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Andy Reid takes a trip down memory lane restoring Jim Auld’s family pride and joy – a 1970 Massey Ferguson 135! The restoration took place from Nov 18 – Aug 19.
Our very own ‘restoration man’, Andy Reid, has just completed his most significant project to date – a 10 month long ground up restoration of a Massey Ferguson 135 tractor that held a special place in the heart of its owner, Jim Auld.
The tractor was purchased by Jim’s father and uncle in May of 1970 from Hamilton Brothers old depot in Abercorn Street, Paisley, where Andy worked almost 50 years ago.
Jim, who recalls growing up on the farm with the tractor, decided that after 15-20 years of no use it was time to restore his inherited Massey to its former glory and bring it back to Hamilton Brothers for a makeover. Who better to restore the tractor than Andy Reid himself, who Jim remembers fondly from his childhood:
“I remember Andy Reid from when I was a young boy of about 10. He would come to our family farm to repair machinery. He’s a great guy,” said Jim, “I know Andy now has a reputation for his quality restorations – it seemed the right place to bring it.”
However, despite Andy’s expertise, this project proved his most challenging to date. Jim’s 135 had worked hard all its life and then sat unused for over a decade. As a result, Andy had to build the tractor back from the bare bones of its chassis authentically.
Andy said, “This has been the biggest challenge yet since I started restoring tractors. Several people said that the tractor couldn’t be restored, however I took it in my stride and have enjoyed the process of refurbishing this tractor from start to finish”.
It seems no project is too big for our Andy and Jim was touched by his efforts as this particular tractor has a very special place in Jim’s heart, “I learned to drive in the tractor, it’s sentimental.”
Throughout its life the tractor was used for day to day work, with Jim acknowledging, “it really did everything that a tractor would do today.”
Now, following the restoration, it can be put to work in the field again. Delighted with the end result, Jim acknowledged: “I was impressed with the care that Hamilton Brothers offer, I couldn’t fault it.”
Having grown up on farm that always had Massey Ferguson tractors, Jim considers the brand to also form a part of his family history.
Thankful to have a symbol of his family history in his restored 135, Jim said, “This occasion has been very special. The tractor was originally bought from Hamilton Brothers so it means a lot to have it restored by the company many years later.”
