Paint it or keep it “patina”

[DrLandraceFarmer]

Hi folks, well-I thought I’d get some input and opinion on my little 49 cub. I has obviously been cared for over the years and (I’m told) barn kept for many of those. That is not to say, however and obviously, that it is without blemish.

That being said, it is in really nice condition overall and I’m torn between the full restore and paint versus clean and give it a patina finish (possibly a clear coat or some other product for a patina look).

My plan is to use the tractor around the farm, mainly mowing and possibly some cultivating, but also ride in our small town parades. So that being said, I want to enjoy it but not be afraid to scratch it lol! I will be replacing the grill and putting on a new silver pan seat. I’m thinking clean it and patina finish, maybe a good wax or rubbing compound??, on the tractor. Then clean and paint the implements.

Thought, suggestions, experience, or other tips appreciated!! Look forward to hearing from the community.

[inairam]

I am personally of the camp of do not paint. Spend time cleaning and compound cleaning the sheetmetal and see what you have. maybe shoot a clear coat if you like the look once you get the oxidation off.

The red that was painted on the 1949 (more blood red) than red that that available now ( more candy apple). Unless you really know what you are doing it may not be woth the effort. I have a number of cubs with "pepto bismol pink" parts from tractor supply red paint. I have a 79 that the PO well painted but in a dusty barn and with the wrong shade of white and yellow.

I do paint high corrosion areas like the battery box with a powder coat paint.

The other point is what do do with the tractor? Is a worker or do you plan on taking it to shows only. Paint gets in the way to being a worker.

[ajhbike]

Either way...my thing is to make sure they are protected against corrosion so paint it or clear coat it or barn store it. Incidentally, all of mine are TSC paint whether farmall or JD or Ferguson or Mott or Woods and I haven't had any fade or colour changing whatsoever. Maybe they improved it, who knows.

[Gary Dotson]

As they say, it's only original once. In my opinion, nothing displays as nice as a good clean survivor. I would give it a good thorough cleaning, a little rubbing compound, if the paint is good enough for that and enjoy it. If you opt to go the clear coat route, please don't use gloss clear, that sticks out like a sore thumb.

[welderrx]

If it's been cared for I prefer it in its working clothes, It tells the tractors story. As they say it's only original once. But on the other hand My Allis C looks like it was painted with a dirty broom and mop, someday it will get prepped properly and resprayed, but for now it is to busy bush hogging to worry about, maybe when I retire TJ

[radioguy41]

[Clemsonfor]

Can we see a picture?

I would say if you like the looks of it keep it as is. Sounds like it has most of the paint there anyway if your talking about compounding what's there and wax.

[Jose Wales]

Keeping it origional sounds good but I have bits of rust like on the steering shaft, on the hood seam between the gas tank and hood etc. I need to cover the rust after cleaning but cannot match the pain Is there any good solution to re-painting it all to match the paint? I has been painted in the past lots of heavy paint in areas and all the bolts are painted over.

[Clemsonfor]

I don't have anything as nice as I am sure you have. I'm going to clean it up best I. An and use linseed oil trick to lightly oil the paint and the rusty and bare metal for protection.

My cub I'm sure looks a lot more aged than yours. It has sat under a shed for I know 40 years or more. It has been under a shed my whole life I bet. I saw it my whole life under one. It still could get blowing rain but no direct rain. My grand dad got it from what I have been told in the mid 60s maybe. It's a 52 I believe. So it must of sat out all those early years to look like it does.

[inairam]

Keeping it origional sounds good but I have bits of rust like on the steering shaft, on the hood seam between the gas tank and hood etc. I need to cover the rust after cleaning but cannot match the pain Is there any good solution to re-painting it all to match the paint? I has been painted in the past lots of heavy paint in areas and all the bolts are painted over.

I use Fluid Film 11.75-oz Lanolin Based Oil to protect those areas.

[Ken (48 Cub)]

I have one of each and like them both. To each his own...

[Waif]

Owners choice.

I lean towards work cloths and appreciate the honest patina.
But have no objection to a good paint job.

Leaving paint as is obviously saves me work...But I'd feel funny to have a new looking tractor that is no where new condition.
IF I went through an entire tractor rebuilding and restoring , new paint would certainly be considered.
But just repainting is an illusion of condition, To me anyways on my equipment.
Nothing wrong with painting areas that need it to keep rust at bay if another method is not used.

It's one thing to need a tow on a whupped out tractor looking tired. Quite another to have a shiny new looking tractor need a tow. L.O.L..
And a "sleeper" that looks rough but runs like a Swiss watch ....There's a tractor that calls to me.

Yet at the end of the day , it really is up to the owner. I don't think less of anyone for nice paint regardless of the tractors condition , or heart.

[DrLandraceFarmer]

This is all great feedback. Given what I plan to do with this tractor, I think the "work clothes" is my best route. I actually really like that expression. I really enjoy having an older, solid, piece of equipment. It has some pretty heavy oxidation on the sheet metal, but I think it will polish out nicely-nothing like trying! If I use a clear coat as a rust protection, I will use a matte look.

I'll work on getting a photo and maybe start a restoration type thread to document how it comes out.