I would like to share my story of restoring my step-father’s Ford 801 Powermaster.
As a kid, I remember bringing this tractor home as my mother pulled it behind a truck while my stepdad steered the tractor. My stepdad inherited the tractor after his father passed. That was at least 25 years ago. Once we got it home, my stepdad put it to use around the 10 acres I grew up on near Sikeston, Missouri. At some point, I was taught to drive the tractor and it’s the first tractor I remember driving. I loved taking it for a drive through the field as my parents watched from the fence rows. As I got older, I used the tractor alongside my stepdad and he always told me it would be mine one day.
In 2018, my stepdad decided to give me his tractor and I immediately began planning the restoration in my head. I had been to several fairs over the years that showcased antique tractors and always envisioned my Ford 801 being a show tractor. As I admired all the restored tractors over the years, I noticed a common sticker that said “painted by Greg Ellis” on numerous beautifully restored tractors.
I tracked down Greg Ellis in 2018 when my stepdad gave me the 801 and took him the tractor that Fall. When I dropped off the tractor for restoration, I told Greg I wanted a show tractor and he certainly delivered. I don’t think a single part went untouched and many parts were replaced with the help of Steiner Tractor Parts.
I surprised my stepdad with the restoration and his reaction will join the lifelong memories I’ve had with that Ford 801.
Nick Burger
Scott City, Missouri
1962 Ford 801 (841) Powermaster
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