The Model D after restoration. Introduced in 1923, the Model D
stayed in production until 1953, the longest production run of any
tractor ever made. All told, about 160,000 Model Ds were built over
its 30 year run.
The Model D after restoration. Introduced in 1923, the Model D
stayed in production until 1953, the longest production run of any
tractor ever made. All told, about 160,000 Model Ds were built over
its 30 year run.
To the best of anyone’s knowledge, John Reekie, whose family
homesteaded in the Lyleton district of Manitoba, bought this
tractor new in 1926. Dave Southam purchased it from John Reekie in
approximately 1954 and Ron Mayes bought it from Dave Southam in
1986.
Restoration work started Oct. 1, 2002, and was completed April
1, 2003. All the work carried out in Ron Mayes’ shop, and
original parts were used where possible. The original engine block
was bored out and sleeves installed using the original pistons,
with wider rings used where necessary. Over-size wrist pins with
new bushings were pressed into the original rods. The radiator is
the one that came with the tractor; the radiator tank gasket was
replaced on the top of the tank. New gaskets were installed
throughout, almost all of them obtained from the local John Deere
dealer, D.B. Murray Ltd.
We tried to keep things as original as possible, even down to
using high crown bolts and bolts with square heads and nuts. The
intention was to restore this tractor and make it look as close as
possible to what it did when John Reekie purchased it in 1926.
Many, many people helped in the restoration of this vintage
tractor, and special thanks to Darryl Miller for his help and
expertise throughout the restoration process.
Contact engine enthusiast Ron Mayes at: P.O. Box ! 245,
Pierson, MAN, Canada ROM 1SO.
