My 1945 Farmall H Makeover

[Stanton]

Sorry I haven't posted any recent progress pics; I tell myself I'm too busy.

Haven't made much progress on the H, but wanted to share this jewel with you.

Here's the rear light I picked up at an auction last month in a box of other lights (center of picture):

It cleaned up pretty good with a toothbrush, soap and water:

Here's the new rubber gasket thanks to a discarded wiper blade from my local auto parts store:

Wired up with 6v power for jewel light...

...and work light:

Was pleased that my big auction purchase ($5) worked out so well.

[randallc]

Keep'em coming.

[Bob McCarty]

Stanton, I see you've started collecting sediment bowls too.

Bob

[Stanton]

No pictures this time, but am continuing stripping down the H. Got front bolster, engine, and clutch housing wire wheeled and will be working on the platform and tranny next. The brake housings will be coming off and possible re-lining of the brake bands will be in order (thanks to Bob McCarty, I know the how/when/where/what of that exercise). As soon as I get the body cleaned off, I'll pull it outside for final cleaning, primer and paint.

More pics to come...ya'll have a great weekend!

[Stanton]

The left brake cover was missing a spring stud. Stud on the right brake cover is 7/16" by 1" long with a groove for the spring to catch in. Thought I'd use a new 7/16" bolt to replace it:

Put the bolt thru the hole, measured, marked and chucked it up into my drill press. I wanted to keep a portion of the bolt to act as a backing and something to weld to the inside cover, so cut all but 1/16" of the head off:

Compared to the other brake spring stud--yeh, I know, not exactly like the original:

While in the drill press, I used my angle grinder to notch the groove and shape the rounded top before cutting off:

Here's the final result welded in from the backside:

[Urbish]

Be your own lathe! Love it! Very nice work.

[randallc]

Innovative! As some folks have said, "thats what made America great." Looks like new.

[Stanton]

Have been making progress slowly, or slower than I'd like. Got finished redoing the front end and getting it reassembled last night. Went ahead and primered the inside of the rails while the front bolster was off since it was easier to access.

If the rainy weather ever holds off, I'll pull it outside for a wipe down and then primer followed by paint. Then have some finish sanding on the front hood and can do the primer/paint routine with the sheet metal pieces.

[Steve-N-Tn]

Stanton--What a great documentary and attention to detail--keep those pictures coming!!

[Stanton]

Finally arrived at my favorite stage: priming and painting. Like to try and prime parts while disassembled, so when they go back together, they have some protection. Harder to get to when fully assembled.

Had a spot of low humidity last week, so took advantage of it. Pulled the H out of the garage and shot some primer on most of it.

Also shot some etching primer on the sheet metal parts. Will follow up with filler primer and then the Case IH primer over it all with wet sanding between. Hoping for a good finish. Wheels will be done one at a time after the body is fully painted.

[Stanton]

A fellow at the Kansas Cubfest brought a non-firing magneto and let me tinker with it. With a small amount of work (and the help of jpcubs and midmo), I was able to get it firing again. Has a nice 5/16" hot blue spark now. Thanks to muleboss for mentioning my need to his friend.

The plastic was looking kinda worn on it, so decided to polish it up.

Took some NuFinish car polish and did this:

Now she's lookin' like this:

Mag will get a nice red overcoat.

[Don McCombs]

Ah, yes. Do we remember this discussion?

... it's my first H ...

I like your optimism.
Looks like you did very well. But, judging by what you've done with your other tractors and implements, it won't look like it does now for very long.

I told you so. It has already started!

[Stanton]

I most surely do remember that conversation...

[randallc]

It is starting to take the shape of a "Stanton Tractor" now. Looking gooooooood.

[Stanton]

Got the oil gauge replaced, but went about it the long way.

Oil gauge that came on the tractor was missing the glass, the face and pretty rusted, even though it worked.

There were slots at the top of the existing gauge, just behind the bezel that let water and air in. No wonder it had a rusty face.

I had bought a box of gauges at an auction this Spring, so rummaged around and found an oil gauge that had a needle I liked (and worked). Had to remove a couple bezels to get a shiny one.

Both Xerox and 3M make a paper that is polyester; resistant to oil and tearing. I made a new face on my computer, then took it to one of the many "Office" stores around town and had them make a photo copy onto the polyester paper. Some spray adhesive, a new plumbing o-ring from the hardware store and painting the needle indicator got this:

My new water temp gauge arrived from Yesterday's Tractors and here they are together. I had also made a Water Temp gauge face, but after getting my new water gauge, I really didn't want to tear into it. They're not exactly a match, but I like 'em.