Basically, altered beyond recognition, never to be the same again. What about the Kirby engine? Repurposed to anchor a tinny now? Are the new engines Chondas?
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
MF obviously not a like for like restoration which I can appreciate a purist wouldn�t be too keen on. This was clearly not my intention. I wanted to create two refreshed and functionally improved work horses for maintaining my Santa Ana couch patch. Which, like what you see or not, both do extremely well.
Neither of these two machines had Kirby�s. Both were B&S - one 2.5 and the other 3HP. Their model numbers can confirm both B&S engines were the originals. And I still have both of them - in the shed taking up space and collecting dust on my shelves.
These engines are newer gen B&S 550 IC series. Think of it as like an LS1 transplanted into a Torana ;)
GTX, have you ever fitted an LS1 into an LX/LH Torana? Try getting the exhaust to legally clear the right hand upper control arm without having to squash the pipe
GTX, I really appreciated your explanation. My post might have come across as slightly snide upon my re-reading it but that was not my sentiment in the least, merely my take on it. Very slick job you've done sir and many hours may it serve in it's new lease on life.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Norm - no, just analogically saying. But I would love the challenge someday. That kind of project just doesn�t quite fit in with the present young growing family circumstances.
MF - thank you :) I do actually have another machine which I have some more �classic� restoration plans for down the line. I already know what�s going to happen with that when it�s complete though - I will refuse to use it!
Anyhow, I don�t wish to take BB�s thread too much further off track. Happy to discuss more privately or elsewhere appropriate.
Just an updated photo of the front of my property and how the lawn is coming along in it's 3rd. season now. Sorry correction it's into it's 5th season now.
We've just had huge rains after all the heatwaves and Fires we've had to endure and there's one thing I've really noticed and that is one night of good rain is far better than two weeks worth of watering out of the tap. I'm convinced that the water out of the tap is sterile opposed to the water that loads itself full of nutrients as it falls from the sky.
Anyway here's an update photo of how things are currently situated compared to the early photos of how the place appeared at the beginning of this 3 page progressive thread.
Last edited by Bonnar_Bloke; 04/02/2007:36 PM. Reason: timeframe updated
I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.
Hi BB, that can't possibly be 3 years, seems like only yesterday when you were getting it prepared, if this is correct, then no wonder I'm feeling old. It does look fantastic
I'm in the middle of trying to rehabilitate our lawn with consistent sprinkling on all parts (well most) and it's slowly progressing and B_B you are so spot on with the rain giving a boost. It gives a break from setting up the sprinkler as well. I've never been more happy when it rains!
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
A Victa Vortex with sharpened blades would be ideal for that stunning lawn.
I took this picture today of this freshly cut grass I saw done with some Briggs or Chonda powered mower. It was around 15 -20 cm high in parts. Just look at it now. It smelled so good afterwards.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
