1949 Cub

[CTDrew]

This tractor has been on the farm since the early 1970s when my grandfather bought it to trim the field edges with the sickle bar. It has had a rough life on the farm, spending too much time outside and in leaking buildings. We moved it to the mechanic shop today from the storage barn (where I took the pictures). Planning to repair and revive but not restore and use as a cultivator machine for about a half acre of vegetables and flowers.

[Barnyard]

You have the right idea in mind.

[Gary Dotson]

I agree, that’s a very nice patina!

[Dale Finch]

I have one cub with a fair amount of exposed metal on the hood/tank that was prone to surface rust. I was not planning on painting it, so decided to try what some folks have used...FLUID FILM. It's available at Lowe's, and I just sprayed it on, then wiped it for an even coating with a clean rag. It does NOT stay sticky, or attract dirt/dust, and lasts for quite a while, before a quick spray/wipe restores it.

It does darken the color a bit, but I really like the rich patina it gives.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Fluid-Film-11-75-oz-Lanolin-Based-Petroleum-Oil/50335157

[JustJim]

I've been looking for a '65 Ford F-100 recently. I saw a sales ad where the truck had been left in patina, but they shot a semi-gloss clear coat over it. Probably a common treatment, but the first time I had seen it. A well loved Cub finished that way might be pretty attractive!