Tractor has new life thanks to youth

Published Sunday, March 30, 2008

By Mandy Bourgeois

When Colton Petty, 13, of Chico arrived at Carroll and Jan Collier's home in August to retrieve the tractor the couple donated for his restoration project, it took a little more effort than simply pulling it onto a trailer.

About 30 years earlier, the 1947 Farmall B broke down while Carroll was working in a field. The tractor stayed in that spot and rusted under the shade of a tree and brush that grew through and around it, weathering the Texas summer sun, many a rain storm and the occasional snow over the years.

"I had to cut the tree," Colton said.

Colton had the tractor on display at the Wise County Youth Fair on Friday, almost a month after completing the project. With bright red paint, brand new tires, shiny chrome and a new engine, it looked just as it did when Carroll's grandfather, Guy Collier, purchased the tractor from an Industrial dealership in Bowie for $750 more than 60 years ago.

"It looks great - reminds me of what it looked like years ago," Carroll said, pointing to a picture of himself as a toddler standing on the seat of the tractor with his grandfather standing by. "It's been in our family since it was brand new."

Earlier in March he earned a blue ribbon at the Houston Stock Show for the project, an event that gave way to an additional dose of excitement. While standing next to his project in a show barn, Colton noticed a swarm of people that were sporting cameras rush into the building. Security followed, instructing the youth and any parents, sponsors and visitors to keep their hands in their pockets. Moments later, Senator Barack Obama began a tour through the building.

"I was wondering what all the commotion was about when this guy came in and was shaking everyone's hand," Colton said of Obama. "He finally made his way to my tractor and he shook my hand and my mom took my picture. That was pretty cool."

With the experience of one tractor restoration project under his belt, Colton worked for hours each day for months to earn his blue ribbon.

He started by taking the entire tractor apart, itemized the parts that could be restored and ordered replacement parts.

"We have a lot of the original bolts. Mr. Collier bought all the parts and Dad helped me paint. I took it apart and put it together," Colton said.

"Right after school and track, I'd go and work on the tractor and stay until midnight. It was school, track, tractor and then I'd sleep and get up and do it again."

"I think he did a great job," said Greg Petty, Colton's father. "What is important is the learning experience."

Colton's interest in tractors goes back many years, he said. His mother, Bunny, and father decorated his room with John Deere tractors when he was young.

"I've been driving one since I was 7," Colton said.

Colton will continue tinkering with the tractor and will show it for the next few years at various shows. When the tractor is not under the scrutiny of judges, it will sit in Carroll's barn with a few other restored tractors.

Colton also plans to start a new restoration project.

"This young man wanted to do it ­- it was a good experience for him," Carroll said. "He's going to be showing this for many years."