WD-45 restoration

[Anonymous-0]

I have a 1957 WD-45 with power steering, front end loader, snap coupler setup, and traction booster. The old girl is in really good working shape, with a few problems. She leaks a lot of oil, so she needs new gaskets, and there is a lot of wear in the steering because of the power steering and front end loader; I have to be careful in fourth gear with the wobble in the front wheels.
Can anyone give me an estimate of what it's going to cost me to do a complete restoration if I do the work myself? I am planning on tearing her completely apart and doing a thorough restoration. I know I'd probably need to replace worn brake pads, possibly front wheel bearings and fix whatever else is causing it to be so loose, all new gaskets, all new hoses and rubber parts, new paint for each part as I reassemble her, etc. I really shouldn't need any parts other than what I've mentioned, everything is in working but worn condition as is. An estimate within $400 or so is good enough. Ideas, fellas?
If it costs too much, I'll continue to use her as is. It will take a lot of time, but for me spending time with her isn't an issue, that'd be fun. As long as parts don't run way into the thousands.

 

[Anonymous-0]

The cost of restoring any tractor can vary a lot. It all depends on how elaborate you want to get. For example, type of paint and how many coats as well as clear coat, removal of all dents, do it yourself or having it done. I would say your estimate of $400.00 would probably make you a good parade tractor. EXPO quality tractors take a lot of time and money to make them that way. I will say this if you are going to do it, do it right the first time, seal all the leaks fix all the worn and broken parts, you will be much happier with it in the end.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Thanks for your valuable input. I don't want you to misunderstand, though, perhaps I was unclear. I would like an estimate that you guys are confident is within $400.00 of correct. I would be surprised if my restoration runs much less than $1000.00 given that I know I need brake work, some serious steering and front wheel work, and all new gaskets and rubber parts at the minimum. I would like a nice parade tractor when done, and I think el-cheapo paint jobs look like crap. I see where guys use can spray paint on an old Allis and they do it on the surface after done and have it on the tires, oil filter, etc. I'll leave original paint before I do that. I might not go to show-quality paint as I don't need to win awards, and I will still use this tractor, but I would like the original shades, and have the tractor look like the day it was bought, other than there will not be perfect sheet metal.
Also, I am undecided on whether I get new tires for the old girl. If the restoration is coming along looking swell, I will probably give the old girl new rubber. Don't count new rubber into your estimate, though, I'm figuring that'll be quite expensive and just stacking that on top at the end. So figure on a restoration cost not counting new tires as I have it described.

 

[John (C-IL)]

Figure $1500 for the motor, parts plus machine shop work. If you use good paint and products for the prep work maybe $300. You didn't say anything about tires and wheels but that can hit you for another $1500 real quick. Brake work could run you a couple hundred if you need any machine work. The front end could be a wild card. It really depends where the problem is, but I would allow $200-500.

So there you have it. I have seen some really nice restorations that have cost $3500 and some dupont overhauls that have been $1000. Big range I know, but none of this stuff is getting any cheaper.

 

[BarryfromIA]

My idea would be to buy older WD for the loader and take your time on the good tractor. You won't believe how long it takes to take something apart, clean it, fix it and paint it. probably get your money back on the WD when done. Or maybe you will like the idea of a loader only tractor.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I've actually been eyeing some WD's to do just what you describe, buy another tractor, keep the loader on one and restore the other. I have to weigh out what it would cost to get divorced and remarried, though, as that could easily figure into the economics if I did that! Probably I could get her to quietly go along if I took her on a cruise. Nobody told me about these hidden costs before I got started into this hobby......