Cheers speedy. All but 1 engine has run in front of me I have heaps of video of some pretty funny stuff when getting engines running. They get kept lubricated and kept dry!!! I would mow my lawn if it would grow. I do my neighbours all the time....
So after lockdown has finally ended, I have been able to pick up a few of the things I organised during lockdown.
So I don't know much about the scott bonnar products. I did receive 2 Scott Bonnar mowers in parts but all of the parts are there to completely rebuild these mowers. I just don't have to break them down for restoration....
A Scott Bonnar utility mower was my first encounter with a Briggs and Stratton. It reminded me if a tractor engine and it threw the clippings far. Probably had catcher mower blades fitted.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
So I finally made the 8 hour journey to pick up my 1958 Pace Automatic. I also picked up 4 other mowers along the way.
I got another Pace but someone has hacked the deck and tried to attach, from what I can tell, a victa 125cc engine it's only for parts now and the base will make a great wall hanger!!!
I also picked up a Victa model 5 that is missing most of the top parts of the engine but it has an automatic serial number and my mate hase almost everything to finish his automatic project but needs an engine with the correct number, so he's happy!!!
Then I put the minimum bid on an early 80's corvette. One of the last before the power torque engine was introduced. $11 I'll take it!!!
Finally I picked up, what I think is, the last Mustang before power torque was introduced. I paid $10 but the only thing I really wanted was the base because it's in great condition, especially compared to the 2 I have. I don't know about the engine and it didn't come with the air-hose and throttle cable. But I have 1 engine from the exact same model in amazing condition and it going on this deck!
Now the Pace that's been absolutely hacked and has had a different motor, I think, from its original. The only serial number is on the upper part of the case. So I'm hoping someone might be able to shed some light on it.
Hi Seanoss, nice haul of plastic yet classic models there. How are the catchers on the two SPFC mowers? Yes that is the last Mustang before the first Powertorque model. Of interest was that the SPFC Mustang you have here was the last model with that premium high arch thumblatch base casting before they moved to the base casting used on the SPFC Corvette you've got there. That casting was originally used as a "second tier" casting under the top shelf Mustang base casting, for store brand models before Victa decided to replace it with this second tier casting! It only lasted a couple of years before Victa replaced that with an updated casting which had the same catcher fitting eg the white Mustang and the Vortex.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
I have had to buy 3 of these last Mustangs to have a good engine cowling and base but they were all cheap and the actual catcher came with one so I was pretty wrapped.
I bought the cover only to replace my badly cracked one and swapped the labels as the cracked one's was better. Very satisfied with the result. Only thing is the replacement cover has the series II superstart decal with 2 year warranty added instead of the round SS logo only.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
So I met a Victa dealership owner through my adventures of collecting and researching mowers. I had organised through him to get the 2 power torque crankpin socket's still available. I paid half months ago and couldn't afford the rest until recently.
He sent me them on Monday with a message telling me he had thrown in a few little extras for me and a the arrived today. I received a plug in light up victa turn grass into lawn sign that's about 65 cm long, the victa gold dealership sign, my socket's, a very very good condition side chute, an original victa N,O,S long decompressor and a few other bits and pieces. The socket that is unavailable any more he made for me.
I just love so many people I meet through my mower journey. Mower people seem to be the best kind of people!!!
That's great getting original tools and parts ,the Victa light sign is highly collectable, I've made similar sockets for motorbikes before ,the sockets for the PT are easily made ,there is a thread on ODK if any one else needs them.
I know of about 3 mower shops around here that have shut down because of not enough business and the ones that are left don't stock parts and can't tell you when you are likely to get parts if you order them so are not worth doing business with .
Nice quality steel tooling Seanoss. I have attempted to make one type of crank pin socket but it kept slipping. Needs more grinding into shape. Appreciate the link Maxwestern. That's a shame to hear of more closed-down mower shops. I'm fortunate to have a couple near me that stock sundry Victa bits -but for how long?
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Appreciate the kind words guys, now I'm going to be honest. After finding a few bit and pieces for an automatic such as the carby, badge, engine and some more stuff over my collecting journey that I have decided to attempt to put together an as original as possible automatic.
I have just been in contact with the guy, he has the cowl. I have a mark 3 125cc with a g3 carby ready to go and he's going to look for a catcher tomorrow. He's pretty sure he's still got it.
You're all set then. No more need to cut out the Victa logo to graft to the right hand side. Only a repaint required if the existing paint doesn't clean up well enough. You just have to find someone who will mix some up.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
