So over the weekend I have found 1 red 1983 victa vortex, 1 yellow vortex/GTS with the catcher, I more white mustang and a scott bonnar 520 with the 79 brigg and stratton engine and the original black catcher in excellent condition. All of these mowers run.
Mower Freak, this is your fault..... I was only looking at the 1970's era mowers until you showed me the ones you like and now I'm collecting them too......
I've been told by a backyard mower repairer years ago that those hi arch Scott Bonnar chassis are the best. He fitted a Honda OHV to his after what I presume was a Briggs that gave up the ghost.
I found a dark charcoal one with the same orange Briggs engine and ended up giving it away on our last move as I just wasn't into it's looks even though it was in excellent condition.
I have since found a SupaSwift with a magnetron version of the vertical pull Briggs and even though it has seen better days, I'm really attached to it and like it's styling with the catcher on when it doesn't keep falling off during a mow, which it does very well.
I always viewed the 1980s Powertorque thumblatch series as a further modernised progression of the fascinating and ahead of their time 1970s styles. It helped that they were the ones available new in the box when I first got into these mowers. Getting drawn into the hype of Victa's touted guaranteed to start electronic ignition ad campaign of 1987/88 (even though it had been around more less since 1980), together with the extremely stylish looking top line Vortex and Mustang GTS domestic models with their claimed quietness (over hyped a it turned out) as well as the slightly cheaper thumblatch Powertorque models, all if which felt fantastic as you pulled slowly on the rope on display models, is what made me continue my interest in the 80s models despite being a significant departure from the VC 125 mk 3 and purple VC Sports, the two mowers that started it all.
It's nice to finally see someone who appreciates those models for their spectacular aesthetics. Consumers in general must have been drawn by their striking appearance I'm sure, as plenty picked them over the cheaper models. Too to it off, they performed extremely well and pack the catcher better than the cheaper steel decked versions. So it's a win win and the fact they are so sought after decades after production stopped, shows how good they were.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Im wrecked, what a long day of driving around and organising 4 different people I was buying mowers off but I came home with some really really nice stuff!!!
One of my best friends lives in Ballarat and there were 2 74-75 utilities for $50 and she picked them up today. I'll be visiting her next week so here are the pictures from the advertisement.
These are to go with my 4 others. I dont know if I've posted all of them yet. So here these are. Before you jump on me, yes the green one is earlier, it still had the part reference decal. V83 70-71 160cc utility and it's supposed to be an impulse starter just like the one that's been painted fire engine red, it's supposed to be a zip starter.
I sincerely hope you live on an acreage with a bloody big shed, otherwise you are probably well on the way to either a severe storage problem or a divorce
I'll be getting the the correct deck and parts for the consul 2 in the coming weeks.
The parts and catchers I picked up today finish off 2 of my first projects. I now have everything to do the front cover of 2 of my gregorys victa manuals!
Interesting to see the Corvette in the brochure has the old style 8" rear wheels even though that mower dates from well into the late 70s and that type of wheel was replaced by 1976 with the long running style with the large white section.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
I just thew that together at what ever time I posted it. I was exhausted.... it's just a perfect cowling that I got today. I was shocked at it's mint condition....
Thanks guys, I got that cowling by offering the guy more money than he was asking for something else. There is more but I didn't have space. I'm going back in a few weeks he is going to dig out more
If you saw me in public you would go out of your way to avoid me! I'm 6 foot 5 and the only way to explain what I look like is a criminal! But I'm anything but that! I believe in, what is sadly, old school edicate! Paying what somthing is worth, even if the person is asking way less than I value somthing, listening to people, empathising and being thankful and showing it! Manners!!!
Im also happy to admit when I'm wrong and to apologise when I've over reacted. Shout out to NormK and MF this is a public apology for getting upset about past issues!
She's a bit dusty, she's a bit scratched and chipped. But she's all there, catcher and all. It runns too. It's all original 1983-84 Original Red Vortex.
