It’s only nuts and bolts!

2-22-2020

The WD45 was on its knees at the auction block

One more bid and it was ours.

As I proudly loaded it my first call was to Don for a talk

He congratulated me and we reviewed the weather

We grew as friends speaking often of tractors and life

So far apart so close together

I did not know the future of this old orange tractor was in Don’s hands 

 He was going to refurb this tractor a thousand miles from his shop

After some time I called him and said the 45 is sick

 the oil looked light gray and way too thick.

He said set down we need to talk

And we did for many hours and many times after that

He would say,  now you write this down

I’m going to give you the list

Don’t stray from this path it is the way we will fix it

I found the cracks in the block just as he said

You can fix this tractor or “knock it in the head”

I being older and more stubborn felt it needed to be saved

I mean when would another worn out 45 come our way

I didnt know we had no time to find another

 We dove into this one and he helped on each move

 I had the expert on the other end of the phone

He was happy I found a good block when I called him at home

Don said set down there are more things and details to know

Those mains need line honed. The crank may be bad

Lets do this right and you will be happy you have

I have a way to fix the thrust, not many will listen

Remember he noted

 Its only nuts and bolts 

you can do this I’ll help, call me any time

 I ask if this detail really mattered. 

He noted that you could look the other way on that one.

But dont mess up on this new list of things to check

On the setting the sleeves he was firm and noted

Get this part right, it is very important.

It took hours to do but he wanted it right

How was I going to take it apart and put it together?

He said not to worry he was just a phone call away.

His recommendations were noted and written on scraps

 We discussed every point

The valve lash, the head torque, the seals and the fits

Get the book out and study it, then call with questions he quipped

Things that were broken and parts need to be fixed

I was tired and sore and it took a long time

Dust and dirt in my eyes and hands covered in grime

How was he going to help me from so many miles away?

He did it one phone call and talk at a time.

The tractor became a reason to call, but not all

Our kids, our grandkids were discussed often too

The calls were about family the weather and the farms

Lot of encouragement came from the other end of the line

Before he hung up he would note

Hey dont forget, on that tractor 

It’s only nuts and bolts!

Given the reins he would have made this into a hopped up machine

 but he could hear in my voice

 I wanted this one box stock with that Persian Orange gleam

He knew every move I was making and quietly gently guided me through

Don followed me on the forum, watching for errors, 

I would get a phone call from the master critiquing my work

Some improvements to make some mistakes he let me make

It will be a strong tractor

 you’ll be proud of the work you have done