Step 1:  Get it working Getting the tractor running and all parts necessary to make it functional is key to an efficient premium restoration.  As each part of the tractor is repaired, one does not have to worry about messing up the paint job. Depending upon the condition of the tractor this step could be quick such as a completely functional tractor with little or no major leaks, or very time consuming such as in the case of a tractor that is in many pieces. This is the stage where the transmission, engine, rear end, PTO, and hydraulics are made functional. Step 2:  Disassemble Once the tractor is functional and all major leaks taken care of, the tractor can be taken apart.  For restoration purposes we like to strip the tractor down to the main housings.  A premium restoration isn't possible if you leave that belt pulley or large flywheel on the tractor.  Step 3:  Blasting With the tractor in pieces, sand blasting is done to clean up the metal and uncover all the things that the paint, grease, filler, or dirt may have covered up. At this stage the fuel tank(s) are sent of to be sealed prior to being blasted. Step 4:  Repairing Now that the metal is bare, one can perform any welding, grinding, and drilling that may be necessary to get the parts back to a usable condition.  At this stage holes may be welded shut and redrilled or drilled out for either an insert or larger pin or bolt. At this stage the exhaust manifold, exhaust muffler, and exhaust related parts including studs, nuts, and bolts are sent off to be ceramic coated. Water pumps and radiators are generally replaced because most of them leak after being cleaned up and is cheaper to replace then to fix. Step 5:  Body metal work and filler Next is the sheet metal and steel parts are repaired.  This includes removing dents, welding up holes and tears, and cutting out and replacing rusty or weak metal.  Common parts that tend to need replacement are the rims, grill mesh inserts, and possibly hoods.  If requested by the customer we will salvage original equipment.  Note many times this can be more expensive due to the labor involved, especially if the tractor had been in a fire or was severely damaged. Step 6:  Prime and paint cast parts Once the cast parts have been sand blasted and repaired we epoxy prime and paint the parts using Martin Seynour paint or paint specifically requested by the customer.  Step 7:  Prime and sand tin work After sheet metal has been repaired, it is primed one or more times with a high build primer and sanded to a smooth finish as necessary. Step 8:  Paint and buff Once primed, the sheet metal is then sealed with a sealer prior to being painted with a Martin Seynour paint or paint specifically requested by the customer. After the paint has cured enough the orange peel is buffed out. Note that tractor manufacturer paints have a tendency to not flow out as well and can result in more labor involved when buffing out the orange peel. Step 9:  Assemble The tractor finally can be assembled.  Assembling the tractor after the parts are painted is one of the keys to a premium restoration.  This gives the restoration a sharp clean look. Step 10:  Touch up work No matter how careful one is in assembling the tractor some paint touchup work is necessary.  The rims and all bolts are examples of things that need touchup work.