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RE:Massey Harris 25 restoration project

Buck,

The styled 25s I have seen have Massey down one fender and Harris down the other, the later green 25s are like this also and the earlier green ones seem to have big M-H on each   fender.
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RE:Massey Harris 25 restoration project

Jeff,
If you do decide to repaint the tractor, K & K Antique Tractors in Indiana has very nice die cut decals for the 25 with the big M-H for the fenders. Everyone has their own opinions as to repainting as it is a lot of work, but they sure do look nice repainted. Many repaint jobs are actually nicer than the original, but they did have paint on them when they came from the factory. Just my opinion.
Wayne

RE:Massey Harris 25 restoration project

Jeff,
If you try cleaning your 25 and you don't like the way it turns out you can alway paint it, I have tractors I plan to repaint. It's just that I get a lot of enjoyment out seeing how well they will clean up, I like to see a nicely resored tractor just a much as one that is in good original condition. Just sometimes I think it's a shame when paints something that is in very good original condition.

Graham.



RE:Massey Harris 25 restoration project

Graham,
I like your philosophy on this.  Although I'm interested and appreciate a shiny, new paint job and meticulous restoration, a piece that is preserved and original has far more "character" and can tell us far more about the past and the people who used these machines.

Jeff, it seems to me that you have a tractor that has more charm, character and personality than most.  Don't hurry to make your decision on the paint.  Take it to some shows and see if it doesn't get lots of compliments, pictures taken and conversation.  

The past several years at most of the shows I've been to, the larger crowds gather around the "preserved" pieces rather than the "showroom new" equipment.  However, as Graham has stated "the choice is yours"


Jerry Thomas

Batavia, IL

RE:Massey Harris 25 restoration project

I appreciate everyones thoughts on this.  If this were an old 44 or the like I wouldnt hesitate to sand blast and paint.  One of the reasons I bought this tractor is that the original sheet metal was so nice and straight and the fact that the lettering/decals were in tact.  I think I will do some experimenting to see if what I can do with the original paint and go from there.  I have always appreciated a nice looking origninal tractor.  Antique Power did a story on an unrestored Orchard Pacemaker in the  July/August 2007 issue and it was truly one of the nicest examples of an antique tractor I have ever seen.  

RE:Massey Harris 25 restoration project

Here you go Aussiemassey, this is the sales brochure for the styled 25 which shows the large Massey on the left fender and Harris on the right.
Note the centre page photographs are of the earlier unstyled green 25 at work with various M-H implements.

Looking through mit recently with Graham reminded me of posting this for you.

Malcolm.
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RE:Massey Harris 25 restoration project

Jeff,

If you just spray the tractor with a 50:50mix of diesel and cheap new oil any colour will come up a treat.  Wipe down occasionally and respray.  It's the easiest way there is to maintain any remaining colour and decals and stop the rust into the bargain.  If you want to take the tractor to a show then just lightly rub it down.  As a previous posting noted the crowds gather round original clean tractors more than the high gloss restored ones.  Such tractors look cared for and as if they have done a lifetime's work.  No disrespect to the effort put in by the skilled painters but once painted the tractor's lose all of their history which can NEVER be reclaimed.  I just spray all my tractors once or twice a year and if I have a visitor then I just dash round and lightly rub down the bonnets and mudguards and it's suprising how good they look. 

I just use one of these simple pump up garden sprayers of about half a gallon capacity and a filling will usually do a two tractors.  The spray will attract a bit of dust but it doesn't matter - it helps to hold the oil on!

John

John

RE:Massey Harris 25 restoration project

Ok,
 
So after completing a year long effort to convert the the hay barn to a work shop, I am finally back on the Massey 25 project. As indicated earlier in this thread, I would like to keep the tractor as original as possible.  The problem is matching the finish on the reproduction parts. Last year I paid a visit to Mr. Ervin Chew (who's skills in making reproduction parts are akin to those of an old world craftsman from the Renaissance period) to obtain the pieces I that were missing. If anyone has suggestion as to how to paint the reproduction parts to match the original finish I am all ears. 

 

Thanks!

Jeff

RE:Massey Harris 25 restoration project

I have just recently hauled home these two 25s and both will get a no paint restoration. 
Although the green one looks very beat up there is lots of original green paint still on it. 
The red styled one is a one owner tractor that I have known about for over six years, it started life in Manitoba and ended up in Alberta.

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RE:Massey Harris 25 restoration project

Hi Graham,  very nice original 25. Can't wait to see how a kerosene and oil coat comes up.  Might even do mine over the Christmas break.  Regards Buck