Oliver Super 88 Restoration & History!- WILL IT RUN after sitting for 20 years!? Ep. 1

Today, we start the adventure of bringing this Oliver Super 88 back to life! From cleaning the barn out, to dragging the tractor out of hiding for 20 years, Can we get it started and restored? Be sure to subscribe for this build series on this beauty of a green tractor called an Oliver Super 88!
With prosperous post-war America humming and farmers hustling to keep pace with a population boom, an agriculural equipment horsepower war was raging and Oliver was working to put its products on every farm in the land.
Its revamped Fleetline series of tractors, first hinted at with the debut of the 88 in 1947, was three models strong: the 66, 77, and 88.
These Fleetlines made their splashy debut at a celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Nichols and Shepard Company of Battle Creek, Michigan--an early manufacturer of threshers and one of the four companies that merged to form the Oliver Farm Equipment Company in 1929.
Of the three Fleetline tractors, the top-of-the-line 88 was a standout. Its Oliver-Waukesha inline-six was available in 230.9-cu.in. and 265-cu.in. versions--the former being a gasoline or LPG fueled engine known as the HC, the latter a kerosene or distillate engine known as the KD. The 88 could also be had with a 230.9-cu.in diesel.
Behind the I-head six was a six-speed transmission with high and low reverse gears and a PTO that was independent of the transmission--a first for Oliver.
Six years later, Oliver trumped the Fleetline tractors with the Super series. The model designations were the same, but there were eventually six models to choose from, and engines in the 66, 77, and 88 were larger. The 129-cu.in. inline-four in the 66 was increased to 144-cu.in.; the 194-cu.in. and 230.9-cu.in. sixes in the 77 and 88 were increased to 216-cu.in. and 265-cu.in., respectively.
For smaller jobs, Oliver added a Super 55 to fill the void left by the 8N's departure from the marketplace in 1952. For heavy work, there was the Super 99 available with a screaming three-cylinder supercharged GM diesel that put out 58.27 drawbar horsepower with 213-cu.in.
In 1958, the three-digit series of tractors, so named because of their three-digit numerical model designations, replaced the Super Series. With a couple of exceptions, the three-digit tractors bore the square-shouldered shape and green- and-white color schemes that would be characteristic of Oliver tractors until the last of the breed rolled off the line in 1976.
Among collectors, the Art Deco styling and vibrant colors incorporated in the streamlined Oliver tractors is very popular. The Model 70 might be the most popular collectible Oliver tractor, but the larger 88 and Super 88 have a strong following. Solid Oliver 88s can be had for upwards of $2,000, with restored examples commanding $6,000-$8,000.
Though they've never generated excitement among collectors like another brand of green machines, Oliver tractors remain a good choice for both work and play.
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[@marvinmartin4692]

Must be nice to find such a deal! You guy’s that always have more than what you need always get the deals.

[@Thearchivescd]

This one came from an auction, it was pretty rough, but it was a package deal, so 20 years later I drug it out and restored it. Check out some auctions, or travel around, deals are out there!

[@amberholloway5316]

Can’t wait to see how it turns out!!

[@Thearchivescd]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@rosstheoliverman]

I’m jealous! Out of all of the Oliver tractors I have, I’ve always wanted to find a super 88 diesel. I finally bought a super 88 gas several years ago cause it was so nice but I still would rather have the diesel. If you run into any problems or need help, let me know. There’s not a piece of these tractors that I haven’t had apart. You can see them on my channel. Good luck!!!

[@Thearchivescd]

It’s definitely a awesome tractor and been a blast to restore! Slowly, but surely! Also learning things as I go! Thanks for checking out the channel man! I’ve definitely watched some of your videos on the Oliver’s! I for sure will ask if I have any questions!

[@stevefarms7494]

My dad had a Oliver 88 and a 77 both great tractors we used them over 40 yrs on a dairy farm they never broke down

[@Thearchivescd]

That’s awesome! Both great tractors and great engines. Cool to see you have those memories! Thanks for checking it out!

[@Oliver-kv2mm]

I bought a 57 super 88 diesel for $200. Had to fix 2 tires and put a set of injectors in it.

[@Thearchivescd]

That’s awesome! They really are neat tractors. Glad to hear another out there is getting attention it deserves! Thanks for watching

[@zacharylindsay2178]

I got Oliver row corp 70 tractor I got creator living on engine I’m kick it out and buy new tires front also new bck tires replace new wires push button start

[@Thearchivescd]

Awesome! Glad to see another fellow Oliver get some love

[@jvin248]

The Ford Ferguson story was Ford wanted Ferguson's patented 3 point hitch so they came up with a gentleman's handshake agreement where Ford paid Ferguson royalties for every N-series tractor Ford made. Henry passed away and his son stopped paying Ferguson royalties since there was no paper document. Ferguson sued, started Ferguson tractors in Detroit, and eventually won the legal battle. Ferguson sold to Massey-Harris which became MF. half a million Fords with the Ferguson System were sold, half a million MF35s were sold. Three point hitches are used on nearly every tractor today.

[@Thearchivescd]

That’s awesome! Always neat history in the tractor world. Thanks for checking it out.

[@michaellynskey7124]

If viewers want to prescribe then they will make their own decision not have three people who haven’t a clue how to refurbished a tractor,

[@Thearchivescd]

You’re right! We have absolutely no clue, that’s why it’s running, driving and ready to go. Oh, and it wasn’t built by 3 of us, it was 4. But here’s you are, stuck behind a screen typing! Thanks for the view