Let’s Hear It For Plan B

1949 Oliver 99

Delmer Meyer of Concordia, Kan., saw an internet ad for a 1949 Oliver 99 that seemed ideal for a project. Even though the engine was locked up—probably just rust, right?—the tractor looked complete. An experienced restorer of old iron, Delmer and a friend drove one winter day to Jenks, Okla., in his Freightliner semi and drop-deck trailer…along with his own IH 806 loader tractor for some pulling power, just in case.

So, in a freezing December rain-and-sleet mix, they hooked the International up to the 99 and tried to load it. That was a no-go due to the ice, so they turned to Plan B, and a wrecker service was called in to get the job done.

Back home, Delmer hoped the frozen engine would be easily loosened, but the damage was more than just rust, it was two cracked cylinders. The second Plan B came from a machinist who located stock to make new ones.

Nearly finished, Delmer repainted the 99, but discovered afterward it was the wrong color—over the years, Oliver had changed the shade of green on certain models, and his 99 was one of those. The final Plan B? You guessed it—a complete repaint.