What is restored ?

[WVScott]

Just interested in what everyone thinks. I am restoring a 57 Cub currently and to me I think restoring means getting everything to 100%. In my case I have pulled the entire tractor apart and sandblasted everything I can safely sandblast, anything I could not sandblast is stripped, wire wheel, and cleaned to bare metal before priming and shot with paint mixed with hardener. Any seal that is leaking or appears a bit rough is being replaced, the motor was checked and any leaking seals were replaced, along with a full complement of replacement parts (new elec ignition, generator rebuilt, starter rebuilt, plugs, wires, etc.). I am replacing the wiring harness, battery, all new tires, and any item that shows wear I will replace. Tie rods were not perfectly straight, so I replaced them with new ones. Even items like the steering wheel and shift knobs will be new since they were not perfect. To me, I think of a restoration as being as close to factory new as possible. I see a lot of machines on Facebook ETC.. that will say "restored" that look worse than what I started with (mine ran fine and looked decent). It seems a lot were spray painted with a rattle can and possibly washed (but oil leaks are still noticeable) and claim they are "restored". Is this the norm? Am I totally off my rocker restoring mine the way I am?

[staninlowerAL]

JMHO, whatever makes you satisfied with the end result. I'll agree that the idea of "restored" means a lot different to many. I'm sure you will be satisfied with the end result when yours is completed. Stan

[Bill V in Md]

I agree w/ Stan. There are different meanings, variations or degrees of “restored”. Just like what does it mean to clean your car? Does it mean running it through an automatic drive-through wash, or does it include hand wash, wax, vacuum and detail the interior?

[tst]

restored is a very abused word

[inairam]

In my opinion, it has no clear definition in the tractor world

most of the time in an ad it means painted.

[radioguy41]

restored is a very abused word

I agree. I don't "restore", I refurb/repair. Since individual unit records are non-existent there's no way to know for certain exactly how it was when it rolled off the assembly line. Then there's the issue of paint. Just about every "restored" tractor I see today has way better paint than it ever left the factory with so is that really "restored"?. Good luck finding original style rear tires so if it has replacements with a different lug design is that "restored"? If it came new with a spark arrestor instead of a muffler where you going to find one and how would you know if it did? From what I understand early on hydraulics were optional so, did it come from the factory with those hydraulics or did a PO add them later? Or maybe the dealer added them to make the sale? Which begs another question, at what point in it's existence do you use as the targeted point of restoration, as it rolled off the line or as it left the dealership. And how would you definitively know? Yes, the word "restored" is, IMHO, overused and abused.

[Gary Dotson]

I agree! I have never restored a tractor but I have refurbished several, both, For myself and others. Technically, the term restored means that all systems are fully disassembled and reassembled to factory specs. Every bearing, bushing and seal in the entire machine is replaced with the same parts the factory used and good luck getting those. You’ll never find original paint, either. In reality, it’s almost impossible to actually restore a tractor. Just settle for the word refurbish and do what you feel is best for you.

[Jackman]

Some rattle can paint jobs look pretty darn good I have seen tractors with automotive quality paint and shine they look good but kinda too good for a tractor ,ready for work is a nice look imop . Work with in your budget and make it your own that’s my opinion

[inairam]

rebuilding the trans and engine? replacing all bearings and seals? Factory correct nuts, bolts & paint? are 12v conversions OK? Firehose factory paint job?

Too many different interpretations of restored

[ricky racer]

I agree that there are many levels of "restoration" but in my book, from your description, I'd say that you nailed it with yours! I hope you post some pictures of it!

[NJ Farmer]

Our idea of restoring or restoration is somewhat distorted. Most restoration jobs are by far more detailed and precise than the factory had ever done. Super high gloss paint jobs were never EVER and option on anything built at Louisville and some “imperfections” were always there. Take a look at some of the pictures of painting Cubs on the assembly line just shooting Red paint over EVERYTHING with a water wall behind it to capture the overspray and dust. Certainly not a professional setup but purely industrial assembly for speed.

I see the same delusion will anything related to WW2 history stuff….cars,planes,guns,ships,tanks……these things were thrown together as fast as it could be manufactured and most likely going to be destroyed at the first hint of battle so details and shine was never the objective. Plus the paints back in the day were mostly enamels and lacquer paints which didn’t have a high gloss/wet look.

NJ Farmer

[cdahl383]

Restored to me means you went through it and fixed things that were broken or in need of repair, upgraded parts that were worn, made it mechanically sound, and made it cosmetically appealing. I don’t really get into the using certain nuts or bolts or making sure white chalk marks are in the right spot like the factory had, etc. If you go through the whole tractor and afterwards it’s like new and runs and looks great that’s restored to me. It varies from person to person I’m sure though.

[ajhbike]

I try to fix up dents and dings in the tin, replace things that aren't functional or safe, change wiring and ignition parts when needed, and scrape, scrape, scrape. Most of my 7 have been brush and rattle can painted...with Majic paint and I like the way all of them look, and I have a lot of fun doing it all....it doesn't matter to me others expectations so no pressure

[WVScott]

Restored to me means you went through it and fixed things that were broken or in need of repair, upgraded parts that were worn, made it mechanically sound, and made it cosmetically appealing. I don’t really get into the using certain nuts or bolts or making sure white chalk marks are in the right spot like the factory had, etc. If you go through the whole tractor and afterward it’s like new and runs and looks great that’s restored to me. It varies from person to person I’m sure though.

This is about where I am on it. I don't care if I use the original leather seals but want a tractor that looks great and is mechanically at 100%. I figured it would be interesting to get everyone's take of restoring tractors and hear different thoughts and opinions.

[Clemsonfor]

Just interested in what everyone thinks. I am restoring a 57 Cub currently and to me I think restoring means getting everything to 100%. In my case I have pulled the entire tractor apart and sandblasted everything I can safely sandblast, anything I could not sandblast is stripped, wire wheel, and cleaned to bare metal before priming and shot with paint mixed with hardener. Any seal that is leaking or appears a bit rough is being replaced, the motor was checked and any leaking seals were replaced, along with a full complement of replacement parts (new elec ignition, generator rebuilt, starter rebuilt, plugs, wires, etc.). I am replacing the wiring harness, battery, all new tires, and any item that shows wear I will replace. Tie rods were not perfectly straight, so I replaced them with new ones. Even items like the steering wheel and shift knobs will be new since they were not perfect. To me, I think of a restoration as being as close to factory new as possible. I see a lot of machines on Facebook ETC.. that will say "restored" that look worse than what I started with (mine ran fine and looked decent). It seems a lot were spray painted with a rattle can and possibly washed (but oil leaks are still noticeable) and claim they are "restored". Is this the norm? Am I totally off my rocker restoring mine the way I am?

It's a loose term. There are many guys "restoring" tractors on here that use spray paint out of a rattle can. It whatever the person doing it wants and is happy with. I don't believe there is any legal definition of restored. But I agree. Some paint over paint with a rattle can and a few new parts here and there does not make a restoration. But to some people it does? There is a popular YouTube channel that the guy claims he rebuilt his Cub. While he did restore and rebuild some things it's anything from rebuilt!