1939 John Deere H

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The engine block was broken both externally (fixable) and internally (disastrous) from frost damage. I removed the block from a �parts� tractor, but the pistons were badly rusted in. After trying penetrating oil, burning brake fluid, and finally many cycles of heat applied alternately to the piston skirts, and then the external bores with cool-down time in between, the pistons finally moved with pounding after two months. The rust flakes filled the combustion chambers half way up. Even though I had good .030� oversize pistons, an oversize bore was insufficient to remove all the deep rust. So�.the unbroken block was sleeved to fit the good pistons. The rear wheels were also badly rusted externally and internally from fluid added for weight. When the tires were removed, the rims folded and bent in places. I had to fabricate little anvils to hammer them back into approximate shape. Then many rounds of primer, glazing putty, sanding, etc., where required before painting. Those two wheels took three weeks of my spare time. I have a little tendonitis in my elbow from sanding. The hood and fuel tank both perforated when sandblasting due to extreme rust again. These both required extensive patching/filling/sanding to make look right. Connecting rod bearings were re-poured, and new one-piece bronze bushings fabricated for the main bearings. The governor gear broke and had to be machined, the front grilles were a write-off, the magneto was incorrect for the year, and so it goes�. Since the tractor is a 1939 (the 1st yr for model H) there are many prototype parts unique to the first year, or even just part of the first year. I was able finally to get all the right 1939 parts. But now it starts and runs well. Submitted by Verle Blazek, from AB