Hi there I have recently picked up a victa new utility 160cc 1968. It's in not to bad condition looks to be all original. I will uoad pictures once I work out how to lol
Just wondering if anyone has any tips on cleaning a steel deck with rust on there. I want to keep the patai a look but I want to give it a good wash and clean. Should I spray degreaser and air hose it off or should I hose it off? I was thinking of rust converter but I'm so confused as to how to use it.
Keeping the 'patina' can be done, but it depends on how deep the top surface rust has eaten in, and how extensive it is. .
Start off with spray degreaser and nylon scrubbing brush, then water wash and air hose dry. That will show how much of the original paint has remained bonded to the metal.
For the deck underside, a 'twist knot cup brush' on a 100mm angle grinder gets the crud off really fast; but be careful about PPE.
I wear a leather apron, full face shield, and long welders gloves for that job; after having been impaled [through clothing] by shed bristles a few times...
We can go into suitable rust preventives/paints for underneath, in due course.
Cheers, Gadge
"ODK Mods can explain it to you, but they can't understand it for you..."
"Crazy can be medicated, ignorance can be educated - but there is no cure for stupid..."
Thankyou so much for the tips. Definitely want it original. I will do what you said this weekend. Need to weld the Height ajuster handle back on it I will post the progress any tips please shoot ahead guys as I'm a newie. I'd also love a parts list for this model.
Hello there and thankyou And I actually didn't kniw this is my first antique mower to what I thought would be an original collection. I got this for 30 dollars. Now that your telling me that I just do e some research and the new ultity handles are definitely different. So thanks for helping me there. Il hopefully keep these parts and put together an original. I have been told the wheels are victa 18 wheels? The hub caps have the V. And the handle bars looks victa 18 to actually
The base I think should have the handles that has the center fold up utility style and the cowl/tank would be from the earlier 18's and it would most likely have had the large air filter down on the side. I think the base is from the mid sixties. If it runs $30 is ok
Okay thanks alot. I have seen some Google images if what a new utility should look like. There are parts definitely different and wheels and bars. Need a new plug which i have ordered. It seems to have good comp. Hopefully I can get it going.
Thankyou alot for the insight. I might change the heading.... It's my first classic and I do hope to find some originals
Having at last had a chance to look up the Victa Model Info listings, I'd say it's a 1968-9 Model 560 New Utility 160 motor and cowling [assuming it actually is a 160], fitted with a 125cc 'round torpedo' muffler, on a Model 530 [or earlier] Utility base. Maybe back as far as the Model 12 Ute - they didn't change much.
Yes, the rear wheels are indeed the 1950s 'Victa 18 type', and are somewhat in demand by Victa 18 restorers, these days.
Cheers, Gadge
"ODK Mods can explain it to you, but they can't understand it for you..."
"Crazy can be medicated, ignorance can be educated - but there is no cure for stupid..."
If the rear wheels are genuine Victa 18's and are in good condition they are worth a lot more than what you paid for the mower. Looks like they might clean up nice.
Thanks alot Gadge and wce Yeah being my first antique I didn't actually know. But now I'm starting to print out the models and get more familar. Il Most likely use this as a donor for my future collectors. I am yet to get it going as it needed a new plug I am hoping receive it today in the mail...
If the rear wheels are genuine Victa 18's and are in good condition they are worth a lot more than what you paid for the mower. Looks like they might clean up nice.
For sure. Even the GA Spares repro 18 wheels are going for silly prices nowadays, going by FleaBay listings.
Cheers, Gadge
"ODK Mods can explain it to you, but they can't understand it for you..."
"Crazy can be medicated, ignorance can be educated - but there is no cure for stupid..."
They're quite some time NLA from GA Spares now; and it's a case of 'charge what the market will bear', for those restorers who insist on the 'original look wheels'. Supply and demand situation, at least until some smart Chinee cookie gets new repros on the market...
Cheers, Gadge
"ODK Mods can explain it to you, but they can't understand it for you..."
"Crazy can be medicated, ignorance can be educated - but there is no cure for stupid..."