I almost don’t know how to start this part of my website. How hard can it be to tell someone about yourself? Well for those people that know me, they also know my father, Ramon, and my son, Chris. They know my father and I have been working on tractors for many years and, as my son is getting older, he has been right there with us.
Almost two years ago my father was taken from us by bone cancer and it has been a challenge trying to figure out what direction I wanted to take the business. So I have taken the time I needed to make a clear decision for myself, my son, and our family. My son and I want to continue working on tractors, building our show tractors, and going to shows. So now that everyone is up to date, I’ll get started on this section of the website.
Ramon Mercer went to work in the implement business in 1969 when he took a job at Wollard Implement Company. He purchased the business in 1972 and managed it at several locations under the name of Mercer Farm and Implement. I am a Lead Engineer at North Kansas City Hospital. My son, Chris, is now 16 and working with me in our business. In October of 2006 we started Mercer Tractor Restoration so that we can carry on my father’s tradition of helping people and working on tractors.
My father and I became interested in tractor restoration years ago when an individual brought us a 1953 Golden Jubilee for restoration as a show and parade tractor. We really liked the overall challenge and the look of a tractor restored correctly. Since then we have restored many Ford, Allis Chalmers, John Deere, International and other tractors.
We have four of our eight tractors restored featured above for show.
Our first project, the V8, came about as an idea of ours. I had been on the Internet, doing research for a restoration project and spotted a finished Ford V8 conversion. I showed it to Dad with the idea of acquiring a conversion kit, but he felt we could make our own, so we did.
Dad was interested in a LPG conversion 8N Ford that he had seen, so we asked about them at the tractor shows. No one at the shows we attended had seen one, so we came home and bought it. It still is a rare tractor because I have only seen one other like it in a magazine.
We have two Ford 8N Funk Six tractors -- one with the cast oil pan and the other with the frame rails. The 1952 is the one with frame rails and is finished; the 1949 with the cast pan has not been completed.
The last restoration that we have added to our collection is my son’s 1948 8N Ford. This tractor will always be special because it was restored by dad, Chris and myself. This tractor was purchased for its originality. This tractor still has its original sheet metal and rims.
The next tractor that Chris and I will add to our collection is also a special tractor to us. It was my grandfather’s 1956 Ford 960. This is the tractor that I learned how to farm with, and was still being used on the family farm when Dad passed away in 2006. The other tractors that Dad and I purchased to restore will have to wait until my grandfather’s tractor is finished.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the shows this year,
Dallas Mercer
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