I've just taken off the engine and given the base a wash ready to take with me to get the paint colour matched. I just want opinions on whether to leave the sturdy metal patch in place holding the left side together (3" crack) or remove it and apply epoxy filler to make it look original and neater? My aim is just a light tidy up.
Regards paint, should I just use home enamel or get industrial grade enamel or 2K? Another option I was thinking was just touching up missing paint Werth cheap enamel instead of painting the whole thing. Suggestions and opinions sought as I can't decide.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Hi MF, it all depends what you want to do with the end product. If it's a show piece the remove the plate and use whatever paint works best for color match and application. If it's a daily driver, leave the plate in place to add strength and again paint with what ever is practical, it won't really matter in the fullness of time. Cheers, Ted
Thanks bigted, my main purpose is to get rid of all the exposed aluminium bits. The patch was well done and is part of the heritage of this mower now. Who knows, I may luck upon another in better original condition.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
I removed the patch with the intent to put a piece of mending strap inside but got to thinking how I could use the holes already there without drilling additional ones. How else? Use the same patch inside instead as it's thick 2.5mm metal with the holes already aligned, so that's what I did as well as partially drilling out the holes the same size as the rivet heads so I can conceal them with JB weld as well as the crack. I did the same with the crack on the other side.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!