Restoring my first A!

Starting 1944 A John Deere

UscgModelA said:

I recently purchased a running 1944 John deere Model A. My grandpa had a model B, so I like the old girl, and hey 650 was bad price either. I was wondering if anyone knew were I could purchase aftermarket sheetmetal or should I sand and repair the orgina, and does anyone know the starting procedure for this tractor? Also is the hood one piece or three?


Thanks Chris

Click to expand...

Am assuming no starter, with magneto, right? We (brothers and I) still have the "A" our dad bought brand new, spring 1944. Cranked on it many times as a teenager... . Open the petcocks and pull/hand crank the flywheel 'til it starts... if everything is in good shape, a pull or two and it goes. Close petcocks, and you are on your way!

Also, in those days, we started it on gasoline (the small tank), then switched it over to a lower grade fuel that was in the main tank.. in later years we ran gasoline in both tanks... the small tank the "reserve" when we ran out on the big tank... enough to get you home from the fields!

We are restoring our "A", too... has been sitting for about 10-years... ran when it was parked... sheet metal pitted, but salvageable, no holes (heavy stuff in those days)... so will be just fine with the great coatings, paints we have these days... . Also, we are looking for rims... one is rusted out, from the chloride in the wheels for weight...