Restoration of Massey Ferguson 135

gholian

My Father has a MF135 that he bought in 1976. It was first registered in the UK in 1965. He wants to do something with it as it's a reck. There is no one else to restore this except me. I have been told that parts are readily available and cheap, don't know if this is true or not. I made a list of what is needed and it's a long one! This tractor hasn't been what you would say "looked after". It was used and whatever broke was left broke. Bailing twine was the main repair method used. This was an amazing machine, first turn of the key and it's off.

I see 135 parts advertised online but what quality are they. Could anyone recommend where to get a new bonnet, front grill, battery cover, dash and sticker/badges etc. I am looking for stuff that is well made and will actually fit properly. It would save me a lot of hassle instead of trying to repair the bonnet and bits that are on it already.

Would appreciate any feedback.

TrailerBob

Matt Buckleys in Mullingar is the one stop shop for MF135 parts. He is QTP, often advertised in magazines. They literally stock any part you want, at a price for some of course. They even have a 135 built entirely out of brand new, off the shelf parts. Have bought stuff there in the past and the quality is always good.

If it's an early one it will have the swept front axle and round mudguards

Be aware, a tractor restoration like this will be costly if done right. Don't expect much change out of €4k

Suckler

gholian wrote: »

My Father has a MF135 that he bought in 1976. It was first registered in the UK in 1965. He wants to do something with it as it's a reck. There is no one else to restore this except me. I have been told that parts are readily available and cheap, don't know if this is true or not. I made a list of what is needed and it's a long one! This tractor hasn't been what you would say "looked after". It was used and whatever broke was left broke. Bailing twine was the main repair method used. This was an amazing machine, first turn of the key and it's off.

I see 135 parts advertised online but what quality are they. Could anyone recommend where to get a new bonnet, front grill, battery cover, dash and sticker/badges etc. I am looking for stuff that is well made and will actually fit properly. It would save me a lot of hassle instead of trying to repair the bonnet and bits that are on it already.

Would appreciate any feedback.

As Trailer Bob said, QTP usually stock everything you'd need. I've used ebay as well for some bits. Plenty of online stockists to compare prices. Some parts are cheap but tin work etc. quickly ratchets up the costs.

gholian

TrailerBob wrote: »

Matt Buckleys in Mullingar is the one stop shop for MF135 parts. He is QTP, often advertised in magazines. They literally stock any part you want, at a price for some of course. They even have a 135 built entirely out of brand new, off the shelf parts. Have bought stuff there in the past and the quality is always good.

If it's an early one it will have the swept front axle and round mudguards

Be aware, a tractor restoration like this will be costly if done right. Don't expect much change out of €4k

Thanks for that. Will give a call tomorrow. I am hoping to get it done for €4000. It is an early one, 1965. Had round mudguards originally.

TrailerBob

Best of luck with it, hopefully it turns out well.

This is a 1966 with a '68 reg I had on the trailer recently belonging to a friend of mine for inspiration!

gholian

That's really nice. I like them without the cabs. Be a while before I am at that stage.

marlyman

gholian wrote: »

That's really nice. I like them without the cabs. Be a while before I am at that stage.

Also speak to Alan Barry on qtp. He's the resident expert on vintage gear.

gholian

I have a list of 28 parts needed at the moment. I am waiting on quote from MF dealer at the moment. I will call QTP tomorrow.

Thanks.