09-18-2020, 02:15 PM
(This post was last modified: 03-20-2023, 07:13 PM by Terry Bentley.)
Chapter 62
This probably looks sort of corny to someone seeing me right now. I am riding my bike wearing that old helmet heading back home. The other one is securely strapped down to the handle bars. This white one is really nice. Sure would not want it all sweated up inside. Steve will really be surprised tomorrow. He will know the helmet is obviously not new, but sure wont take much to make it look just like new.
I cant believe Frank actually sold the helmets to me. I was about ready to give up. His original offer was more than fair. But way more than what I had in my pocket. I was having some real fun haggling with him tho. He is turning into a lot more hot air than really being a jerk.
It would be a pain to ride back home and grab some more stash then come right back again. I dont have much extra money right now. Especially to just throw away. But still well worth it for me and Steve. Now we can both get to the track real soon. Maybe even soon as a practice day coming up next week.
Steve has been like my right arm. I know he is always saying how much help I have been for him. But too many things positive have worked out for both of us. Without us being together each time, nothing like this would have ever taken place. I doubt either of us would be this close to actually start racing. No way at all.
I think it should be late enough that there is no chance Steve would be back in the garage working tonight. They normally eat dinner around this time. Sure dont want him to see me showing up with the two helmets. He can figure out what is up. It will be very obvious to him. But I want it to be a real surprise.
Back in the garage, I find some Spic-N-Span spray cleaner. It smells good enough for the clean treatment. This should make the inside of Steves new/old helmet more presentable as a real gift. With a good wax job, that should do it. It will be just like brand new. Now I need to find a box for it to fit in. Then a quick wrap with the comics section from the Sunday paper and I am good. Got it covered. Steve is set now. I dont think there is anything else either of us needs just to get on the track.
Box is now well hidden. Now if Steve sees this old helmet, it wont give anything away. He knows I find things like this all the time. We both have been keeping our eyes open for quite a while now. Eventually something always shows up.
Now what can be done to this old helmet? It is really ugly. Maybe just leave it like this. I personally dont care what it looks like. If it can get on the track, then the looks isnt important at all. I will give it some thought. Maybe put some effort into it. If I can survive wearing that polka dotted helmet, this one will be a cake walk.
A trick paint job, or just a plain color? Hmm, dunno right now. Track time is more important than appearance anyway. Best I should leave it alone. That is the smart plan. Well I will at least have to do something with that strap. The padded chin piece is missing. It sure wont be very comfortable the way it is. Some creativity is needed to come up with a way to make it better.
![[Image: attachment.php?aid=4758]](https://www.vintagekartforum.com/attachment.php?aid=4758)
Buco helmet
After some seriously in-depth research I find out this ugly helmet that will find its new home on my head, is a Buco. What a name for a helmet. I have a Buco. Hey you, Buco! This wont go well if someone finds out what brand ths is. Oh well, it is a helmet. I needed one and now I have one. Unfortunately it is one Buco ugly helmet right now.
The next day Steve only had a small private birthday with a family night out at the Bonanza Steak House. Its what they usually do. I have not talked to him at all today. He said he would call if there was some free time. Oh well, not a big deal. His mom usually takes total control with these things. It is her way and that is the way it be.
It is now late and I am piddling out in the garage by myself doing nothing in particular. Steve just walks up and nearly scares the crap out of me. What the heck? Hey man, whats up? Dude, you just about scared me to death. What gives? Cool I got you! That dont happen too often. So do I look older? Nope just as ugly as I remember you from yesterday. Well maybe a little fatter around the middle.
Oh that is from the huge Sirloin steak I had for dinner. I had a choice of several different cuts, but that Sirloin was the biggest. Wasnt all that bad either. So what did you do all day? Nothing looks much different from when I left yesterday afternoon.
No nothing at all. So did you enjoy your party. Eh, you know, they are all the same. Food fights, police are called, get thrown out of the restaurant. Dad belts the waiter. You know same ol same o. Do what? Your dad did what? No man just kidding. It was boring as ever. Great to eat out and everything, but you know. More to make the parents feel good than anything.
I got some new clothes for school and some small hand tools. But nothing all that awesome. Dad said as I get older, being a kid is becomes less important. So get used to it. That way you are not disappointed more every year. Yea your dad does have a way with words. Guess I understand what he is saying.
I did get one thing I was really hoping to for my birthday last February. But it didnt really seem as intense that I remembered from the previous year and even the year before that. Really at 12 years old the big thrill seem to be all fizzled out.
