To the admirer of farm machinery in all its gritty splendor, the tractor is more than the mechanical workhorse of the modern field.  It is a testament to American know-how, a work of mechanical art truly in the American grain.  Among these hard-working machines, Ford tractors hold a special place after nearly a century of bringing innovation, dependability, and good old American muscle to farms and fields worldwide.  This book provides a hands-on guide to restoring these venerable machines from the ground up, from the first models made to those produced as recently as 1965.  With hundreds of full-color photographs, the guide is not just clear and easy-to-follow, but also a feast for the eyes for tractor aficionados.

Beginning at the beginning--how to choose and buy your tractor--Tharran Gaines takes readers through step-by-step directions for the complete restoration of Fordson, Ford-Ferguson, and Ford tractors.  In straightforward terms he covers everything from troubleshooting and disassembly to engine and gearbox rebuilds, electrical work, reassembly, painting, and post-restoration care and maintenance.  Informative photographs and proven tips, techniques, and money-saving advice from experienced restorers make the book an invaluable resource for amateur mechanic and professional alike.  Also included is an appendix listing sources for parts, decals, tires, etc., as well as addresses for tractor clubs and collector associations.

Tharran Gaines has written about agricultural equipment since 1974, when he began his career as a technical writer for Hesston Corporation.  He has written hundreds of magazine articles for the farm press, as well as How To Restore Classic Farm Tractors, How To Restore Classic John Deere Tractors, and How To Restore Classic Farmall Tractors, all from Voyageur Press.  Tharran and his wife, Barb, live in Savannah, Missouri.