Many area folks might be surprised to learn that an unusually named store in Cleveland County supplies rare tractor parts to countries around the world. It all started in 1999, when Derek Barkley and his dad, Don, wanted to restore their 8N Ford tractor. But they soon discovered that finding parts for the aged farm vehicle was pretty much impossible.
In fact, in 1991 Ford Tractors (which by this time was Ford-New Holland Tractors), had been sold to FIAT. The deal required that FIAT stop using the Ford name on tractors in 2000. "After that there were only a limited amount of parts being made for the older Ford models. As time went by, these parts became harder and harder to find. As a result, many tractors were being sold to scrap yards and being parked due to the short supply of parts needed to keep them going," says Derek.
Driven by their desire to restore their 1951 Ford 8N tractor, Derek and Don started searching for manufacturers and machinists who could replicate the needed parts. Seeing that there was demand for such parts, the father and son team decided to start their own company, Just8N's. In 2006, Derek bought the company from his dad changed the name to Just8N's & More, and he now employs his wife, Mandy, and their son, Dustin, in a true family business.
"We're just a mom and pop operation," says Derek. "But we make sales all over the world. We ship orders to countries such as Canada, Norway, Belgium, Switzerland, Australia and France."
Derek explains that many of the foreign orders originate from tractors that were sent overseas during World War II. These tractors were used by the military for various jobs during the war effort.
In addition to their online store, the Barkleys have a local showroom, located at 2505 S. Post Rd., Shelby. Along with Ford tractor parts, the showroom features four fully restored Ford tractors, manufactured from 1939-1953. The showroom also houses an extensive tractor memorabilia collection.
The showroom is open to the public, and visitors are welcome to come to view the antique tractors and other collectibles. Store hours are Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
For more information about Just8N's & More, visit the store's Facebook page or their web site at www.Just8NS.com.

By April Hoyle Shauf

Special to Shelby Shopper