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Hey there, folks! Mike here from Devon’s Tractor Parts, and today I want to share the story of a recent restoration project we just wrapped up: a 450 International. This one is special because it’s going to a local family right here in Wisconsin. They’ll be putting it to good use on their pumpkin patch—a great way to see a classic tractor back in action!
When the 450 rolled into our shop, it was in fairly decent condition, but the sheet metal had seen better days. We tracked down some quality used panels to bring it back to life. As is often the case with older tractors, the radiator core was beyond repair—no surprises there. Fortunately, the rear tires were nearly new, so we just cleaned them up and reused them.
One challenge we tackled was the rear rims. Since they once carried fluid, the calcium had eaten away at the hardware over time. We sandblasted the rims, cleaned off the old paint, and replaced every bolt—most of them were chewed up beyond recognition. It’s always better to start fresh with solid hardware!
We also added a brand-new International Harvester (IH) muffler, along with some incidental parts to complete the job. This tractor had been well-maintained over the years, which made the restoration smoother for us. The customer had already replaced many components, saving us some time.
The two-point hitch was worn out, which is typical after years of use. We took care of that by rebuilding and tightening it up—now it’s as good as new! It’s always satisfying to restore a part that gets used heavily, knowing it will be reliable for the next generation.
This was a quick restoration for us, but the results speak for themselves. The 450 International is now running great and ready for work on the pumpkin patch. It’s always a pleasure to see these old machines restored and put to good use on local farms.
If you’ve got a restoration project in mind, give us a call at Devon’s Tractor Parts at 920-894-2134. We’re always happy to help! And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and YouTube—we’ve got tons of videos showcasing past restorations, with more on the way. Like, follow, and stay up to date with everything happening at the shop!
Thanks for reading, and happy farming!