John Deere A Restoration - Start to Finish

Complete restoration of my high clearance 1948 John Deere AN. Began restoration 2014 and completed 2017.

[@JasonSmith-vd1sz]

You guys did an amazing job on restoration process. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Congratulations!

[@jonelsonster]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@6.0chevy76]

Great job! Beautiful tractor 👍

[@jonelsonster]

Thanks 👍

[@ronrobertson2242]

Awsome rebuild. Love it thanks for sharing!

[@jonelsonster]

Thanks for watching!

[@larrydavidson3402]

Awesome video, so nice to see father and son working together on the A. Great memories to cherish.

[@jonelsonster]

Couldn't agree more!

[@charliemacrae1045]

Awesome job. Inspiring job.

[@jonelsonster]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@newtsfarm]

Makes me want to get my '46 slant dash going again. Thanks for sharing.

[@jonelsonster]

Thanks!

[@keepcalmandfarmon5401]

Nice work!

[@jonelsonster]

Thanks!

[@VernePomraning]

Seems that tractor had a very hard life before you got it. Great music too.

[@jonelsonster]

Thanks. Yes, it was well used. But it was a really fun project. Since I bought it for just over scrap metal price, the initial investment wasn't too bad. I got lucky to find used tires for cheap ($600 for the pair, delivered) because otherwise those tires are about $1500 a piece!

[@johndeere-yk6db]

Nice video. Good to see them restored. I have a 1948 a that is stuck. Any suggestions as to how to free it up would be much appreciated.

[@jonelsonster]

Depending on how "stuck" it is, you may be able to pour penetrating oil into the cylinders and work the pistons free at the flywheel. If that fails, you'll probably need to pull the head off, disconnect the rods from the crankshaft and pound the pistons out with a hammer. Don't hit the pistons directly. Use a wood block or a section of 2x4 if the pistons are towards the bottom of their stroke. We've done this a couple of times. Then bore the cylinders and buy oversized pistons. Good luck 🤞🏻

[@johndeere-yk6db]

I've tried a gallon of PB Blaster in the cylinders with no luck but I haven't tried pounding the pistons back. Will try that this coming spring. Wasn't sure if pounding on the pistons would cause other damage. Thank you

[@corsairsmitty9691]

That was cool. I have a question, why did you go with the oversized pistons, instead of using standard pistons and having the block sleeved? I am just curious, as I have a 41 A and might rebuilt the engine at some point.

[@jonelsonster]

I went with oversized because they were available. In my mind, if they are available, it's easier to just bore out and buy oversized pistons. The only time we have sleeved and then returned to standard was on our H and our LA, because we couldn't get oversized pistons.

[@corsairsmitty9691]

@@jonelsonster that was my thought. The standard parts for these old girls are getting harder and harder to find. It makes sense to go with what is available. Thank you for your reply. I have another question. How difficult is it to change the clutch fork and bearing on an A?

[@TractorDad]

Maybe I’ve missed it in your videos but what paint do you use? Thanks

[@jonelsonster]

I always use Van Sickle paint from my local ranch store. I think it's very good quality, I like the color, and it's affordable. And I buy the catalyst hardener and mix that in too. You have a few hours of pot life, but it sprays on easy and hardens with a nice glossy appearance. The hardener makes it resistant to gas or other solvents, so it stays looking nice. And if you ever have to touch it up, they sell spray cans of the same color and it is a very good match.

[@TractorDad]

Awesome. Thanks for the info

[@tractorguy100]

I just acquired an single front end for my 48 A and I noticed that only on one side just above spindle there is a 3/8 bolt that holds shield on the yoke. Why they didn’t do the other side I don’t know.

[@jonelsonster]

I have a couple of single tire front ends and each one retains the axle differently.

[@coreylimberg4934]

Your friend still have the parts tractor? I’m looking for a set of 42” rear cast hubs and wheels for my 1948 BW

[@jonelsonster]

I bought the complete parts tractor, so yes, I still have the spare 42" rims. But I don't think I want to sell them at this point. I'm sorry.