We recently acquired this pedal tractor for our son. It needs a little body work, two new rear tires, a proper seat mount, new paint and decals. It has a matching wagon, but I'll save that project for later.
UPDATE 07/05! The tractor is at the sandblasters. I also completed the welding needed with the capable assistance of my father in law. I was shocked at the amount of dirt and grease which had accumulated on the moving parts (especially the chain, which had enough dirt on it to plant begonias in). The ball bearings had enough sand in them for a full volleyball court. But after two hours of cleaning with SimpleGreen, everything is in as-new condition. I hope the painting goes as well as the rest of this project so far -- it's giving me the itch to add a pedal car to the toy inventory.
UPDATE 08/10: The tractor is nearing completion! The body has been blasted, primed, sanded, filled, sanded, sanded, sanded and then painted and clear coated. WOW! Amazing what a vibrant coat of paint can do. On the list of things to be done before we take the maiden voyage: blast the rims, prime and paint them. Put the new tires on the rims, put the new pedals on, and reassemble. It looks like two more weeks of work. I decided to paint the rims yellow to mimic the Massey-Harris look. The expense is mounting, and I'll divulge the project balance sheet when the finished photo is posted.
DONE 08/30: After a few more trips to the hardware store for bronze flanged bushings and some new bolts, I put the whole thing together. I'm quite pleased. My efforts should preserve this toy for another 50 years. Here's the accounting summary of this project:
Tractor and wagon purchased at auction for $105.00.In addition, there was about 15 hours of labor accumulated between myself, my father-in-law, and my brother. In my humble estimation, this is a very low price to pay for a pie-eyed two year old.
Sandblasting: $70.00
Primer: $7.00
Automotive Paint: $35.00
Spray Paint: $6.00
Tires: $40.00
Pedals and caps: $40.00
Seat spring: $10.00
New front rim/tire: $7.00
Miscellaneous bolts/washers/bushings: $7.00
Total: $327.00
BEFORE:
AFTER:
The slight lean to the left you see below was due to a broken frame support hidden under the nose of the tractor. We've since repaired that with some welding, and fortified the other side while we were at it. The Murray Corporation must have overlooked the fact that 99% of their customers for this product in 1960 were 4 year-old boys who could inflict severe damage on military transport vehicles if given a chance. I would not accuse Murray of "over building" these tractors, but in their defense, it has survived for 40 years...
