Where to Start...

[ldo6410]

My father just gifted my youngest on a 1948 Farmall Cub that has been sitting outside for 20+ years. The engine is not seized/frozen and rotates freely. The tractor itself is covered with mostly surface rust. I'm trying to get an idea of where to start in the restoration project. Should I disassemble, categorize the parts, take pictures, etc. before sand blasting the rust? Or should initially sand blast to see where the potential issues lie? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Peter Person]

I would start right here;
http://www.farmallcub.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=91765

Then when you have 2 posts, access the PDF Manuals in the Drop down menu at the top of this page titled "Quick Links".

Good luck and Happy Cubbing.
Peter

[Eugene]

Welcome. The tractor has been sitting for 20 years, it's not running.

Work on only one issue at a time. I would begin with the engine, still in the tractor. Evaluate it's condition.

I wouldn't spend any money on the tractor until you know how much it's going to take to get it into field ready working condition.

The absolute last thing I would do is the paint job.

[MiCarl]

Welcome. The tractor has been sitting for 20 years, it's not running.

Work on only one issue at a time. I would begin with the engine, still in the tractor. Evaluate it's condition.

I wouldn't spend any money on the tractor until you know how much it's going to take to get it into field ready working condition.

The absolute last thing I would do is the paint job.

That's great advice there. I used to be in the motorcycle business. Was absolutely heartbreaking to run into someone who had spent time and money prettying up a classic that turned out to be mechanically hopeless.

[Pjwelch7373]

Paint after you have used it for one year and most everything breaks. Otherwise, you will wreck your paint each time you work on it.
Unless that tractor has sentimental value you can get one alreadh restored for far less than even just the parts of a good rebuild.
Have fun

[inairam]

Paint should be the last thing on the list right now. Go through the list previously posted and get it started and see where you are.

I suggest you and your child decide what type of restore you are going for. Reliable working tractor? Show tractor? From that factory correct tractor? lawn ornament tractor? It helps to have an end game.

I personally go for reliable working but try not to stray too far original. If it was born 6 volt I keep it 6 volts but I may use LED lights, electronics voltage regulator. If it 12 volt I will switch to an alternator and electronic ignition.

[tinnerjohn]

For what it's worth, from experience I agree, paint is the last thing to do. And welcome to what has to be the greatest tractor forum there is. Don't hesitate to ask questions or advice, there are members here with everything from the "rusty patina" you have to "trailer queens" and I can't remember anyone on here that hasn't been willing to give advice and help if possible. John

[Don B.]

Welcome to the forum!
Regarding sandblasting, I have heard the guys on here warn about getting sand where it doesn't belong depending on how much disassembly you have done.
And how old is the proud new owner? These are awesome projects for sons and daughters!

[TallCoolOne58]

I'm with the majority. To me, if it doesn't run, it's a hunk of cast iron taking up space in the shop. I'd determine what it'd take to get it running, and work up a cost estimate. I'm like inairam, I like a good working tractor that earns it's keep, but I keep it as original as I can for most things, a good working example of a Farmall Cub. 6 volts fine with me, it starts easy and runs well.

Enjoy getting to know your Cub. Great little mules they are.

[Hairy Moose Knuckles]

I'm going to stray just a tiny amount from the majority. Not much though. I'm not sure how old your Son is, but this would make an awesome project for the two of you. Memories made will last a lifetime. Like was said above, get it running and go through that list provided. Once you're happy with how it runs, pretty it up.

[Glen]

Hi,
Below is the 1949 Cub owner's manual. The experts on here recommend reading it. It has lots of info about operation, maintenance, and lubrication. There is a table of contents on page 1. It has pics of how the Cubs originally looked.

http://farmallcub.com/rudi_cub/www.clea ... index.html

The recommendation in the manual for using motor oil in the Touch Control was changed later, to use Case IH Hy-Tran fluid. They sell it at Case IH dealers.

I would check or change all the oils before using the Cub. Low oil in a gear case can damage parts.
There are 3 separate gear cases, with 3 separate oil levels to check, at the rear area of a Cub.
The transmission, and 2 final drives.
The trans commonly get water in them from rain, or condensation inside them over time.
If the Cub has been sitting outside for that many years, without covering it, the trans could have water in it, and be rusted.