FARM SHOW is always looking for unique rebuilds of old tractors, pickups or farm equipment. When we learned that Roy ‘Pete’ James had rebuilt a small Gibson tractor several years ago, it piqued our interest. His son Kirk says he rebuilt the Gibson to occupy his time because he was confined to a wheelchair, using spare parts acquired from a friend who collected Gibsons.
Pete identified his finished tractor as a Model A, but it had parts from a D and other Gibsons. He stamped an ID number into the rail with a prefix and four numbers indicating it was a 1946 model. The illegible numbers didn’t coincide with actual Gibson nameplates, so Kirk says they called it an imposter.
Though the tractor rebuild didn’t have the exact features of an A, it worked well for Pete’s needs. He equipped it with a front-mounted blade, used it for a variety of yard jobs and worked his garden with a one-bottom plow.
The chassis was from a Model A, with an original front axle and 16-in. rear wheels. Weights were added to the rear wheels for better traction. The Wisconsin engine and drivetrain were also from an A. Pete added an electric starter on the left side of the engine, which engaged when he moved the clutch pedal lever a full stroke. He placed the battery with its grounding shutoff under the operator’s seat, on top of the chain transmission drive housing. Kirk says it looked like a factory install.
Pete added grab handles on both sides of the frame for easier access to a larger-than-normal platform he built. Kirk says his dad, even though his legs were paralyzed, could drive the tractor without any problems. He made hand levers to control the original foot pedals. He finished his build with a backrest on the seat, painted it royal blue, and accented it with red wheels and a bright red gas tank.
Kirk says the tractor started and ran well, and did everything Pete wanted it for. He enjoyed the project so much that he later restored a Model D and a Model E.
After Pete passed away in 2006, all three tractors remained in the estate. Kirk has the E, his nephew has the D, and they decided to sell the custom A in 2024. Aumann Auctions listed the tractor and sold it online for $630, a price that included both the front blade and the one-bottom plow.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Kirk James, Greenup, Ill.