So anything new with the karts? Do you think we might get some track time this summer? Steve I hope we get on the track this summer. We put out way too much time and money not to make it to the track. One way or another, it is going to happen. I want to talk about it to dad one of these evenings. Maybe hint about a practice day would be really cool.
Dad has been busier this summer than usual. Some of the others took their vacations and left him short of help. So he is hitting it a few extra nights every week right now. Doesnt look real good at the moment. I just want to be ready if we get the chance.
Oh I almost forgot. That box over there has your name on it. Man, I hope you didnt get me a birthday present. You already built the kart for me. I couldnt even put a price on that. No, Steve we built that kart. Without your help, it would not be sitting here ready to go.
Man I am not going to argue with you. But we wasted a whole week and got nothing done. I was really burned out. Didnt think another kart was meant to be right now. Then two days later, I had not even heard from you for some reason. I called and found out you fried your eyes from welding out in the garage. Your dad said to come on over if I wanted to. But you were going to be out of circulation for a few days.
I couldnt believe it, I walked in the garage. Your dad was sort of cleaning up. I saw the kart frame sitting there almost finished. Man there was not a frame or even parts to build one when I left a couple days earlier. So dont give me that we crap. You built this frame. I have my first kart that you built. Do you know how cool that is?
So you better not think I am expecting a present from you at all. But since there is a present there, I assume it is from you. So what is it? What did you get me? Gee Steve, you had me going with all that sincerity crap just then. You almost had me. Nope, dont expect much. Just something I found.
Steve just goes right after it and tears into the wrapped up box. Dang Steve, do you realize how much time I put into wrapping it up? Who the heck cares, its a present. Deal with it. That is the Steve I remember that was here yesterday. Welcome back. Oh by the way Happy Birthday.
No way! How did you know? I was hoping for a helmet from my parents. But was bummed out when it didnt happen. Did you and my parents conspire together? Heck no Steve, I lucked into this just last night. Sure am glad your parents didn get one. I would have been the one bummed all out.
How did you afford this? These are not cheap on our salaries. I mean allowances. Which by the way ended fore me as of today. I am now considered an adult, so no more charity handouts. Chores are still mandatory, but no more paychecks. Kinda sucks growing up in a way. Oh heck I got a dang helmet. Man thanks a bunch. I still dont know how you could afford this.
Steve it is a used helmet. Duh I figured that out already. The helmet looks brand new tho. That box was a dead give away. Also there is no safety brochure or tag hanging on the strap. But still way cooler than my other stuff I got today. Dont you dare repeat that either.
Ok this is messed up Terry. I got the newish helmet, what are you going to do? We cant very well share it. I know Steve, but sure something will turn up. And it did. I pullout my helmet from under a shop towel sitting over next to the typewriter. Aint it cool looking. It is a genuine Buco.
A what? What did you say? Its a Buco. Dont you know anything about helmets Steve? To be honest, I would have given that helmet away as a cheap gift and kept this white one for myself. Hey Steve, go ahead and try yours on. Oh yea, that would be a good idea. Wow, this helmet fits perfect. Really snug, but not pressing on the brain pan too much. Just about perfect. How did you manage that?
Now try the Buco. See the difference? Woh, this is a lot looser. So you fit this one better then. Yep it fits me nearly perfect. It just happened to work out in your favor. And of course my infinite generosity. OK, I didnt bring my wading boots. Starting to get deep in here. Full of you know what too.
Well Terry, I wont argue with you. But still you screwed yourself good on this deal. If you can live with it, then so can I. Thanks a bunch. Man it is awesome. Do you think that helmet can be made to look any better? Dont see how you could make it any worse tho.
Steve, I spent all last night thinking about it. Then realized I have a helmet. So that means I am one step closer to getting on the track. Do I need to go into any more detail? Besides If I am out there on the track and royally suck, then it wont matter at all. Nobody will really notice some moron in an old beat up kart. It doesnt look fast so it isnt. Oh yea wearing a butt ugly helmet.
If you go out there and suck, everyone will notice with that really nice looking helmet you have now. And your kart is starting to look sharp too. All that cleaning and have it down to shiny bare metal too. It will look fast and everyone will expect it to run fast. No pressure there at all Steve. Non at all. Dont even think about it.
