Farmall C (Restoration Questions)(Memory of Grandfather)

Okay guys I made this thread to consolidate my "potential" thread down below. I have a Farmall C that I'm really close to working on and wanted some tips on how to go about this. I know it ran when parked LONG ago. How would you guys go about restoring a tractor such as this.

You'll get lots of good opinions and advice on this.

Mine is that you buy all the appropriate manuals for the tractor and implements.

Next set a goal and a budget. I have $6,000 in my Super H and I did most all the mechanical work myself. I have a buddy that currently has about $10K in a 53 super C. He has hired everything done.

Your goal can be a ground up restoration with every component disassembled, inspected,rebuilt or replaced. It could be just enough to get it running and usable.

Hope that helps.

Not the same tractor but close. I completely disassembled my Super A, complete engine overhaul, replaced all bearings in the transmission and final drives, gears were ok. All seals and gaskets were replaced. All parts were taken to bare metal and painted separately. Took me 18 months, probably 4-$5000. Also refurbished the Woods belly mower. I am retired, so it is just something to do. I also did a C like yours, that consisted of head work, most seals and gaskets replaced. Transmission was inspected and found to be ok. All parts removed and painted separately. 4 new tires. No engine work, but, 9 years later antifreeze in the oil, so it is getting a complete engine overhaul, should have done it 9 years ago. There are no rules, whatever satisfies you.
I will say that I really doubt if I ever completely disassemble a tractor again. BUT, I am guessing that your C's engine needs a complete overhaul, that will cost you about $1000 including machine work if you do it yourself. Before you do anything, get the thing running and drive it around--listen for strange noises in the transmission and rear end. If none remove the trans cover anyway and at least look at the gears, and clean all the old oil out. Check for loose or noisy transmission bearings. Remove the rear wheels and see if there is up and down or side to side movement in the rear axles. You probably need to take the steering apart and replace the seals and gaskets, chances are it will not need any parts unless it has been abused. I would overhaul the hydraulic pump, meaning seals and gaskets, if it works ok there is little else you can do. Completely disassemble the hydraulic block/reservoir and put a CaseIH kit in it. Take it one step at a time. The most time consuming part of this is probably removing old paint, sanding everything, reparing dents, etc, and getting ready for paint. Doing a good job takes a long time.

Sorry, the above belongs under LJS30.

This may sound obvious, but decide up front what you mean by "restore" and draw that line in the sand PERMANENTLY.

Some guys go way better than show room condition, others are happy with a tractor that just works and is dependable.

I personally just want a working tractor that's as original as possible, one that isn't hard too look at.

I made a list of everything I want working, what it'll take to get it working, and that's my budget. I can live with some dings here and there (many actually). If something is not on my list it has to wait till my entire "project" is done.

Come winter when I'm done, I'll re-evaluate. If I want to take things further and spend more on it to make it more perfect, I'll make a new list of to-dos.

My point is, you jump into something like this and it's VERY tempting to get the best of everything and make evertyhing perfect up front. It's $100 here, $50 there. Suddenly you've spent WAY more than you thought you would and you still can't drive it because of something basic that you can no longer afford to fix.

Don't be afraid to ignore the restoration snobs (not to offend...) - and just build a working tractor if that's all you really want. (not saying it is)

Which ever way you go - keep a notebook and write down everything you do, and what you spent on parts AND tools. It can be enlightening (and depressing at the same time!)

That's my two cents.

I did my H for right around $1000. I would start off with takin plenty of pics then slowly dissassemble takin pics along the way so you know how everything goes back together. Pressure washing will be your fried. I used a 2600 psi on mine. Took all the grime and grease and oil off. Along with the pressure wash I used a can or two of degreaser to help it along. You can save a lot of cost by trying to do everything yourself. I never understand why people take stuff to other people to get fixed. If you have somewhere to reference and a good manual you could conquer the world in theory. And you can have the pride of saying that you did it yourself. But anyways then lots of sanding sand blasting and painting later you can have a goo lookin ride! As you go about the disassembly you might make a list of things you notice may need to be replaced. I'm sure if you have any questions along the way the experts on here can help! It's a nice complete lookin project. Good luck!

