Older B-1 Restoration

[mwells]

Here is my story/link to my B-1 in the tractor of the month section. I didn't have a previous link to it as I was not aware of this great website back then. If this is too old or not done correctly feel free to take it out of the running. Here's the story behind it. Below is the before restoration picture. I couldn't find any during, I know I have them somewhere, so these will have to do.

When I was in the 6th grade I saw this B-1 sitting in the weeds in out bone pile of our business. I asked my dad if I could buy it and he said he always wanted to restore it, and then told me I could have it! That's when the fever began. My dad and I (mostly my dad) did most of the work on it. I helped where I could sanding and hauling pieces in and out of the garage while he was painting it. I did rebuild the engine with the assistance of one of our employees, Dave (a very good friend) He did the honing and guided me through the overhaul process as Dad rebuilt the bgb and transmission. This is when I decided I wanted to be a mechanic. I remember putting the decals on the tractor the night before a local gathering of the orange tractor show and wondering if we were going to make the show or not. The next day was 110 degrees but I was having the time of my life as I got to drive my B-1 through the tractor parade and thinking how we brought life back in to this old tractor. We finished the tractor my 8th grade year. This tractor has great sentimental value to me as I restored it with my Dad and it was the first B series mower I ever owned. Thanks to my Dad and Dave for getting me hooked on these tractors as the collection has now surpassed 30 tractors! This tractor has been to numerous tractor shows and through lots of parades, here's a couple pictures at some of the shows.

The above picture is me driving it through the parade at the first tractor show it went to. This was back in 2001 or 2002.

Here's a picture of my friend Ben and I at the Coming home parade in West Allis WI. Yes we did skip out of school a couple days for that one! lol That was my senior year of high school.

Here's a picture of it right after we got done with it. Thanks for letting me share this and I hope you enjoyed it!

[shovelhead]

Thanks Mike for the story and what a great looking B-1.

8D

[Chris727]

Great story! Thanks for sharing.

[fishnwiz]

Great story...I enjoyed the progression pics and the obvious pride you have for yor tractor.. Thanks for sharing.

[timflury]

:DThank you Mike, I think the empty parking lot where you snapped your last photo is still there! LOL:D

[Talntedmrgreen]

Very cool tale! You certainly brought that tractor a long, long way from what it was.

[goatfarmer]

Great pics, and story, thanks for sharing!