Yea man no pressure. Thanks a lot, jerk. I probably wont make one lap without spinning off a turn somewhere. Yea, not a bit of pressure. Some friend you are! But the helmet is still a really a bad cool present. Thanks man.
This probably looks sort of corny to someone seeing me right now. I am riding my bike wearing that old helmet heading back home. The other one is securely strapped down to the handle bars. This white one is really nice. Sure would not want it all sweated up inside. Steve will really be surprised tomorrow. He will know the helmet is obviously not new, but sure wont take much to make it look just like new.
I cant believe Frank actually sold the helmets to me. I was about ready to give up. His original offer was more than fair. But way more than what I had in my pocket. I was having some real fun haggling with him tho. He is turning into a lot more hot air than really being a jerk.
It would be a pain to ride back home and grab some more stash then come right back again. I dont have much extra money right now. Especially to just throw away. But still well worth it for me and Steve. Now we can both get to the track real soon. Maybe even soon as a practice day coming up next week.
Steve has been like my right arm. I know he is always saying how much help I have been for him. But too many things positive have worked out for both of us. Without us being together each time, nothing like this would have ever taken place. I doubt either of us would be this close to actually start racing. No way at all.
I think it should be late enough that there is no chance Steve would be back in the garage working tonight. They normally eat dinner around this time. Sure dont want him to see me showing up with the two helmets. He can figure out what is up. It will be very obvious to him. But I want it to be a real surprise.
Back in the garage, I find some Spic-N-Span spray cleaner. It smells good enough for the clean treatment. This should make the inside of Steves new/old helmet more presentable as a real gift. With a good wax job, that should do it. It will be just like brand new. Now I need to find a box for it to fit in. Then a quick wrap with the comics section from the Sunday paper and I am good. Got it covered. Steve is set now. I dont think there is anything else either of us needs just to get on the track.
Box is now well hidden. Now if Steve sees this old helmet, it wont give anything away. He knows I find things like this all the time. We both have been keeping our eyes open for quite a while now. Eventually something always shows up.
Now what can be done to this old helmet? It is really ugly. Maybe just leave it like this. I personally dont care what it looks like. If it can get on the track, then the looks isnt important at all. I will give it some thought. Maybe put some effort into it. If I can survive wearing that polka dotted helmet, this one will be a cake walk.
A trick paint job, or just a plain color? Hmm, dunno right now. Track time is more important than appearance anyway. Best I should leave it alone. That is the smart plan. Well I will at least have to do something with that strap. The padded chin piece is missing. It sure wont be very comfortable the way it is. Some creativity is needed to come up with a way to make it better.
Buco helmet
After some seriously in-depth research I find out this ugly helmet that will find its new home on my head, is a Buco. What a name for a helmet. I have a Buco. Hey you, Buco! This wont go well if someone finds out what brand ths is. Oh well, it is a helmet. I needed one and now I have one. Unfortunately it is one Buco ugly helmet right now.
The next day Steve only had a small private birthday with a family night out at the Bonanza Steak House. Its what they usually do. I have not talked to him at all today. He said he would call if there was some free time. Oh well, not a big deal. His mom usually takes total control with these things. It is her way and that is the way it be.
It is now late and I am piddling out in the garage by myself doing nothing in particular. Steve just walks up and nearly scares the crap out of me. What the heck? Hey man, whats up? Dude, you just about scared me to death. What gives? Cool I got you! That dont happen too often. So do I look older? Nope just as ugly as I remember you from yesterday. Well maybe a little fatter around the middle.
Oh that is from the huge Sirloin steak I had for dinner. I had a choice of several different cuts, but that Sirloin was the biggest. Wasnt all that bad either. So what did you do all day? Nothing looks much different from when I left yesterday afternoon.
No nothing at all. So did you enjoy your party. Eh, you know, they are all the same. Food fights, police are called, get thrown out of the restaurant. Dad belts the waiter. You know same ol same o. Do what? Your dad did what? No man just kidding. It was boring as ever. Great to eat out and everything, but you know. More to make the parents feel good than anything.
I got some new clothes for school and some small hand tools. But nothing all that awesome. Dad said as I get older, being a kid is becomes less important. So get used to it. That way you are not disappointed more every year. Yea your dad does have a way with words. Guess I understand what he is saying.
I did get one thing I was really hoping to for my birthday last February. But it didnt really seem as intense that I remembered from the previous year and even the year before that. Really at 12 years old the big thrill seem to be all fizzled out.