So last weekend I picked up the white 85-86 mustang. Yesterday I picked up another white mustang without the parts reference sticker. So I'll put up pictures of both. But in separate replies. Here's last week's one:
Now the one I got yesterday has no part reference number but some differences in the deck! It has holes for a cowling. It's definitely different to last weeks but I'm new to these models.
The other picture is of all of the wide catcher's I have now. 2 have the magic eye, 3 don't.
Seanoss, your pics on these mowers you acquired have been invaluable in working out why some white Mustang chassis (like mine) have no holes for the Mustang GTS cover and others have them present (blanked off with black plastic caps).
Interesting to note the round air filter housing on the first series white Mustang. It has a different decal as well. Obviously a carry over from the previous green base PT Mustang with the same white plastic engine top.
The second one which obviously shares the exact same base as the Mustang GTS (for production efficiency), going by it's blanked out screw holes for the GTS cover, also shares the square air filter housing with the GTS.
My theory, the whole engine and snorkel package were carried over onto the first white Mustang directly from the previous green based Mustang and the second series white Mustang shares the engine and snorkel package, sans cover with the GTS Mustang. I remember the features of the second series on the ones I saw on display in retail outlets like Bing Lee and Grace Bros department stores, back when they sold a great range of lawnmowers. Grace Bros even had the beefed up 505 pro in their range for about 1 grand !! Great memories.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
I'd like to get your thoughts. I'm repainting my Vortex base and can't decide whether to leave this very solid mending plate on or try to tidy it up with a less obvious plate on the inside with just a pair of rivets showing on the outside with the crack concealed.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Inside, and as hidden as possible would be my go to. But I'd also keep My eyes peeled for another deck, scrap metal yards have been an excellent source of parts for me!
I agree in part Max, but I think MF is like me and if he can! All original is his go to for restoration or preservation jobs. The vortex is a different casting than the regular 80's series casting of deck. Well at least my red one is, I haven't looked under the cowling of the yellow one. So the deck in the gumtree add you posted the link to won't work. I say keep looking and because I have my original red 83-84 vortex, the next one I find with a good solid deck already has a home before I even find one! Looking at you MF!!!
Sorry Enaj mate, I found out very quickly if you want to restore and/or preserve certain mowers you can't just buy parts. I have found it much much cheaper to buy entire mowers to use for my jobs then buy refurbished or even just the parts. That's why I have 2 red VC-SPORT, they will make 1 good one. I need those utility mowers for my other jobs, sorry! If one of them is easy to get running then I'll be doing 3 utility resto jobs.....
Ok, I just purchased 2 more today from my spot on the couch. Another VC mustang and an original 76 model impala 4. I love finding the MARK 4 decks with the remote primer attached....
Funny enough Maxwestern, I have one of those red bases in good condition and now the paint. I like the mower but may have to bite the bullet as it will free up space and the mower is a bitsa not being used.
Should I brush paint or spray gun? I have Dulux epoxy metal care paint and was told it brushes well.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
MF, good stuff!! Not my area of expertise (yet) painting that is. I can advise on mechanical repairs, identification of 70's mowers by serial number and metal work! I'm not up to paint yet! I have done 2 short courses in panel beating and can manufacture most basic metal parts through my friends and connections who are 2 mechanics, 1 fitter and turned and a mate who's father own and runs a large steel manufacturing company with many many qualified boiler makers, designers, engineers and pretty much everything to do fabrication work.
When I get to the stage of painting and using bog fillers for plastic parts, I will probably disappear for a while because I'll be learning how to do it all myself!!! I want to be self sufficient as possible! Like I have mentioned, I live alone and I'm never living with another human again! So I can set my place up what ever way I want! That does mean 2 extensions are now on the cards, these will incorporate a miniature museum for my mowers, creating appropriate spaces for all stages of any work to do restorations, repairs and conservation jobs!
I'm not the kind of person to do things small. Any job that's worth doing is worth doing right! I'm OCD so I'm over the top when it comes to the smallest details. I also feel that I can't trust anyone to do things the way I like because I'm so OCD, it's me not them! So give me some time, these mowers have survived longer than me so far, so they can wait a little longer for me to get up to scratch on restoring everything!!!!
