I picked this up over the weekend and only because I wanted the catcher. It has a powerplus cowling and base. So I can't find any powerplus victa's with the older G3 carburetor as this one has. It's definitely had some changes made like the throttle cable is separate to the original assembly. My suspicions are that it's a VC160 engine put on a powerplus base and topped with a powerplus cowling. But was their ever an early powerplus with the older carburetor?????
No. Powerplus came out in the 1978 season for the self propelled model of that year, two years after the plastic G4 carburetor succeeded the metal bodied G3. Only differences with the powerplus was a slightly less hollow head for more compression and a modified muffler with a different internal layout that affected breathing. That looks to be from an older model with the G3 carby fitted onto a later base.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Not necessarily Speedy. The self propelled from 1978 to 80 had the stand alone cover like above. Then they went back to a big full full cover with the side pull engine.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Thanks MF and speedy! It's not the self propelled base sadly. I'm not sure if I want to take it apart and use everything as parts for my other projects or to keep it as is to show the ingenuity of a different generation. This mower has an early 1970's 160cc engine with a G3 carburetor, a base and cowling from a powerplus, throttle controller from an old victa 18 and a catcher from a Green VC-SPORT or a Green VC Mustang S. To me this is a piece of art and shows what is sadly being lost to the throw away generation.
I have a VC 160 bitsa with that style powerplus cover adapted to fit. I became attached to it and I know I'd feel bad if I parted it out. Only thing is the left side has a patched up hole with epoxy filler and the holes for the handle bar are worn slightly oval thanks to the two stroke's vibration over the years and consequently the catcher, which hooks onto the handlebars, doesn't sit right and leaves a gap between it and the mower frame.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
In these pictures you can see the old throttle controller and just how perfectly everything fits, catcher and all! I think its a beautiful representation of what's becoming a lost art. MF, I like yours too! I haven't tried to get it running but I'm sure with a bit of a service and cleaning out the carby, fuel tank and lines it will kick off no worries!
I really like how that square controller/filter housing has been relegated to filter only while that old fashioned lever has been put in. I love juxtaposed old and new like that. A black catcher would look way better and I would paint the metal engine cowl black. Besides that, perfect!
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Do you mean a catcher like this MF? I got this catcher when I was buying a VC-160 Mark 1 and saw it off to the side. During the price negotiations I said "I'll do the $75 if you throw those 2 catcher's in with the mower and the other parts". I'm glad I did! Because it's a Powerplus catcher!!!
So I put the other catcher on today MF. So what do you think? A question for both of you, Speedy an MF! Personally I like it, especially with the racing stripes and being, what I think is the original catcher for the PowerPlus!
Better much better Seanoss. That's the powerplus catcher. You did well getting that thrown in. A quick way to clean the dress cowl is either tyre shine or WD40 and definitely rattle can the metal cowl black and give the base a quick clean with degreaser on a rag with a bucket of water to wring it in every so often.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Thanks MF, I just need to find the time to get to PowerPlus. It was originally for parts and now its almost an original. I'm thinking that the guy who did the changes actually put the older carby on a full original PowerPlus because of issues with the G4 carburetor and it was easier for him to put a G3 on and set up a different throttle cable.... once I get a chance to check the serial number, we should have an answer!!
I doubt that Sean, as the fitting is different. More likely just changed over the entire engine off an older model rather than swapped barrels. Speedy, Star Wars mower looking good.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Thanks MF and Speedy! MF, oh well. If it's as you say, it doesn't bother me! I'll stick with the original plan like you said and clean it up, keep the correct catcher on it and (hopefully) get it running! I'm not sure if it runs Speedy, but it's not seized! So I'll have a go tomorrow and see if it's a runner!!! Love all of your input guy's, really appreciate it!!!