So anything new with the karts? Do you think we might get some track time this summer? Steve I hope we get on the track this summer. We put out way too much time and money not to make it to the track. One way or another, it is going to happen. I want to talk about it to dad one of these evenings. Maybe hint about a practice day would be really cool.
Dad has been busier this summer than usual. Some of the others took their vacations and left him short of help. So he is hitting it a few extra nights every week right now. Doesnt look real good at the moment. I just want to be ready if we get the chance.
Oh I almost forgot. That box over there has your name on it. Man, I hope you didnt get me a birthday present. You already built the kart for me. I couldnt even put a price on that. No, Steve we built that kart. Without your help, it would not be sitting here ready to go.
Man I am not going to argue with you. But we wasted a whole week and got nothing done. I was really burned out. Didnt think another kart was meant to be right now. Then two days later, I had not even heard from you for some reason. I called and found out you fried your eyes from welding out in the garage. Your dad said to come on over if I wanted to. But you were going to be out of circulation for a few days.
I couldnt believe it, I walked in the garage. Your dad was sort of cleaning up. I saw the kart frame sitting there almost finished. Man there was not a frame or even parts to build one when I left a couple days earlier. So dont give me that we crap. You built this frame. I have my first kart that you built. Do you know how cool that is?
So you better not think I am expecting a present from you at all. But since there is a present there, I assume it is from you. So what is it? What did you get me? Gee Steve, you had me going with all that sincerity crap just then. You almost had me. Nope, dont expect much. Just something I found.
Steve just goes right after it and tears into the wrapped up box. Dang Steve, do you realize how much time I put into wrapping it up? Who the heck cares, its a present. Deal with it. That is the Steve I remember that was here yesterday. Welcome back. Oh by the way Happy Birthday.
No way! How did you know? I was hoping for a helmet from my parents. But was bummed out when it didnt happen. Did you and my parents conspire together? Heck no Steve, I lucked into this just last night. Sure am glad your parents didn get one. I would have been the one bummed all out.
How did you afford this? These are not cheap on our salaries. I mean allowances. Which by the way ended fore me as of today. I am now considered an adult, so no more charity handouts. Chores are still mandatory, but no more paychecks. Kinda sucks growing up in a way. Oh heck I got a dang helmet. Man thanks a bunch. I still dont know how you could afford this.
Steve it is a used helmet. Duh I figured that out already. The helmet looks brand new tho. That box was a dead give away. Also there is no safety brochure or tag hanging on the strap. But still way cooler than my other stuff I got today. Dont you dare repeat that either.
Ok this is messed up Terry. I got the newish helmet, what are you going to do? We cant very well share it. I know Steve, but sure something will turn up. And it did. I pullout my helmet from under a shop towel sitting over next to the typewriter. Aint it cool looking. It is a genuine Buco.
A what? What did you say? Its a Buco. Dont you know anything about helmets Steve? To be honest, I would have given that helmet away as a cheap gift and kept this white one for myself. Hey Steve, go ahead and try yours on. Oh yea, that would be a good idea. Wow, this helmet fits perfect. Really snug, but not pressing on the brain pan too much. Just about perfect. How did you manage that?
Now try the Buco. See the difference? Woh, this is a lot looser. So you fit this one better then. Yep it fits me nearly perfect. It just happened to work out in your favor. And of course my infinite generosity. OK, I didnt bring my wading boots. Starting to get deep in here. Full of you know what too.
Well Terry, I wont argue with you. But still you screwed yourself good on this deal. If you can live with it, then so can I. Thanks a bunch. Man it is awesome. Do you think that helmet can be made to look any better? Dont see how you could make it any worse tho.
Steve, I spent all last night thinking about it. Then realized I have a helmet. So that means I am one step closer to getting on the track. Do I need to go into any more detail? Besides If I am out there on the track and royally suck, then it wont matter at all. Nobody will really notice some moron in an old beat up kart. It doesnt look fast so it isnt. Oh yea wearing a butt ugly helmet.
If you go out there and suck, everyone will notice with that really nice looking helmet you have now. And your kart is starting to look sharp too. All that cleaning and have it down to shiny bare metal too. It will look fast and everyone will expect it to run fast. No pressure there at all Steve. Non at all. Dont even think about it.
Yea man no pressure. Thanks a lot, jerk. I probably wont make one lap without spinning off a turn somewhere. Yea, not a bit of pressure. Some friend you are! But the helmet is still a really a bad cool present. Thanks man.