I think you're right Seanoss. Besides, I've already done a lot of work mending cracks and straightening out the bent in front skirt. This is a refurbishment, not a restoration and I fully intend to actually use it, something I won't do with a renewed looking mower. I'm confident it'll be a sound well sorted machine. I even want to keep it's assigned catcher despite having a metal patch on the side which I will paint matching black.
I don't want to lose sight of my aim. It's a tidy up so I can feel proud when I'm cutting the grass.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Mate!!!! I'm so glad that you do things the way you want to!!! Yes, ask opinions on it but that's doesn't mean you have to agree with those opinions!!! YOU DO YOU AND YOUR MOWERS YOUR WAY!!! There is no right or wrong way to restore, rebuild, refurbish or conserve any mower!!!
Everyone is different and that's OK!!! I'm very non-conformist, I do things my way! If something comes together the way I want, then I've done it! I don't need to meet anyone else's opinion or standards, only my own!!!
This isn't just going to be a hobby for me I realise now. But that's because I love it! If I can earn a living doing stuff with mowes then that's just a bonus!!!!
How good is this! My best mate dropped off my new impala 4 because he was coming down my way for the weekend! His 2 little girls running around jumping all over (uncle Sean) while I have a lemonade, he has a beer and we all enjoy the awesome night for a fire!!!
So I couldn't wait, again, so today I took the cowling off the yellow vortex. I then removed the fuel tank, I have made my own tool for G4 carbys out of a short piece of new fuel line and the end of a Bic pen to put on the carby where the fuel line goes in when I'm doing anything to a mower because before the original tank can be used I have to clean it out thoroughly and it can take up to 3 days before I'm happy that the tank is like new again. I blew all of the old cobwebs out of the air filter assembly and the hose from the carby end up. I took the spark plug out, cleanetd it up, put a very small amount of 2-stroke in through the spark plug hole and the smallest amount of carby cleanerin too, I make sure the spark plug lead is well insulated, then I very gently pull the starter twice, gently turn the mower over and again gently pull the starter to expell any crap and excess liquid I put in. I wait about 5 minutes, cable tie a tank I know is clean (I have a separate fuel tank that I have made sure is super clean and has a long flexible line just for seeing if any new mower I pick up run) I put the spark plug back and attach the cable, then turned on the fuel line, primed the carby and, with a fire extinguished with in reach, pulled the starter.
FIRST GO, she started like a brand new mower. NO DIRTY SMOKE, a few small coughs at the start but this blew me away!!! I wish I could post video, it is one of the nicest sounds that I have ever heard. These power torque engines feel like they are on a tight leash, they feel like they have so much more power to show and almost are crying out to show you....
You really are getting into the Powertorque era with gusto. The Vortex was the peak in making a splash and it's hard to believe it was unveiled all the way back in 1982 for a 1983 release. This was during an era when Hollywood was at the top of it's game also with innovative and creative special effects that fired the imagination, much like this mower!!
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
I started the weekend without planning to buy ANY mower stuff. I wasn't not going to buy mower stuff either.... BUT 🤦♂️ So far: 1 Impala 4 1 Victa Mustang mark 4 1 old rover, I know nothing about 1 victa utility, that is perfect for helping my restorations 1 super swift, that I know nothing about and now introducing the 8 hour round trip I'll be doing on Tuesday or Wednesday to purchase: 1 Victa Silver Streak 80's series, the only brochure pictures I could find are an export model brochure. I'd say it's a 1982-1983 Silver streak. and 1 (More) Victa late 70's series Mustangs.
Normally have little time for anything non Victa but have a spot for the Aussie battler SupaSwift. The clapped out 1980s bomb I've got is my favourite daily abuser mower. It cuts really nice and has a stylish look to it.
Also love that it takes Victa blades as well as front axle clips.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Hi Sean, Remember motors don't like sitting around doing nothing, so you gotta mow a lawn or two and rotate their use..... You'll be able to look after a neighbourhood..... cheers speedy
........................Keep your blades sharp......................
