03-17-2020, 04:36 PM
(This post was last modified: 06-17-2022, 01:10 AM by Terry Bentley.)
Chapter 23
Monday morning came soon enough. For some reason I felt just a little more motivated. Ok really a lot more. So getting up fairly early even tho it was spring break and Easter at end of the week.
No sooner had I finished with the usual chores and was heading out the door, mom calls me back. She informs me I have a doctors appointment. Ah mom...What for? She said get cleaned up and be ready by 11:00. That didnt really leave much time to do anything but wait it out.
Sitting there twiddling my thumbs for a few minutes waiting for mom, the door bell rings. Its already after 11:00, so maybe this is something that can postpone my doctors appointment. I open the door and Dr Ingram is standing there is his big glasses with a goofy smile on his face.
I see you dont believe in turning the other cheek, he says in a mocked laugh. You have quite the shiner there too. Hope this doesnt become a habit. No sir, I was sort of in a small mishap at the kart track Saturday night. So I see, he responds. Lets take a look at that and make sure you will live.
I sit down and doc gives me the once over. He stretched me up down and sideways. Pulled and yanked till I was getting sore. You will live was his professional evaluation. Now about that eye, as he squeezes around my head. Any dizziness or loss of appetite. No sir. Any pain or ongoing headache. No sir, not if you quit squeezing my head. I see you still have a sense of humor. Thats a good sign, he mumbles. Yes I have to, with a quack for a doctor.....sir.
My doc has known me shortly after a severe case of chicken pox when I was five. Since then we have been able to communicate very well. He has a way of making me comfortable and talk about anything relevant. He can cut up with me and doesnt hold anything back. So naturally neither do I.
Doctors dont make house calls so much any more. But his office is just a few blocks away. He decided to stop by on his way out to make rounds at the hospital. Besides we have been going to him since he first opened his practice. How can I get any luckier?
Is your vision very blurry? No sir, not too much. I can feel a slight throb in my eye with every heart beat, but vision is mostly clear. Again with the pressing and squeezing. He asked who did the botch job with the butterfly bandages. I said it was a temporary track side repair. No one had a welder. He didnt seem to find any humor in this or was just more focused on my eye.
Well you could use a couple of stitches here. Do you think your mom would mind if I borrowed a needle and...Is pink thread ok with you? Doc! Thats not funny! His chuckling was getting annoying. Oh wait, I might have some sutures in my bag. Sorry, forgot I brought them. Sit tight while I apply a local here. Then sew you back together.
While doing his fancy needle work on my cut, he suggests leaving the doctoring work to a professional. He really left the door open with this remark. I was all ready with a very snarky comeback. Except he had the palm of his hand across my face to steady those fingers while tending my cut. So I was not able to speak without disrupting his efforts.
Your grandfather was one hard headed man. I dont know how many times he chose to stitch himself up instead of making a trip to see me. Trying to explain the dangers of an infection didnt sink in with him. Granted he was fortunate not to have any issues. But some of those incidents ended up with very deep cuts. It would have been bad if he let an infection go unattended and more serious damage resulted.
Finally, the doc is done. It was only about 15 minutes of torture. He used two stitches where I had that cut above my eye. I didnt think it would be a problem, but the doctor knows best. I had put new butterfly bandages on it yesterday and this morning, but now there are two small knots of string. Doc said to leave it exposed and instructed me to apply some salve he left here a few times daily. Otherwise keep my hands off.
Mom thanked doc for the visit and then showed him out. She then said how glad it was to see me and him get along so well. I could have responded with something, but kept it to myself.
Didnt seem like any time had passed, but Steve dropped by later in the afternoon. I had worked non stop since the quack doc had left. Completely missed out on lunch.
Steve just stood there and whistled in surprise. What happened to the frame? He didnt even comment about my temporary eye piercings. Maybe without the bright white butterflies, it isnt so noticeable now.
