New Gauges For Old JD's

New Gauges For Old JD's TRACTORS Antiques 31-5-38 Looking to replace a gauge for an old Deere tractor? That's what Jerry Trcka needed when he contacted Travis Jorde, a specialist in Deere decals. When Trcka asked about gauge face decals, Jorde recognized an opportunity. Now Jorde makes the decals, and Trcka installs them in new and restored gauges. "Jorde suggested we expand and do everything from 1935 to 1972 Deere 2-cylinders as well as the New Generation 20 and 30 series tractors," says Trcka. "All together, we do approximately 40 to 50 different gauge faces." Trcka restores some old gauges, but most of his business is making new gauges to fit the older tractors. Restorations can take 4 to 6 weeks and cost up to $60. Trcka takes apart the old gauge, cleans it, paints it and installs the correct face decal for the model. Gaskets, nuts, washers and glass lens (not plastic) are also replaced. The bulk of his customers simply order a new gauge with the proper face. That process starts with a brand new gauge that Trcka disassembles. A Jorde decal is laid down to match the tractor model and year, and Trcka reassembles and calibrates the gauge. New oil and amp gauges are priced at $60 with a new temperature gauge priced at $70 to $80, depending on the length of the lead. The key to either accurate restoration or replacement is matching the right colors and style to the model and year. "Different years of the same model had different color combinations," explains Trcka. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Evergreen Restoration, W7619 Walnut Drive, Spooner, Wis. 54801 (ph 715 635-8629; jmtrcka@centurytel.net).

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