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But oil-based paints are a dying breed, he noted: today's consumer wants a fast-drying paint. So Willmar scouts garage sales for half-empty cans, and makes do with a dwindling selection of colors.
Once an engine collector, Willmar started with seats when he decided to get one for a Fuller and Johnson engine in his collection. A novice seat collector, he figured he could pick up a dozen or so, and have more or less the full set. He's since discovered the existence of something like 1,700 seats.
Cast iron seat production in Europe, Canada and the U.S. was relatively short-lived, occuring basically from 1850-1900. After that, seats were made of stamped steel and tin, and later still, cast aluminum. Original patterns were carved in wood, although at least one manufacturer - Wilshusen of Stafford, Kan. - used a pattern made of clay.
"They must have been a pattern maker's pride," Willmar said.
The prizes in Willmar's collection include a Black Hawk, and a one-of-a-kind Star Plow. His collection also includes imported Scandinavian seats. But his enthusiasm for his collection is immune to factors like rarity or value.
"My favorite seat is always the last one I've done," he said.
For more information: Willmar H. Tiede, RR 2, Box 229, he Center, MN 56057; phone (507) 357-4815.