If you are in the market for a restored Farmall H and want to help out some college students, stop by the Iowa State University Antique Tractor Club exhibit on Antique row at this year's Farm Progress Show.
"Every year the club restores an antique tractor and drives it in the VIESHA parade at ISU and then sells the tractor," says Jeff Schott, club president. "We sell the tractor in order to purchase and restore the following year's project. The last couple of years we sold our projects at auction sales. This year we are looking to do something different."
Two years ago the club restored a 1955 John Deere 60 and last year it was a 1946 Minneapolis Moline ZTU. This year it's a 1949 Farmall H.
MECHANICS: Some of the members of the ISU Antique Tractor Club members who helped restore the 1949 Farmall include, from left, Austin Hinrichs, Kaleb Marshall, Jeff Schott, Clark Hall, Eric Allen, William Frels, Coady Mobley. In back row, from left, Dennis Williams, Charles Moton and DeAnn Scott.
"We will have the Farmall on display at the Farm Progress Show and persons interested in buying the tractor can write an offer and we will sell the tractor to the highest offer," explains Schott. "It's not a raffle," he stresses. "We will know b 5 p.m. on the last day of the show who will be taking the Farmall home." He adds that the person who gets the tractor will be responsible for pick up and transportation.
Schott notes the tractor was completely gone through. "We honed the cylinders and ground the valves, for example," he adds. "The transmission was examined and we found it okay. We replaced all seals and added new lights. Basically, we try to use original parts that are repairable." He figures more than 100 hours were spent on the project. Work started last August. Club members met once a week during first semester and twice a week second semester to work on the tractor.
"We all pitch in and make it a learning project. If someone is good on engine work, we ask them to teach others, for example."
Club member Clark Hall adds, "It's a great way to relax away from school. We are all farm kids and enjoy it."
Schott adds that without the support of Neale Cloyd and Loren Book, who let us use their tools and shop, we would not have a finished restoration project each year."
Next project
The non-profit group plans to restore an Oliver for next year's project. "We are not biased and want to work on an Oliver 880 or 66," says Schott. The club has received a $1,500 grant from the Corn Belt Oliver Club. "Of course, we are always looking for sponsors and donations," he adds.
"The ISU Antique Tractor Club is a club designed for people with an interest in antique farm equipment," explains Schott. "The club usually works on restoring one antique tractor per year. The club meets every week for two hours off campus and works on the restoration project. Every month we have one classroom meeting where discussion of events and business take place."
Club members' majors include Ag Business, Ag Systems Technology, Animal Science, Ag Engineering, Public Service and Administration in Agriculture, etc. Most are sophomores and juniors plus a couple seniors and freshmen.
For more information, call Schott at 319-215-9351.