After taking all of the salvageable measurements, I cut each frame section apart. Now laying here was just a pile of short hollow sticks. A few of the pieces were still straight, but the others bent beyond useful.
That rear section of frame that was also the motor mounts was still solid. The rest of frame didnt exist anymore. For my first day, I managed to do the easy stuff. That is tearing everything apart. Now some time figuring out how to assemble these pieces to some facsimile of a frame again.
From a side view the front main frame rails looked like they are parallel with rear section. Keeping that in mind it should be easy to build a jig and start setting pieces in place to weld. If rails are supposed to be this way then angles would be easy to figure out.
Using an old machinists combination square my grandfather on dads side of family had given me last year, I was able to measure angles close enough to average out and make work. Everything else would be fitted around these dimensions. I always called him grandpa. He previously worked as a machinist right after the war at Temco Aircraft. It had recently become part of a big conglomerate known as LTV. He had since retired and seemed to be enjoying his new found free time.
My dad knows how to weld. He has shown me the basics. But I have not actually gotten a chance to build anything yet. He offered me any help if I needed it welding the frame. I practiced what dad had showed me previously that evening. But my welds were not up to par. Especially relying on them to hold this frame together.
Dad agreed to do the more difficult welds. But I should still keep practicing to better myself. I found out after a couple of days that gas welding this thinner wall square tubing was fairly easy.
The Cates frame was originally arc welded. My first attempts were disastrous on this small tubing. I managed to keep from burning holes on thicker material. But frame rails were a no go right now.
Some patio furniture that I had salvaged in the past was just right to replace the broken and twisted pieces. So after some trial and error, I had enough sections to weld a frame back together.
This front axle was odd. I didnt realize how it was supposed to be made at first. But already decided to go with my gut on this.
Mom hollered for me after the phone rang. I asked her if she could take a message. That wasnt the right thing to say. She raised her voice and then I knew immediately to drop everything and get my butt in there to answer the phone.
Since our only phone was hanging on the kitchen wall, I had to run from garage, across yard, thru the back door, wash my hands then reach for the phone. Out of breath, a quick Hello? This is Lynn Cates, am I addressing Terry? Immediately I straighten up like he is talking directly to me in person. Yes sir, it is nice to hear from you.
I was just following up on your condition from the weekend. Sounds like you are feeling a lot better than when I left the track on Saturday. Yes sir I am much better. Thank you for asking. Was there any serious injury that you were not aware of? No sir, I was lucky. Well not lucky, but fortunate not to have any serious injuries.
After some more small talk, I wanted to ask him about the kart. Then told him everything Steve and I have done so far. After a very long pause....Well I am impressed. Didnt expect that frame to see much if any future. I am really glad that you ended up with it now.
Mr Cates, I am somewhat in the dark about certain things. Do you mind explaining how the front axle is made? Right now I am cutting the short axle pieces and not sure how the center section is attached. The frame was really twisted and doesnt make sense to me.
I had previously found the front end geometry in a Kart Handbook. But not exactly sure how the short stubs are supposed to be located. He asks me some specifics to figure out what I was at a loss about. Then after some clarification he then told me what had my grey matter didnt register so well.
He says if anything else I am unable to figure out to be sure and call. He would be more than happy to help out any way he could. Mr Cates, there is one more thing I am at a loss about. Can you explain what a Reverse Elliott clevis is? I know what a clevis is. Like used on the gas and brake linkage, but this one has got me stumped.
He asked if I had paid any attention to the different styles of spindles on other karts. Yes sir, I have seen the C bracket welded to frame that spindle attaches with the large thru bolt. But your kart uses the reverse of this type........Never mind I think I just figured that one out. Wow! I thanked him and hung up.
It was time to take a late lunch break. Hollered at Steve and we made some Black Forest ham sandwiches. I couldnt find a bottle opener. After grabbing a Dr Pepper, I hang the cap on edge of table and pop it off with the palm of my hand. Steve goes for a Coke and does the same. Now something good and cold to choke down the sandwiches with. Then spent this short lunch break going over everything Mr Cates had explained to me with him. Time to make some more progress today.
