How To Restore Ford Tractors: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding and Restoring N-Series and Later Tractors 1939-1962 [Paperback]

Tharran E Gaines (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 24, 2008

<DIV><DIV> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">To the admirer of farm machinery in all its gritty splendor, the tractor is more than the mechanical workhorse of the modern field.  It is a testament to American know-how, a work of mechanical art truly in the American grain.  Among these hard-working machines, Ford tractors hold a special place after nearly a century of bringing innovation, dependability, and good old American muscle to farms and fields worldwide.  This book provides a hands-on guide to restoring these venerable machines from the ground up, from the first models made to those produced as recently as 1965.  With hundreds of full-color photographs, the guide is not just clear and easy-to-follow, but also a feast for the eyes for tractor aficionados.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Beginning at the beginning--how to choose and buy your tractor--Tharran Gaines takes readers through step-by-step directions for the complete restoration of Fordson, Ford-Ferguson, and Ford tractors.  In straightforward terms he covers everything from troubleshooting and disassembly to engine and gearbox rebuilds, electrical work, reassembly, painting, and post-restoration care and maintenance.  Informative photographs and proven tips, techniques, and money-saving advice from experienced restorers make the book an invaluable resource for amateur mechanic and professional alike.  Also included is an appendix listing sources for parts, decals, tires, etc., as well as addresses for tractor clubs and collector associations.

</DIV>

Editorial Reviews

Review

Packed with solid information, detailed instruction and proven techniques from experienced restorers, Ford Tractors provides the know-how you need to tackle restoration project with confidence…A must for the Ford collector! -- --Farm Collector, November 2009

Book Description

This fully illustrated guide takes readers through step-by-step directions for the complete restoration of Fordson, Ford-Ferguson, and Ford tractors up to 1965.  In straightforward terms the book covers everything from purchasing a tractor to troubleshooting, disassembly, engine and gearbox rebuilds, electrical work, reassembly, painting, and post-restoration care and maintenance.  Hundreds of full-color photographs and proven tips, techniques, and money-saving advice from experienced restorers make this guide an invaluable resource for amateur mechanic and professional alike.  Also included is an appendix listing sources for parts, decals, tires, etc., as well as addresses for tractor clubs and collector associations.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Voyageur Press; 1st edition (December 24, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760326207
• ISBN-13: 978-0760326206
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #97,067 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > Classic Cars
  • #41 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > History
  • #47 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Physics > Acoustics & Sound

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Go Big Red!, December 29, 2008

By 

David Hare (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How To Restore Ford Tractors: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding and Restoring N-Series and Later Tractors 1939-1962 (Paperback)

This is a great resource for the first time buyer or restorer of vintage Ford tractors. It is particulary focused on the most common 8N tractor developments but does provide a good history from the 9N of 1939 forward to the blue/grey models of 1964. A lot of the improvements from one year to the next could help the beginning collector decide on their next purchase. There are lots of detailed color photos to picture each model as well as excellent reference material to date the tractor and model based on the serial number. There is good advice about what to look for in a used tractor as well as chapters on engine repair, hydraulics, electrical system, cooling sustem and basic info you would want to know on other components. The only thing that prevented me from giving this book 5 stars was that the examples of the restoration work focused on the 8N series tractor and did not reference the 600-900 series. Since I happen to own a '56 Ford 961 row crop I found this a bit of a fault. However the many color photos document the development of all these vintage tractors including the hundred series and the ones that came after. Since many of these vintage tractors were modified by previous owners over the 50 years or so that they have been at work on the farm, the photographs of correct restorations are particularly helpful.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative!! a must for tractor restorer"s, August 21, 2010

By 

Mr. Anthony J. Schebell - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How To Restore Ford Tractors: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding and Restoring N-Series and Later Tractors 1939-1962 (Paperback)

GREAT BOOK FOR THE GUY WHO WANTS TO RESTORE A FORD TRACTOR. EVEN FOR THOSE WHO MIGHT OWN A FORD AND JUST WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT IT. IT'S ALL THERE. A COMPLETE BOOK IN EVERY WAY. I AM RESTORING A FORD 8N AND IT HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS REFERENCE FOR ME. THE COLOR PICTURES ARE SO HELPFUL IN LETTING ME KNOW WHAT COLOR EVERY PART SHOULD BE PAINTED. A+++++

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars how to restore ford tractors, April 13, 2009

By 

Beth A. Bitting (Cabot, Pa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How To Restore Ford Tractors: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding and Restoring N-Series and Later Tractors 1939-1962 (Paperback)

it has held my husband captive for the past month. he is ready to restore my dad's old ford 8n now.