Due to severe compression loss, the first task in the restoration of this tractor was an engine rebuild. We began by removing the engine and performing a complete disassembly and inspection. After opening the engine, we checked the crankshaft and found it to be in excellent shape; we checked the cylinder bores and found them to be well within specified tolerances; we cleaned the engine; we ground the valves; we then installed standard rings and bearings after honing the cylinders; we had the head cleaned, trued, and magnafluxed; and we reassembled the engine using all new seals and gaskets.

After completing the engine work, we had the clutch and pressure plate rebuilt and replaced the throw-out bearing as well. We then removed the torque tube and installed a new transmission shaft seal and gasket. Then we reinstalled the engine and torque tube. The next step was to disassemble the steering system, clean the steering box thoroughly, replace the input and output shaft seals, adjust the steering, and reassemble the steering system and replace the lubricant. We reassembled the front end of the tractor, swapped out the radiator for a newer radiator provided by the owner, cleaned two inches of sludge from the bottom of the radiator tank, and resealed the radiator during reassembly.

The next stage of the restoration included working with the rear end and final drives. We flushed, cleaned, and inspected the interior of the transmission and rear end. Here, we discovered what seemed to be lard, which required extensive labor to remove and sand away rust that had built up due to the salt in the lard. This is typically added to transmissions and rear ends to temporarily seal leaking seals. The rear axle seals were leaking profusely, so we replaced them. The leaking lubricants in the rear end had caused a build up of oil/grease and subsequent collected dirt to interfere with the operation of the brakes. We cleaned the brake bands and sanded the brake drums. After completing these tasks, we reassembled the rear end and moved to the final drives.

The final drive gaskets were also leaking, so we removed the final drive pans, scraped them clean both inside and out, inspected the final drive gears, replaced the gaskets, and refilled these pans after reassembly. We then removed the PTO shaft, inspected the bearing, installed a new seal, and reassembled the PTO assembly using new gaskets.

After filling all major systems with new fluids, we then temporarily wired the tractor for a test run. We ran the tractor for approximately two hours and inspected all work completed heretofore to ensure that no leaks appeared.

Once we ascertained that the tractor was in good working order, we began preparing for sand blasting. This entailed additional disassembly and covering all open access holes, shielding all gaskets and seals from the effects of sandblasting, and removing all wheel assemblies.

After sandblasting the tractor and all of its components, including the mower and lift components, as well as the rims, we removed all residual sand, wiped the entire tractor and all components with paint thinner, and began bodywork. The hood/gas tank and fenders all required major bodywork to remove rust pits and repair dents and dings. Approximately twelve extremely thin layers of body filler were applied on the hood and sanded according to manufacturer recommendations. The fenders required a thin layer of body filler over all surfaces to bring rust pits up to the height of the surrounding metal.

Preparing the tractor for primer required additional sanding and surface preparation with paint thinner to ensure proper paint adhesion and a smooth finish. Pits in areas of cast iron were not filled with body filler due to the fact that these imperfections were from the factory. However, the front steering sector cast plug was resealed with a petroleum-compatible epoxy and sanded relatively smoothly.

We then applied a layer of red oxide primer with hardener to every tractor surface and all additional components (except for the exhaust manifold and pipe). After this layer cured, we applied one layer of International Harvester Red with hardener to all surfaces except for those areas indicated earlier and components that would receive other paints. Once this first layer of paint was tacky, we applied a second layer. Other components received two layers of their respective paints as well; this includes the exhaust assembly, electrical system components, the mower, and outer rim flanges. The floor pan was prepared for an anti-skid coating and two layers of this were applied. A UV-resistant coating was also applied over the anti-skid to prevent deterioration. Once all paint cured properly, we reassembled the tractor and all components. After reassembly, the steering wheel and gearshift knob were repaired with epoxy, sanded, and hand-painted with a plastic-specific paint. We then applied all decals, and re-installed the wiring harness, a new battery, new rear tires, a new generator belt, new oil filter, new ammeter (provided by owner), new dash-mounted oil pressure gauge, and new muffler (also provided by the owner).

During reassembly, a piece of the governor control rod that had been improperly welded, prior to the restoration by a former owner, broke off. We replaced this component, and, in the process of doing so, the governor and magneto came out of sync. Subsequent troubleshooting and inspection required that we replace the spark plugs and wires, install a new coil, and new distributor cap. These components were found to be worn and in need of replacement. We then started the tractor and the owner picked up the tractor.

Due to obscure changes in the rear main seal (the manufacturer discovered a fault in the seal plate and changed the type of seal required for certain seal plates), an oil leak developed after the tractor went through several heating/cooling cycles. We performed additional research regarding the rear main seal and plate. After discovering the post-production changes, we installed a new, updated seal and reassembled the tractor. We then tested the tractor thoroughly, running the engine and testing every system repeatedly over the course of four days.

This restoration was commissioned by the owner, a gentleman in North Carolina.