Monday morning came soon enough. For some reason I felt just a little more motivated. Ok really a lot more. So getting up fairly early even tho it was spring break and Easter at end of the week.
No sooner had I finished with the usual chores and was heading out the door, mom calls me back. She informs me I have a doctors appointment. Ah mom...What for? She said get cleaned up and be ready by 11:00. That didnt really leave much time to do anything but wait it out.
Sitting there twiddling my thumbs for a few minutes waiting for mom, the door bell rings. Its already after 11:00, so maybe this is something that can postpone my doctors appointment. I open the door and Dr Ingram is standing there is his big glasses with a goofy smile on his face.
I see you dont believe in turning the other cheek, he says in a mocked laugh. You have quite the shiner there too. Hope this doesnt become a habit. No sir, I was sort of in a small mishap at the kart track Saturday night. So I see, he responds. Lets take a look at that and make sure you will live.
I sit down and doc gives me the once over. He stretched me up down and sideways. Pulled and yanked till I was getting sore. You will live was his professional evaluation. Now about that eye, as he squeezes around my head. Any dizziness or loss of appetite. No sir. Any pain or ongoing headache. No sir, not if you quit squeezing my head. I see you still have a sense of humor. Thats a good sign, he mumbles. Yes I have to, with a quack for a doctor.....sir.
My doc has known me shortly after a severe case of chicken pox when I was five. Since then we have been able to communicate very well. He has a way of making me comfortable and talk about anything relevant. He can cut up with me and doesnt hold anything back. So naturally neither do I.
Doctors dont make house calls so much any more. But his office is just a few blocks away. He decided to stop by on his way out to make rounds at the hospital. Besides we have been going to him since he first opened his practice. How can I get any luckier?
Is your vision very blurry? No sir, not too much. I can feel a slight throb in my eye with every heart beat, but vision is mostly clear. Again with the pressing and squeezing. He asked who did the botch job with the butterfly bandages. I said it was a temporary track side repair. No one had a welder. He didnt seem to find any humor in this or was just more focused on my eye.
Well you could use a couple of stitches here. Do you think your mom would mind if I borrowed a needle and...Is pink thread ok with you? Doc! Thats not funny! His chuckling was getting annoying. Oh wait, I might have some sutures in my bag. Sorry, forgot I brought them. Sit tight while I apply a local here. Then sew you back together.
While doing his fancy needle work on my cut, he suggests leaving the doctoring work to a professional. He really left the door open with this remark. I was all ready with a very snarky comeback. Except he had the palm of his hand across my face to steady those fingers while tending my cut. So I was not able to speak without disrupting his efforts.
Your grandfather was one hard headed man. I dont know how many times he chose to stitch himself up instead of making a trip to see me. Trying to explain the dangers of an infection didnt sink in with him. Granted he was fortunate not to have any issues. But some of those incidents ended up with very deep cuts. It would have been bad if he let an infection go unattended and more serious damage resulted.
Finally, the doc is done. It was only about 15 minutes of torture. He used two stitches where I had that cut above my eye. I didnt think it would be a problem, but the doctor knows best. I had put new butterfly bandages on it yesterday and this morning, but now there are two small knots of string. Doc said to leave it exposed and instructed me to apply some salve he left here a few times daily. Otherwise keep my hands off.
Mom thanked doc for the visit and then showed him out. She then said how glad it was to see me and him get along so well. I could have responded with something, but kept it to myself.
Didnt seem like any time had passed, but Steve dropped by later in the afternoon. I had worked non stop since the quack doc had left. Completely missed out on lunch.
Steve just stood there and whistled in surprise. What happened to the frame? He didnt even comment about my temporary eye piercings. Maybe without the bright white butterflies, it isnt so noticeable now.
After taking all of the salvageable measurements, I cut each frame section apart. Now laying here was just a pile of short hollow sticks. A few of the pieces were still straight, but the others bent beyond useful.
