thanks guys for the kind replies. it's nice to work on things like that when there's no pressure to really get it done.
fonz3482, i don't have any spare tractor parts for the original, but i do have some larger parts from a wide frame.
the coffee is thick this morning, maybe i'll try to push some dirt around before it starts to rain. i think i have enough scrap leftover to make a frame for a leaf vac.
