What would you do?

1950whiteC · Apr 28, 2011

My Farmall C Demonstrator is still in original white paint and condition. My father bought this tractor new in 1950. I still use this tractor to work the soil for my food plots, pull a rotory cutter, skid and haul firewood ,ect. I maintain it regularly and it gets what ever it needs to stay in working condition.
I have had some discussions with others about the topic of doing a complete repaint and decals and the never do a repaint and decals.
I still have a hang up about repainting this tractor .....it's only original once. All the other Demonstrators I have ever seen have been repainted as they were almost always painted Red before they were sold from the dealer.
Would you repaint it or leave it as is?

d282 · Apr 28, 2011

I wish I never repainted my 560 that my uncle bought new, and had
never spent a night outside of the machine shed. But as they say
hind sight is 20/20. (It did look really cool all painted up just like
new though)

gold1456 · Apr 28, 2011

i would repaint it but alot of pepole would not lol

Anonymous-0 · Apr 28, 2011

I'd give it a good bath & keep it original.

Glenn F.

MN Mike · Apr 28, 2011

I think it's your tractor and whatever you choose to do is the right choice for you.

As for myself, I consider new paint a "maintenance" item after 50 years or so to protect the metal.

Rumplestiltskin · Apr 28, 2011

I think I'd replace any leaking seals, give it a good cleaning, and see how it looks. Then you can always decide to paint it if you aren't happy with its appearance.

Mark W. in MI

dennis oconnor · Apr 28, 2011

That paint is no longer protecting the metal from rusting... You have an original, not chopped up, tractor that is worth protecting...
To my way of thinking, to say you won"t paint it because it won"t be original is like saying you would not change the oil filter because it won"t be original...

cheers..

Anonymous-0 · Apr 28, 2011

Personally, i'd restore-repaint it red. Even if i decided to keep it white, i'd repaint it. Ultimately, what you decide will be the right choice!

bobs old iron · Apr 28, 2011

it is your tractor, your decision, how many white tractors came from the factory? i wish my 230 [same as a C] was white. be the only kid on the block with one hopefully. good conversation piece. out in the field who cares what color a tractor is when you can "get r done" lol. white tractor, red wheels/weights, silver rims would look great when/if you decide to restore.

Solid Labor · Apr 28, 2011

A nice shiny tractor always looks good. But, a all original tractor to me, looks a lot better.

kennell · Apr 28, 2011

I appreciate people who want their tractors with original paint to stay that way. I personally enjoy looking at shinney red tractors. I never get tired of seeing fully restored tractors of any color. Kent

SouthernFarmall · Apr 28, 2011

This is what I would do:

1. Fix any and all problems with the tractor (leaks, bearings, etc.)
2. Repaint it white. In my opinion, there really is no reason to lose the coolness of a white demonstrator just to "fit in". After 61 years, I'd say it's due for some sprucing up!
SF

1970-1655 · Apr 28, 2011

Either way you decide, I would make a scrap book and document everything. If you have any receipts or pictures, add them. Then if you repaint, you have proof that it is an origional white demonstrator, not a copy.

Janicholson · Apr 28, 2011

One thought not expressed is to clean and seal it up, then spray it with satin clearcoat. Protection without shall we say pretense. Jim

GordoSD · Apr 28, 2011

Start by doing a full tire dismounts and restoration of the wheels and rims. Get a new seat, steering wheel, gauges, muffler. Steam clean the rest squeaky clean.

Then I think you will want to repaint it.

sgtbull · Apr 28, 2011

IF you repaint it, you'll hate using it. The first scratch, which is inevitable, will really suck. If you degrease it, fix any leaks and maintain it, I think you will ENJOY it more. A good original is hard to find and serves as an originality guide to those who are restoring one.
I've been far more intrigued/impressed by originals in incredibly good shape than repainted tractors. An excellent original usually indicates its been well cared for. Paint just means its been painted...possibly ignoring other major problems.

CNKS · Apr 28, 2011

Document it and repaint it -- that rust is going to eat all the way through the sheet metal someday. I, for one, am not impressed with the white tractors -- it's only paint. I have a white C that I repainted red. However, in your case, it has been in the family since new, so repaint it white.

Anonymous-0 · Apr 28, 2011

PINAITIG IT

Anonymous-0 · Apr 28, 2011

jules paintig on it

Heifer · Apr 28, 2011

She's a beauty. I would not repaint it and recommend
spraying WD-40 on the rusty areas, and rubbing it in with a
rag. It also helps clean the crud off of the tractor.

mikeintn · Apr 28, 2011

Take pictures, repaint it, it will protect it and look good also.

Anonymous-0 · Apr 29, 2011

Here in the UK we do not paint tractors that are still in their original clothes. I have several tractors like that and i spray them with WD40 four times a year. If i were to paint them they would loose their originity and their value. MJ

NawlensGator · Apr 29, 2011

A good paint job will help protect it and make you proud.

What would you do?

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