Well not to argue a fine point here, but if you are married DON'T write down what everything costs! Just kidding.New tires are expensive but worth it, and if you are putting on new tires just go ahead with new tubes for them. As far as the engine, if it runs fine, has good oil pressure, and doesn't smoke I would leave it alone as it will never probably see much use again. New brakes are a good idea , and not expensive. Any seal or gasket that leaks or is taken out even if it doesn't leak should be replaced. Also the front and rear main seals on the motor should be replaced. All in all it's your tractor, do with it what you want and enjoy. Keep us posted with how it goes!

(quoted from post at 15:24:16 06/20/11) I did my H for right around $1000. I would start off with takin plenty of pics then slowly dissassemble takin pics along the way so you know how everything goes back together. Pressure washing will be your fried. I used a 2600 psi on mine. Took all the grime and grease and oil off. Along with the pressure wash I used a can or two of degreaser to help it along. You can save a lot of cost by trying to do everything yourself. I never understand why people take stuff to other people to get fixed. If you have somewhere to reference and a good manual you could conquer the world in theory. And you can have the pride of saying that you did it yourself. But anyways then lots of sanding sand blasting and painting later you can have a goo lookin ride! As you go about the disassembly you might make a list of things you notice may need to be replaced. I'm sure if you have any questions along the way the experts on here can help! It's a nice complete lookin project. Good luck!

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I spent $900 replacing only the bad parts (1 gear and 2 bearings) and seals/gaskets in the rear end of my H. :lol: That was buying the bearings from a bearing house and not CNH. If I did that it would have been $1100.

Well, it was your Granddad's. It doesn't have to happen all at once. You can't put a price tag on family history. It is also not a reason to go hog wild the other way. Make it right mechanically. take your time. Don't skimp, if you are short on money. Wait until you have money to do the next item right. That is how my dad and grandad would have done it, and pretty much how I do it.

I think it is great you are going to restore it. Don't lose the vision, and patience and persistance will pay off.

Just for the record, the tractor in the picture is a Super C. Curved brake pedals & disc brakes are a clue.

I have one that looks similar, but runs like a top. Probably the only reason I still have it, is that it belonged to my father, and was the first thing I ever drove sitting on his lap when I was around 5 or so in the early 60"s. I use it for cutting around 60 acres of hay each year with his old sickle mower, and maybe pulling a load or two of firewood in the winter, but that is about it. It seems I redo some portion of it each year, and completely redid the touch control last year. Sooner or later I will tear it completely down and de-rust and paint and put back together, however it will likely be a $150 paint job, as I plan on using it, and not being afraid of scratching it a little if a limb drags across the hood or grille. Easy to touch up. My engine smokes a bit at idle or if it sits a bit idling, but with no more use than it gets it will likely last longer than I do. As someone said, don"t rush it, and think carefully on how you want to use it, and redo it accordingly. I liked the idea of keeping mine running and redoing a little at a time until it is ready for paint. I decided I have little use for a show piece, and put it in the fields as much as I can.

Wayne is correct on the pedals and brakes, however the grille and front emblem are not correct for a Super C nor even a C. Emblem is either off a A or B it appears as C and Super C's had the small IH emblem on the grille. Most likely someone damaged the original grille and replaced at some point along the line. Either way, an easy fix, but may be a bit difficult to locate a nice SC grille.

Thanks for the excellent advice guys!!!!! I am definitely looking more towards getting this thing in solid condition. I want to use it on our produce ranch a little bit for lighter jobs.

Hello:
I'm working on a BN that has sat for 20 years. All bearings and seals need re doing. So I'm starting with the externals; Bull gears / bearings & seals ; strip then re place bearings and seals & then repaint. Then movinig in board. With re assembling and final touch ups.
Since your's has also sat for a long period of time THEN ""carefully"" check all bearings and seals ( they could be pitted or not worthy of use / causing leaks). If you re paint then find out the above OUCH!
Do the obviious first, hood, seat, fenders, wheels, shafts for paint and easy retoration work and set aside ready to put on when time comes.
Check engine and all its components and replace points even
check all parts of distributer ( I have disassembled mine and re painted) check starter & generator and re build si nessasito ""EASY STUFF"". It is most productive to be: first careful consise and through at least I find that so than have to back up later and repair.
I hope this gives your some thoughs and direction. Enjoy the family time working on it to gether.
My tractor was my dad's: my wife and I will be having fun working on the BN.
Wm. E. J.

Thanks man. The more input the better because I appreciate all the advice I get around here. 8)