“Rusty”—My 1054A

[PeacemakerJack 10,743]

There was a discussion on the forum awhile back about what  tractor you would love to own if you could go in and order it new.  I like Gear Drive tractors for ground engaging work and Hydros for snow blowing and mowing chores and so I had to bend the rules and choose two. I picked a 520HC as my hydro with a deuce and a 60”.  I chose a 1054 with a full complement of ground engaging tools.  

 

Little did I know that in a matter of days I would own a 1054!  I had the opportunity to purchase it in a package deal with two other tractors.

 It came with a mid mount grader blade and a 60” front mount blade and three mower decks.

 

 

For those who like Patina, this tractor has about the perfect amount.  It is a mostly original machine.  The engine seems to run pretty good although it could use some adjustments.

 

It is serial number 49349.  The story goes that the rear end was rebuilt by the guy two owners ago.  The only “evidence” I have of that possibility is that it has a new looking shift boot and seems to work really well.

My goal for this tractor is to just plain enjoy it.  I might hook a plow to it someday for fun but more likely than not, it will be my go-to yard tractor.

Hook on the trailer and do yard work as needed.  It is easy to drive and good natured and so I feel it will be a good fit for that.

I wish that the seat didn’t have the big tear on the left side because even that isn’t in bad shape. 

My goal at this point is to preserve the current state of Patina the best I can.  It can always be tore down and repainted should I change my mind but as @Shynon says, “they’re only original once!”

I know that the gas tank and fuel system needs attention and so that will be the first main priority.  I also don’t care for the fact that it is missin all call out brand and model decals. So I put @Vinylguy terry on it and he did a great job. I asked him to make Patina decals...

 

He started with his usual set and then we discussed weathering options.  When he messaged this draft to me—I was stoked...

All the other original decals are in place except the hood and grill as far as I can tell.

@pullstart was over when they arrived and he thought they were cool!  @Achto said he might be interested in some for one of his Patina machines.  

 

I haven’t had time to install them yet but they look great held in place.  I have no idea how to prep the rough surface underneath so that they will stick—any recommendations will be appreciated.

I am planning to keep the original tires on it since the are in pretty good shape for being 54 years old but I’m pretty sure that I’m going to paint the wheels in antique white.

 

Future plans:

—locate and install vintage headlight lens.

—get lighting operational

—tune up engine.  

—Make new seat base and purchase a repo seat kit while retaining the original set

—enjoy it every way that I can

[19richie66 17,655]

Very nice. I am going the same route with “Hank” my 953. It will be as close to original as possible. Only change will be a new fuel tank in the back like Karens 2054. I also have fallen in love with these. I just ......need ......one .....more ....

[Pullstart 67,084]

One thing’s for sure.  That factory seat back sure was comfy on Tom’s *coughrylee’s* 1054!   I wonder how a bit of light wet sanding would help the decal surface to adhere to?

[peter lena 9,316]

saving that patina is no problem, use penetrating oil  , your choice , on a clean rag/ cloth and spray on liberally to stop the rust and feed the paint , having done that on paint neglected tractors , it will add character to your recent purchase. i use this system anytime i want to save whats there , it works , pete  

[ebinmaine 73,015]

Wonderful write-up Josh.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Herder 2,355]

These headlight lenses came from Glen @  https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/forum/54-glen-pettit-restoration-parts/   I was every happy with the purchase.   There's something about the old rusty look that gets me every time.  My intention was to repaint this one at first, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.  Well sometimes laziness helps to make that decision too.    

 

 

[Achto 29,433]

4 hours ago, PeacemakerJack said:

 I have no idea how to prep the rough surface underneath so that they will stick—any recommendations will be appreciated.

 

What I would do to prep for decals is use tape on the back of the decal to hold it in the correct position. Carefully tape around the out side of the decal then remove it. Now you have the area where the decal will be framed out. Sand and paint this this area so that the decal will stick, color will not really matter. Maybe a dark brown just in case some paint shows around the edges of the decal.  

[Shynon 7,484]

4 hours ago, pullstart said:

That factory seat back sure was comfy on Tom’s *coughrylee’s* 1054!

That is a @BOB ELLISON seat and it was worth every penny.

Edited October 25, 2019 by Shynon

[roadapples 6,983]

3 hours ago, Achto said:

 

What I would do to prep for decals is use tape on the back of the decal to hold it in the correct position. Carefully tape around the out side of the decal then remove it. Now you have the area where the decal will be framed out. Sand and paint this this area so that the decal will stick, color will not really matter. Maybe a dark brown just in case some paint shows around the edges of the decal.  

Red oxide primer is a close match to a lot of patina ...

[WHX?? 51,916]

Ok Jack here's what I think... just turn the tractor over to Dan and let him work his magic. .. ain't like he's got no other projects?  

[953 nut 60,377]

16 hours ago, PeacemakerJack said:

going to paint the wheels in antique white

There was a thread on here a few weeks back where a rust removal gel product was used on a set of wheels to retain the weathered look and keep the paint on the wheel.        

[Retired Wrencher 5,841]

Well Jack it sounds like you have a good plan there. I also agree keeping it the way it is. Just enjoy them for what they are.

[WHX?? 51,916]

You should happen to get ahold of Glen on those HL lens let us know Jack. Dan and I have been wanting a few things but have not been able to get ahold of him. Maybe combine an order?

[PeacemakerJack 10,743]

Thanks guys for all the advice and positive comments.  My plan is to work on this thing over the winter in my nice climate controlled shop (thanks to Jim👍🏻) and get some of these items taken care of so that it is ready for next spring.  We can definitely combine orders if Glen is ready to process😉.  Next spring, I’d like to get a couple of Dump Truck loads of driveway gravel dumped and then play with Rusty and the mid mount to level it all out