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!
So it did come with a colour coded starter handle. That looks in good condition, no fluting missing. I wonder if the catcher came without a thumblatch as shown in the brochure? I'm beyond jealous. If you get the Chevrolet, I won't speak to you again!!
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
I have a very very serious problem here people. I wasn't even doing anything to do with mowers and I managed to somehow buy another 78-80 PowerPlus. I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty happy with the purchase
It's very mad Max, which will suit a custom mustang perfectly! It was $50 and great running condition!!!! So now I can use my other 2 to make a self propelled PP
Ahh, so I believe I have found myself a fairly good condition purple/blue VC-SPORT catcher for my blue/purple VC-SPORT. It's heavily faded from weathering and could be extremely brittle but for $15 I'll take the chance that I can bring it a new lease on life.
That looks technically intact, but you could end up being able to poke a hole in it with your pinky. It looks suspiciously like it's been sitting there a long time and has discoloured into more of a dull blue than the purple it once was.
You will probably have to paint it and use it strictly for posing purposes. I suggest you buy this plastic primer available at Super Cheap and apply White Knight purple available at Bunnings onto it. At least you will know it's the genuine article under the paint.
I have managed to revitalise the sheen of Victa hubcaps with a small butane torch by running it over the plastic in a rapid sweeping motion several times over sections, after thoroughc scrubbing first. You must be very ginger. You can try a small section to see if it works but be very cautious not to warp the plastic. Err on the side of caution and don't try too hard because warped or melted plastic is forever. Have a practise on a worn plastic item you don't care about first.
I suspect that catcher is too past it for that to work. Only a suggestion you may be able to use.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
So I got better pictures and I'm shattered. It's been painted purple and the paint is peeling off badly to show a mustang green underneath.
But!!! In the pictures I received I can see a few catchers and parts I can use and I'm thinking I've found a honey hole for catchers and victa 2-stroke parts. They have hundreds of mowers, catchers and boxes of parts. Can't wait to have a good look!!!
Why don't you make an offer or get out thrown in with a deal and paint it up for practise? It's the same casting, come on, and it will need painting into green as well.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Looks like I'm going to be doing 2 model 5c restorations after picking up these today.
A victa special badge, a base and an almost rebuilt engine.
My original was and is still going to be a custom paint and plating resto. The colour scheme had been chosen but if my footy team wins in 2 weeks, then the theme will be based on my team colours ❤💙
So I finally got to pick up one of my first Scott Bonnar 2-stroke rotaries after a little bit of freedom. I've added the advertisements that I know one of is definitely my mower. The other that says 1973 model is more of a drawing and there are a few small differences like the colour of the catcher and the handelbar are complete different, so it's probably an earlier model. I don't know, I haven't done enough research on Scott Bonnar mowers yet as I've been mainly focused on my early Victa model restorations.
Neither had I. I have seen a few 4-stroke versions but most of the time the deck is broken at the front. This one is bent but not broken. The catcher is in better condition than it looks too. It will polish up nicely!!!
I wasn't sure if I would keep any of the Scotty's I find, this one is a keeper!
It's a very good chassis and has all it's wheel covers. An old fella who fixed mowers in his yard around here revealed to me that they are the best chassis you can get. He had one with a Honda OHV he fitted to it.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Im not sure if I'll have the energy to post pictures tomorrow night but im picking up the rest of my Scott Bonnar mowers parts tomorrow afternoon along with a heap of other stuff. A large number of 70's 160cc and 125cc engines, carbys both G3 and G4 and I could go on but a picture says a thousand words so I'll show with pictures when I have them.....
So a very interesting early 80's Victa mower that came up for sale recently and I had a friend ask what I thought about it? Straight away my head thought it was just a bitsa but very quickly realised that the paint job was to legitimate for it to be repainted. Then the lug hole in the base was suspicious, the wheels looked like early 70's style and the base itself is larger, about the size of a twin.
