Newly Restored 8N

[evan_nugget]

Take a look at my grandpa's quarantine project: a "quick and dirty" restoration of a 1952 8N. I wish we had snapped some pictures when we first got the tractor but alas, we forgot. Some things that I do remember:
-incorrectly colored seat
-faded "light grey" paint looked almost white
-front rims were rusty and tires were shot
-back rims were the same light grey as body
-no headlights or tail light, though mounting locations were there

I snapped these photos today right after my little sister finished handpainting the "FORD" scripts with paint. I think he did a good job on a budget restoration. Let me know what you all think!

 

[evan_nugget]

I should also add that the tractor did need some work before its cosmetic fix up. We needed a new steering box, replaced rotor, cap, wires, and plugs, new sediment bowl, fuel lines, and carburetor.

Also, despite my misgivings about it, the tractor retains its original 6 volt, positive ground electrical configuration, albeit with an upgraded 8V interstate battery. The generator charges just fine and the lights work too!

 

[Hobo,NC]

Looks nice and you got the grey color correct.. : )

 

[FrankOceanXray]

Great work. Looks super.

What about the steering box needed a full replacement? $$$!!

 

[evan_nugget]

Thank you both for the kind words! Yes, Pap (grandpa) was very concerned with getting the correct "dark grey" paint which would have been original to the tractor.

(quoted from post at 18:17:48 05/21/20)
Great work. Looks super.

What about the steering box needed a full replacement? $$$!!

I can't quite remember, as it was a while back. Something regarding shims or something inside the box, the tractor would barely steer. You'd spin the wheel an insane amount of times to get the tires to full lock. Neither of us knew how to fix so we went ahead and bought a rebuilt unit.

 

[Bruce(OR)]

Good looking squirt job.
What paint did you use?
Wish you would have snapped a few more before pics.

 

[ASEguy]

Looks very good. I've seen different projects during the quarantine, but so far I like yours best.

 

[Bruce(OR)]

How did you prep this? Trip to sand blaster or what? I just picked up an 8N and it is in dire need of a squirt job and a few repairs before I do much of anything with it. Te tires are nice enough to stay on the machine and i figure that is 1/2 the battle.
Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Jim L WA]

Good job, looks real nice.

 

[John in Mich]

I don't see the proud owner. Just add a United States flag and head for the parades! Looks great.

 

[evan_nugget]

(quoted from post at 22:34:27 05/21/20) Good looking squirt job.
What paint did you use?
Wish you would have snapped a few more before pics.

Thank you Bruce! I believe Pap used the TISCO Dark Grey but I can certainly check it out next time I'm at his house.

And believe me, I sure wish I'd gotten some more before pictures as well. We picked it up and brought it to his house and I didn't think anything of it, then went back to college. When I came back, it was already in a million pieces!

 

[evan_nugget]

(quoted from post at 06:04:20 05/22/20) How did you prep this? Trip to sand blaster or what? I just picked up an 8N and it is in dire need of a squirt job and a few repairs before I do much of anything with it. Te tires are nice enough to stay on the machine and i figure that is 1/2 the battle.
Any info would be appreciated.

In terms of prep work, I believe the old paint was sanded off and/or scuffed, and the new paint sprayed on. Not sure how many coats, Pap did this during the heat of the quarantine and I tried to stay away. Luckily the red was in pretty good shape and only needed a few touch-ups.

You're sure right about the tires being 1/2 the battle. For some reason the rear tires on this machine have fluid on them, took me and my little brother PLUS Pap to get them back on the tractor after painting!!

 

[evan_nugget]

Thank you to everyone else for the kind words! This is the first tractor I've ever played a part in restoring and it's come out looking good (for what it is). I've got a '54 NAA in terrible shape which needs an engine rebuild and a paint job, plus a 930 Case in need of cosmetic and mechanical work and an Oliver 77 that needs a new paint job!