My First Tractor Restoration

[Anonymous-0]

Well, I finally did it after years of wanting to restore an older tractor.

I stopped by a neighboring farm recently and noticed a somewhat disreputable looking Ford utility tractor sitting under an overhang next to the dairy barn.

It turned out to be a 640 (painted blue) that had died year before last. The farmer's sister said she wanted it out of there and did I want it? (gulp).

She wanted $250 cash and she wanted it gone NOW.

Well, with four flat tires and almost two years accumulation of weeds and assorted critter nests, getting it loaded and back to my place took the better part of the day.

Looks like I have my work cut out, but I think it's going to be a fun summer (and fall).

 

[GlenIdaho]

Hey Wizard;

Congratulations on your purchase. Sounds like you're in for some fun. How about some pics so we can see the before and after of the old girl!

 

[RICKWI]

Hey lucky dog! Go slow, do good, spend lots. It's the most fun you can have with a big piece of iron.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Good post. And good handle. I would register it with a password.
You might have picked a better tractor to restore. Like one of the oddball JDs that actually pick up value with a restoration.
Not so with most of the Fords.
But none of us will complain that you didn't buy a worthy brand at least.
Welcome to the board. And as Glen says, pictures of before, during and after are always welcome.

 

[wizard]

Here"s a few pictures of the old gal.

 

[souNdguy]

can't go wrong for that price.. even if you stick 2 grand in it

if you are lucky the tires will air up and if you drop gas in her, change the fluids, lube cyls, change plugs and points, and charge battery, she might start right up!

soundguy

soundguy

 

[RICKWI]

HOLY MACKERAL you didn't say it had a loader and the front bumper/grille guard.You could double your money on that deal!

 

[showcrop]

Look at that sheet metal! What a cream puff! looks like it never did any work and just sat around. That top link looks like it could even be original. Does she have a sister?

 

[wizard]

Started an assessment this morning.

Both rear wheels are rotted out. Right rear will hold air for around 15 minutes - new rear rims and tires will be needed to get this girl mobile.

Fronts still holding air.

Sheet metal is not bad.

Lots of improvised repairs to the plumbing for the hydraulics.

Loader is a New Idea - trying to clean the data plate to determine exact model. Anyone know how to remove the loader frame from the tractor?

Engine looks like it turns.

Battery manufacture date is 2005, so this tractor has not been sidelined for too long.

Looks as though the owner and the tractor may have passed away in the same time frame.

 

[Brian Allen]

Wizard
You should have bought a lottery ticket that day!
Your luck was certainly good!
Take lots of pictures as you rebuild.
Brian
_____________________
1950 Fordson Major E27N
1968 Ford 3000 Vineyard
1979 Ford 4600
1990 Kioti LB2614