JimDk Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 A local boy, Travis, wanted to restore a lawn tractor for his high school senior project. I donated a well used and abused parts tractor,and volunteered to show him how to refurb the engine, which was in various boxes. Brenda at SLI came up with a new set of rings and a gasket set. The engine runs well. Here is Travis the first evening with the pile of engine parts. Here is the finished product yesterday. He had just presented the project for a grade, A+ was the verdict.^ Unfortunatly, health problems prevented me from helping with other parts of the project. I would like to acknowledge my friend, Don Sheffer, who did the valve work. Sadly, that was his last valve job. He passed away shortly after while mowing his lawn with his JD 212.Also Brenda, and the rest of the Sandy Lake Imp. crew who supplied some missing parts. And, Travis' stepfather who supplied the funds.His cousin, Brandon, for a warm place to work and help with the wrenching. We are all proud of Travis, and the finished tractor.
Scott Salmons Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 It was great that you took the time to show a youngster the skills to do all that. You have made a positive impact in his life that he will remember forever.
GrincheyOne Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 GR8 job at Mentoring Jim. It is always a reward to share talents with others, specially with the youth today! Cheers, Wayne
Brettw Posted May 11, 2014 Posted May 11, 2014 Great job! And congrats on the A+ It looks like a lot of time and effort went into the tractor, and it shows.dOddOd
JimDk Posted May 11, 2014 Author Posted May 11, 2014 Thanks all, It was a good project, and another old A/C is saved. Travis is a good boy. I was glad to be able to help him, and try to pass along some of my experience. He has a good work ethic, and is very busy. During the 15 months between the 1st and 2nd pictures, He got a pickup truck, discovered girls, and has a nearly full time job at a diary farm. Did I mention girls? I had some doubts that the project would get done, but he came through at the end. Oh, by the way, he has already enlisted in the US Army and will leave for boot camp in June.
JimH Posted May 14, 2014 Posted May 14, 2014 Travis will never forget you Jim. Congrats to you for mentoring him.
timflury Posted May 14, 2014 Posted May 14, 2014 Nice work Travis and Jim!!dOddOd Show the kid this thread and watch his reaction.%
Tacey Posted May 31, 2014 Posted May 31, 2014 As a youngster I had a similar mentor. Skills to last a lifetime. Well done!
PhanDad Posted June 2, 2014 Posted June 2, 2014 Thanks for sharing Travis's tractor story. But even more thanks for taking the time to help a youngster learn some valuable life lessons.
JimDk Posted June 4, 2014 Author Posted June 4, 2014 Thanks guys, but don't give me too much credit. I provided the tractor and helped Travis with the engine. I had planned to show him the do's and don'ts of painting with a paint gun, but health issues got in the way. We did hit my parts pile a few times as the project progressed. Travis also had a strong incentive to complete the project. Had he not finished the tractor, he would not have been able to graduate with his class, and his army enlistment would have been in jeopardy. He is a hard working boy with "too many irons in the fire" as the old saying goes. I was happy to be able to give him some help, and to save another old Allis.
JimDk Posted November 1, 2014 Author Posted November 1, 2014 We had a surprise yesterday. Travis honored us with a visit in his US Army Cavalry full dress uniform. He is home from basic training, and soon to deploy to Germany. He said one of the first things he did when he got home, was fire up the B-112 and go for a ride.
fishnwiz Posted November 1, 2014 Posted November 1, 2014 ..lookn good! Shouldn't he be riding a wheel HORSE instead?|)
SmilinSam Posted November 2, 2014 Posted November 2, 2014 quote:Originally posted by fishnwiz..lookn good! Shouldn't he be riding a wheel HORSE instead?|) id="quote">id="quote">&:)Great story!
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