2666 State Road 25 N Lafayette, Indiana 47905
This is a picture of my ‘Pride and Joy’-1955 WD-45
Diesel, serial D205972, which I restored and painted. I think
I’m qualified after being a mechanic on B-17 bombers in the
Eighth Air Force, at Lafayette IH for 21 years, at Lafayette Truck
Center for 16 years, and retired for six years now.
I purchased this tractor at a farm sale south of Muncie, Indiana
in the Blue River Valley. It was in bad shape but not rusted too
badly. It had dirt balls in the air cleaner, and fuel and oil
leaking all over, which caused dirt to collect from front to rear.
I ground the valves and replaced a set of piston rings-the top ring
was worn half through. I adjusted the pop off pressure on all the
injectors on my tester. When replacing the front oil seal I found
the front timing gear cover, dated June 13, 1955.
The tractor had been repainted and the paint was peeling off. I
had to replace the air cleaner intake pipe because it had been bent
both forward and backward. The radiator grill was dented about two
inches on top, which I beat out and refinished.
I had to split the tractor at the transmission to replace
bearings and gears because it was jumping out of third gear. I also
replaced the left brake lining, which is no easy job.
Allis Chalmers purchased Buda in 1953. In 1955 they began
installing the six cylinder 230 cube-15.5:1, 1625 r.p.m. engine in
the WD-45’s. They had to move the radiator forward about six
inches because this six cylinder diesel engine was longer. It hit
the market in 1955 for $3,400; they quit in 1957 after 6,536 were
made, as was in the Old Allis News.
I have taken Gas Engine Magazine for about 10 years and I think
it’s great.
I just restored my dad’s 1936 WC; my brothers Bob and Marion
helped. Took it to the Indianapolis State Fair in 1985 and took
third place. In 1986, when it was 50 years old, I won first place
at the State Fair, also Grand Champion. I also built up a 1950 WD
pulling tractor which won first place, 3750 class, at the Tuggers
State final in 1986, so 1986 was a very good year. I am now
restoring a 1939 WC with wide front axle. It will be a
‘Jewel.’