So I started looking into it and I found an advertisement for it in the UK, then I looked at the advertisement for the mower properly and saw all the pictures and that this was the original owner who has the original paperwork that came with the mower, I then found the the catcher reference and finally in one of my parts reference manuals I found a Pro Deluxe Contractor from 80-81.
Im not sure if you have seen one of these before MF but I hadn't and I found it interesting, nothing I'd personally like except if I was still a gardener.
So one of the mowers I had to wait a long time to go and pick up is my 1974 build Sunbeam 160cc low arch.
I just gave it a very basic clean off yesterday and took some pictures. The engine case says it's a 74 build and it's got a G3 carby on it, so that all lines up.
Anyway here are some pictures of it and its immaculate catcher, also the serial number and pictures from my 75-76 dial a code with my exact mower except the Carby in the dial a code picture is G4 and the fuel cap is in a different position, otherwise it's a very very close match...
I would not restore that. Maybe replace the broken wheel cap, but that's in great sound survivor condition. I only restore far gone machines. That's got rich patina, particularly the base. The catcher is the right shape, but wrong colour. I never knew there was a blue version unless that's off an older model before the Victa association before they supplied the engine. That's certainly a unique base casting not used on any Victa. Later Sunbeams used the store brand type high arch base, making it a fully Victa product wIth only a unique engine cowl and of course labels and wheel covers.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Is this the correct catcher for it? Because I have 5 catchers that came with everything else I got that day and 3 of them fit. I found old picture of 4 other catchers I have.
Hi Seanoss, I dont think any of those are the correct ones for that model. If you put Sunbeam lawnkeeper in the search bar I am sure there are images of your mower with the correct catcher on it. Cheers, WCE
First one's a replacement low arch Mayfair/store brand catcher (like my KMart V170). They are a surprisingly easy catcher to empty out. Others don't empty as easily.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
So here is the brochure for the sunbeam I have. The catcher is a different colour but it does look as tho I didn't put it on the mower correctly and the light surface rust on the flap also really made it stand out. So if I can repaint the flap to match the catcher and if it fits like the brochure picture, then I'll be keeping this one sorry.......
I do love this mower too but unless I make changes to the flap I don't have a matching catcher and I don't think making changes is the right move. But I definitely agree that it's 1 of 2 low arch I love the look of. The other might have been on here. It was a Purple Pace low arch and was all Purple but sprayed, didn't bother me I thought it was awesome.
I've also found a faded Purple catcher, I've been offered and accepted a free Rover Ranger ride on mower that I have very humbly accepted and have finally got a time line on getting my impala 2 deck, cowl and engine. Also I have found a great source of parts for 1 of my Scott Bonnar mowers that came in pieces, it's the rover version of the mower with the exact identical villiers engine, just a different decal on the fuel tank really but I'm sure that SB might have made some changes to the engine they may not have. I don't know
So I picked up my 3rd powerplus and now have enough to make 1 good one from the 3, before I'm asked why I'm only getting 1 out of three it's because out of the 3 1 has an excellent cowl, one has a perfect deck (other 2 have holes everywhere) and the 3rd actually came with the wrong engine but came with the catcher, so 3 mowers that normaly someone else would have chucked out are being given a new life as donors to make one great restored one!
I also picked up my 73 Cherry Red Mustang, I picked up another model 5 special with all the bells and whistles for a great price and an early 80's super start utility cowl, the one with no hole or area for the starter assembly.
Then I also picked up 2 catchers, both are for store brand mowers and neither have a magic eyes, they are the opposite in design to each other but they both are the darkest shade of green that I've found in a high arch catcher so far. One of the catchers is pictured next to what was previously my darkest catcher in this shape and the previous darkest one came off my 80's series 1 Mustang that I've pictured next to the 73 Red one.
Nope, the red mustang was from 1 guy, the powerplus and dark green catcher off another, the model 5 off another and finally the store brand catcher off another person. I left my place early and didn't really sit to relax until 8.30 at night.
That PowerPlus 6 looks in nice barn find (hate that term -but gets the point across well) condition and I love that label, although very olde looking font.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
That powerplus it the best one I've found and its very very good. But I realised I have a base that might suit the dark green catcher I have. It's close but not quite right.
