something different - jcb restoration

[AlVal]

Hi Guys,

just met an amazing guy in Co. Kildare, Ireland who is a slightly different kind of pistonhead who knows everything there is to know about jcbs, and has 3 restoration projects currently on the go!

very mechanically competent, we're talking complete nut and bolt restorations here, total engine tear downs etc

here's his jcb 3c mark 3, probably the best there is.

wondered if anyone else around these parts shares this interest! found a more dedicated forum which I'll direct him to, but just thought there might be a few ph members that'd find it interesting.

Cheers.

[Kays vRS]

I think that's great!

I've always liked the idea idea of restoring a classic tractor, doubt I ever will though!

[davepoth]

It seems odd to see one of those without gaping rust holes all over the cab. Looks lovely though, a real credit to the guy.

[AlVal]

have put a quick demo video up on youtube for the owner/restorer Pat for anyone who might be interested, the guys on the dedicated forum classicmachinery.net seem to like it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfVqL7-_DYw

[OzzyR1]

That is impressive, probably in better condition than when it left the factory!!

[Fatboy]

That looks like an amazing job, really impressive

I've had a hankering to do up a JCB for years - no idea why though, no Land to use it on.

Would like to see one with a big Perkins v8 in it

[Silent1]

Most interesting, the old ones are always the best with their design workarounds such as the cab entrance

[dowahdiddyman]

Very impressive.Has he actually informed Mr Bamford of what he is doing because i`m damn sure that he and his reps would be very interested.

[AlVal]

dowahdiddyman said:

Very impressive.Has he actually informed Mr Bamford of what he is doing because i`m damn sure that he and his reps would be very interested.

Good question, I do know that Pat is an "extreme" enthusiast, I doubt there's anyone other than a lifetime JCB employee who knows as much about these diggers.

He told me noone else got to touch that digger or play any part in its restoration, other than a glass guy putting in the glass. He said if anyone else tried touching it or doing anything to it, he'd take a hammer to their head. I get the feeling he meant it too haha. Turns out he has done some rallying too in an escort mk2. Top man - he was delighted to hear that people I'd shown it to on the net were getting some enjoyment out of seeing it.

[airportparking]

Respect to the workmanship, but I don't see the point myself. Wasted talent perhaps

[Fun Bus]

I find this sort of thing fascinating. Are there links to any other examples of his work?

[Stu R]

airportparking said:

Respect to the workmanship, but I don't see the point myself. Wasted talent perhaps

Why does there need to be a point? No different to restoring a car really. Lots of folks interested in this sort of stuff, can't speak for JCBs but I know classic tractors can fetch a tidy sum when restored.

[McSam]

OzzyR1 said:

That is impressive, probably in better condition than when it left the factory!!

I was thinking the same! I think the factory will most definitely be interested by this. If their museum is missing anything, this could be the guy to restore it properly for them!

[gf15]

Fantastic piece of kit. Well done to Pat for preserving it.

[Pat H]

Stu R said:

airportparking said:

Respect to the workmanship, but I don't see the point myself. Wasted talent perhaps

Why does there need to be a point? No different to restoring a car really. Lots of folks interested in this sort of stuff, can't speak for JCBs but I know classic tractors can fetch a tidy sum when restored.

Yep.

It also makes a pleasant change from yet another E Type or MGB.

It is a shame that even more old commercial vehicles, plant and tractors don't get preserved.

The price of scrap metal is a worry.

My local farmer has a complete, original and servicable 1971 JCB, which is currently being cut up and weighed in.

It is enough to make you weep.