That rear section of frame that was also the motor mounts was still solid. The rest of frame didnt exist anymore. For my first day, I managed to do the easy stuff. That is tearing everything apart. Now some time figuring out how to assemble these pieces to some facsimile of a frame again.
From a side view the front main frame rails looked like they are parallel with rear section. Keeping that in mind it should be easy to build a jig and start setting pieces in place to weld. If rails are supposed to be this way then angles would be easy to figure out.
Using an old machinists combination square my grandfather on dads side of family had given me last year, I was able to measure angles close enough to average out and make work. Everything else would be fitted around these dimensions. I always called him grandpa. He previously worked as a machinist right after the war at Temco Aircraft. It had recently become part of a big conglomerate known as LTV. He had since retired and seemed to be enjoying his new found free time.
My dad knows how to weld. He has shown me the basics. But I have not actually gotten a chance to build anything yet. He offered me any help if I needed it welding the frame. I practiced what dad had showed me previously that evening. But my welds were not up to par. Especially relying on them to hold this frame together.
Dad agreed to do the more difficult welds. But I should still keep practicing to better myself. I found out after a couple of days that gas welding this thinner wall square tubing was fairly easy.
The Cates frame was originally arc welded. My first attempts were disastrous on this small tubing. I managed to keep from burning holes on thicker material. But frame rails were a no go right now.
Some patio furniture that I had salvaged in the past was just right to replace the broken and twisted pieces. So after some trial and error, I had enough sections to weld a frame back together.
This front axle was odd. I didnt realize how it was supposed to be made at first. But already decided to go with my gut on this.
Mom hollered for me after the phone rang. I asked her if she could take a message. That wasnt the right thing to say. She raised her voice and then I knew immediately to drop everything and get my butt in there to answer the phone.
Since our only phone was hanging on the kitchen wall, I had to run from garage, across yard, thru the back door, wash my hands then reach for the phone. Out of breath, a quick Hello? This is Lynn Cates, am I addressing Terry? Immediately I straighten up like he is talking directly to me in person. Yes sir, it is nice to hear from you.
I was just following up on your condition from the weekend. Sounds like you are feeling a lot better than when I left the track on Saturday. Yes sir I am much better. Thank you for asking. Was there any serious injury that you were not aware of? No sir, I was lucky. Well not lucky, but fortunate not to have any serious injuries.
After some more small talk, I wanted to ask him about the kart. Then told him everything Steve and I have done so far. After a very long pause....Well I am impressed. Didnt expect that frame to see much if any future. I am really glad that you ended up with it now.
Mr Cates, I am somewhat in the dark about certain things. Do you mind explaining how the front axle is made? Right now I am cutting the short axle pieces and not sure how the center section is attached. The frame was really twisted and doesnt make sense to me.
I had previously found the front end geometry in a Kart Handbook. But not exactly sure how the short stubs are supposed to be located. He asks me some specifics to figure out what I was at a loss about. Then after some clarification he then told me what had my grey matter didnt register so well.
He says if anything else I am unable to figure out to be sure and call. He would be more than happy to help out any way he could. Mr Cates, there is one more thing I am at a loss about. Can you explain what a Reverse Elliott clevis is? I know what a clevis is. Like used on the gas and brake linkage, but this one has got me stumped.
He asked if I had paid any attention to the different styles of spindles on other karts. Yes sir, I have seen the C bracket welded to frame that spindle attaches with the large thru bolt. But your kart uses the reverse of this type........Never mind I think I just figured that one out. Wow! I thanked him and hung up.
It was time to take a late lunch break. Hollered at Steve and we made some Black Forest ham sandwiches. I couldnt find a bottle opener. After grabbing a Dr Pepper, I hang the cap on edge of table and pop it off with the palm of my hand. Steve goes for a Coke and does the same. Now something good and cold to choke down the sandwiches with. Then spent this short lunch break going over everything Mr Cates had explained to me with him. Time to make some more progress today.