Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1547091
WILMINGTON, Ohio -- He's only 12 years old, but Kolton Day has already restored two Allis-Chalmers tractors, and he can't wait to get his hands on a third project. Kolton, the son of Terry and Tabitha Day of Ravenna, Ohio, finished his second project – a 190 XT – just two days before the Gathering of the Orange this past September in Wilmington, Ohio. He brought both the 190 XT and his first restoration tractor, a WD45, to the GOTO. While Kolton worked on both tractors with his dad Terry, Kolton did everything except the painting. The WD45, their first project, had to be completely re-done, so they got a parts tractor to help with the project. They had to replace the block, but the sheet metal was fine. Kolton sandblasted the parts, and they put a fresh coat of paint on every part of it. The 190 XT's rear end was completely trashed, Kolton said. They picked up another 190 XT, but that tractor was bad, too, so they had to get a third. The restored tractor has a four-pin rear end instead of the two-pin version. The sheet metal wasn't too bad, but the grille was a little beat up and did need one fender. The tractor originally had pie weights on it, so they would like to find another set. While working on the WD45, Kolton became a member of the Buckeye Allis Club, which he really enjoys. His new network of fellow A-C enthusiasts has made a big difference in finding parts. Kolton confesses that he has the A-C itch and already is looking forward to his next project tractor. He said he likes being in the shop vs. playing sports like many others his age. "When you're out of school, you can't take sports with you, but you will have your tractors," he said. No time to waste Ohio youth already has two restorations under his belt By Old Allis News staff Photos by Dave Clausen 26 OLD ALLIS NEWS