Restoration 101

Restorations begin with pictures, lots of pictures. I take before, during and after shots of the same view, to be able to compare along the way. I often use these pictures to insure I reassemble tractor exactly as it was. Usually 300 to 400 by the time I'm finished. Typical restoration takes me about 13 weeks and 250 to 300 hours. This varies according to the level of work the tractor needs, engine overhaul, new clutch, new tires and the sheet metal work most of all. So let's take a look at one of my most recent restorations, a 1960 Ford Dexta. This is the english version of the Ford 2000, but it is assembled with SAE fasteners and not metric ones.

Here she is as delivered. This was in better shape than most, in that it ran and had new rubber all the way around. Most do not run, tires are flat, nothing electrical works, hydraulics are non functional and serious sheet metal issues as this one had. Get a load of that grill, or what's left of it.

First step is hydroblasting. Then stripping it down as far a possible so I can get to everything to hand strip and clean with a pneumatic needle scaler and power wire brush. Then degrease, prime and paint. I do this outside the shop but under cover. Gets hot here in Florida.

Her she is in primer. Just the center chassis. If any engine, clutch, transmission or drive unit repairs were required, those would have been completed prior to this point. Hard to see here, but some items are masked off that I don't want painted.

Same shot, but now with the base coat of urethane and a top coat of polyurethane. From here on it all piece by piece starting with the wheels so I can get her back inside.

Now with the wheels completed and reinstalled I'll move her inside for the final assembly.

Remember that grill in the first photo. Well here is a new aftermarket unit that by good fortune is still available, for a four figure price! There just was not enough left of the old unit for me to salvage and sometimes with the time invested to repair a sheet metal piece, you're better off to just apply that into a new piece. Looks awesome.

Well here we are well on our way to completion. Most everything is back on except for those big fenders. All new gauges, new lights, wiring, steering wheel, seat, running boards, etc. Mechanically she is solid as a rock with that Perkins® diesel.

All done. Same shot as the first one at the top of this page, what a difference. She is a beauty. One of the most rewarding tractors I have ever done, due in large part to the owners appreciation of my work on this heirloom family tractor owned since it was new.

Thanks Keith.