Barn Fire

bobthetoolguy · Feb 17, 2011

Fellas, I need some help!

Yesterday, the barn containing my 1953 Farmall M (along with two of my Case tractor restorations) burned to the ground. As you might expect, she got pretty hot.

This is a fine tractor with power steering, live hydraulics and the M&W hand clutch. Is there any hope of restoration? I really hate to lose any of these fine machines. Any advice would be appreciated.
Newspaper article on the fire

Dellbertt · Feb 17, 2011

Sorry for your loss.

If it was a flash fire and burned quickly you may have a chance to save some things. If it was a hot fire that burned slowly I would think not.

After things cool down, including you and your nephew, take some photos and post here.

I hope you had some insurance. A good lawyer can probably collect damages from your neighbor.

Good luck,
Dell

Brownie 450 · Feb 17, 2011

Really bad to have this happen. Afraid that the engines will be badly cracked with hairline cracks. Radiators will be melted--rubber parts are going to be done for. Feel very sorry for you. Jim

IaGary · Feb 17, 2011

I know what your going through.

This 460 burnt up in a barn fire about 4 years ago.Dad bought it new and I was just old enough to remember him drive it up the lane when he brought it home.

If most of the oil is burnt out of the rear end and engine,I think they are beyond repair.

No oil was left in this tractor or the one behind it.

Both JUNK.

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GeneMO · Feb 17, 2011

Too bad. We lost our farm shop in 1976 so I know the feeling. Ours was in the winter and we had livestock. Had to search the next day to even find a screwdriver to fix a frozen livestock waterer.

Years ago my dad and uncle bought an 806 Farmall that had been in a barn fire. They disassembled it, still had grease in the rear end. They took the internal parts, gears, lift arms, etc. cleaned them and then coated them in melted grease. They are still hanging on nails in an old shed of ours. That was 40 years ago.

I would guess the castings could be OK. But if hot and the cold water from the fire dept. hit anything, man I dont know.

Oh, and you will not even need an attorney. With the newspaper article and obvious nature of the fire, contact the neighbors property ins. company. Give them a list of destroyed property and its value. They should build you a new shed and pay for what was destroyed.

If they balk or try to low ball you, then you might have to get an atty.

Good luck, Gene

sflem849 · Feb 17, 2011

No, the structural intergrity of most things is gone. A good indicator is if the tires burnt off. If they didn't, it probably didn't get too hot.

BobsFunkyFord · Feb 17, 2011

What a shame. I told my wife that I was pretty lucky. I only lost a fan blade that went into the radiator on my Super M. I have insurance for fire and theft on all of my tractors. It is not that expensive and hope I never use it. I have neighbors that are stupid enough to let their kids shoot fire crackers when the grass is so dry it crackles when you walk on it. I lost a trailer and pick up pipe rack in a farm building I was renting. The old farmer was burning trash. Bob in Texas

Ron-MO · Feb 17, 2011

A few parts might be salvaged, but restoring the tractor would be a huge effort, and a good many of the parts would have to be scrapped due to either cracks, or change to the metal structure properties (but I am no engineer). Some of the sheet metal might be salvageable if not warped, and gotten out of the weather to prevent massive rust damage. I know where I used to work we had a small heat treat furnace and it was used many times for stripping paint off sheet metal parts (unofficially). Basically burning off the paint, cooled slowly, then washed and repainted. Well ventilated of course. I know this fire was accidental, but I know if that was my barn I would be seeing an attorney holding supporting documentation of value of the barn and contents. I often burn off my fields, and am always reluctant as even though I have no neighbors close I always imagine what "could happen" if it were to get away from me or the wind pick up. The bad part is the lawyer will be the only one to really gain from it.

Al L. in Wisc. · Feb 17, 2011

Gerald; sorry for the loss. Folks way more knowledgeable about tractor repair than I and unfortunately those who also had fire damage will be a good sounding board for you and also a source of support. Reading the newspaper info regarding the fire restrictions I would, if you haven't already, check with the fire chief and see if any permits were required by him and/or fire warden, etc. This may help your cause in damage recovery. Take good photos, don't sign away any rights and don't be eager for a quick settlement. In such times, it is difficult to recall all the items you may have had in the barn. If you have them, make copies of photos and receipts, i.e. parts/labor and be willing to provide them to help in recovering damages. Your insurance SHOULD cover you fully and then they will go after the idiot irresponsible for the fire, so stand firm on what is fair/reasonable. I hope you have 'replacement cost' for the damages vs. value. Something I have through a good local agent. I wish you well.

Wilks54 · Feb 17, 2011

The worst part about the whole thing, is that it could have been prevented if the neighbor had used some common sense. Sorry to hear about your loss.

I'd start going through it and making a list of every thing that was in there. Even the smallest of items. They all add up. You may want to talk to the insurance company or attorney and see if you would be reimbursed to have a couple people come out and help take inventory.

bc · Feb 17, 2011

Too bad Bob. And you will probably find out that all your restoration work will not show up in assigned values. Then you will have a fight with your uncle Gerald's insurance company since he doesn't own your two tractors. Probably going to need a lawyer and a tractor valuation expert who is acquainted with comparative sales. Pics of the tractors themselves would help.

36F30 · Feb 17, 2011

I think your going to have to tear it down and inspect things before all is lost. I have a JD B in my collection that was in a corn crib fire. The tractor was a puller with high comp motor. Tires were burnt off and the radiator was melted. Bought it for scrap price. Upon disassembly the internals were in remarkable good shape. We replaced every gasket and seal. All the rubber parts and got a donor radiator. She looks new today.
I also have a 450 and super M that were burnt up in a hoghouse fire, potmetal parts on these two melted. Both were cooked inside, them two are parts tractors. Fire is a funny thing, no telling how hot she got without opening it up too look.

IH fan · Feb 17, 2011

Friend of mine lost a 420 JD in a prairie fire that swept through his place. Lost 3 cars in his shop and the tractor outside... tires burned off and looked really bad. A guy bought it and restored it to show condition, but it was outside and probably didn't get as hot.

bobthetoolguy · Feb 17, 2011

Thanks bc. We're on it. My insurance company says I'm covered... for what that's worth. Losing the M and my Case SC really hurt, but Ive got another M and another SC. What really stinks is losing the 1937 Case RC. It was a single tire front end and a really neat little machine. I haven't seen too many like that one.

FC Andy · Feb 17, 2011

I didn't really notice anyone saying it, so I will. I've been told, if there's still oil in the engine, rear end, etc... it's probably saveable. I'm not certian. Open them up, and see what you've got. What do you have to loose at this point? Sorry to see your barn fire. You'll never know what exactly you lost. -Andy

504 · Feb 17, 2011

I hope the guy that set the fire has insurance, because he is liable for your damage.

Rick in Iowa · Feb 20, 2011

Something like this makes me sick.Your insurance company(if a good one)should have an atterny that will do the fighting if needed.best wishs

tlccc · Feb 21, 2011

please let e know what you plan on doing with the sm. I may be interested in it if you are going to junk it for scrap.

muleboss · Feb 21, 2011

(quoted from post at 19:41:52 02/21/11) please let e know what you plan on doing with the sm. I may be interested in it if you are going to junk it for scrap.

What ?????

oldtanker · Feb 21, 2011

His insurance company should pay him. Then it will go after the guy that started the fire to recoup their losses.

Rick

Barn Fire

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