and painted before re-assembly.  THe way I have done has
resulted in some stuff being removed/dismantled multiple times.  Would
have definitely saved time.

Al

-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Myron Busch
Sent: Sunday, June 06, 2004 8:43 AM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group
Subject: [AT] What is the Best way to Restore your new found treasure?

I just purchased a 1969 Wheel Horse lawn tractor and in the process of
restoration for use around the property. Condition of the
tractor from the previous owner statements: Engine rebuilt 4 years ago,
used very little in the city, With a mower deck. Paint is
very faded with some small rust spots

What I have done so far is clean off all the dirt and grease. Examined
operating of drive train, Engine and controls.

I then started to make a hit list on which I would need to repair or
replace.

The more I took it apart the more dirt and stuck parts I found.

Now I will remove all the sheet metal and guards and examine the rest of
the machine for problems. In most cases I reassemble and
check more operation. Until I find the Tractor to operate satisfactory.

Now I will completely tear down the item and then I paint all the pieces
and resemble a final time.

Here is my question. In most cases I take apart and reassemble many
times before I am satisfied with the operation. Do you
completely remove everything, even items in an OK condition Paint and
have one final reassembly?

I really don't like to have to take apart a painted item to repair
something I missed or forgot to do.

Myron Busch
Northfield Mn.



_______________________________________________
AT mailing list
http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at