That long-awaited moment has arrived. After busting knuckles unsticking the engine, embedding old transmission greas e deep in fingernails, and rubbing skin raw trying to remove old paint, that vintage tractor of yours is finally ready for paint. Dreams of creating a show-stopping finished coat of paint parade through your mind as you anxiously finger the spray gun. We hope that th e following recommendations, gleaned from dozens of veteran restorers, provide you with a tip or two that makes th e job of laying on a gleaming layer of paint an easier, more successful and enjoyable task.
Experience speaks volumes-particularly when it comes to paint.
He should know. The Arlee, Montana, collector has restored dozens of vintage tractors with results that solicit stares, probing questions and requests for his services at shows. Many collectors hav e gotten great results using high-quality aerosol paint. And that pric e difference can easily be recouped if you have to recoat a tractor whose cheaper paint has faded from sunlight, stained from fuel spills or become chalky from age. Experienced tractor restorers also preach the good word of patience and preparation regarding paint.