This base itself is quite strange because of its dark colour, the black victa logo, the lug holes for a large cowl and it's supposed to have a remote primer. The base itself isn't painted, I haven't really paid any attention to it since I got it because I didn't have a catcher and thus no interest. But now I'm Interested in it. Again, it's not quite a match but it's close.
But the base has lug holes for a large cowl and a remote primer, so it's before the change to the cowl. I think it's a store brand Mustang but different cowl to the typical style. SPECULATION
Finally after all of the waiting and pretending to myself that it's not the end of the world if it doesn't come together, the pictures arrived today! The stuff was still on the property and now my Impala 2 125cc base, cowl, Fuel cap and handelbars with the green throttle controller and the green air filter housing are soon to be delivered.
I found a few parts for my V6 sheerline resto. I found a stone guard windrow, the choke with victa embossed on it, a model 10 or 12 side catcher in great condition and all of the correct attachments, I have a model 4 side catcher in decent condition already and now have all of the correct brackets to use either model, handelbar badge and I have found someone who owns the original front and back Plastic Sheerline flaps and they do not look difficult to replicate at all. After making a silicone mould from an original all it would need is a bit of light sanding that should be about it. The amount of products available these days to make simple moulds and apoxeys that once mixed set into hard plastics that can be coloured too are readily available online and at bunnings.
Here is 2 pictures of the Impala 2 base I got today, 2 pictures of my stone guard, my sheerline badge, the side catcher, the choke (it needs a good clean up but will come up a treat)
I also have acquired an original Auto that I'm organising delivery of, it's not one of the very early ones as it has a green plastic fuel cap that's painted and the starter assembly is, I believe, the second generation and no oversized handelbar bolts but they could have been replaced.
The mower itself is serial number 124769, it still has the original front throttle cable attached to the very very rare clip that is attached to the cowl on the edger groove side and has 2 parts to it, one holds the front cable close to the cowl as to avoid it getting caught on anything and a similar clip is attached to the same spot on the cowl for the rear cable. The owner of this mower for some reason left the front throttle cable and the clip attached even after converting it to hand throttle control.
The mower is one owner, it's been sitting a long time but not completely unprotected, it has the handelbar badge, tool clips and an original straight bar tool, green painted fuel cap, correct carby and insert, cigar fuel tap, faded upside-down smile Victa embossed choke, edger cover and bolts, all 4 deck bolts to hold the skirts in place, obviously the front throttle and clip and it has an original, in poor condition but original, green starter rubber with a wire rope starter. Now adding that to the parts I've been piecing together here and there, when they are in my price range that is, and those would be my green and black reproduction starter handel rubbers, 2 cigar fuel taps, 2 second generation starters with wire rope, 1 set of excellent condition second hand wheels and treads and a set of NOS Bynorm ones too plus many others I haven't even looked at, I currently have 6 early model hubcaps that I consider excellent condition for any mower, 2 more special tools and clips, 3 edger covers 2 sets of bolts, 2 green fuel caps, 1 auto carby, 1 model 4 base, 4 deck bolts, 1 set of reproduction oversized handelbar bolts, 2 auto badges and another engine.
That's all I can be bothered posting tonight!! Happy New year mower peoples!!!!
So can I. I wish I lived alone in a large house. Motorbikes and lawnmowers could then be stored properly, under cover, and out of the weather. I have had a lot of my former enjoyment of this hobby destroyed by a woman that refused to allow me to continue filling the place with lawnmowers I was collecting and working on. Problem is I don’t own a house to put them all in, Sydney being what it is..... Perhaps one day. I live in hope.... 2stroker
Im a bit lost with what the last 3 posts have to do with "this weekends finds" but at least speady had a picture of something. Sorry I'm just lost with where the last 3 posts were leading or eluding too. But any way,
This is what I've come across and this is a piece I thought I would never find one of, that was available to buy and I couldn't even find a picture of a sheerline not a 4 star but the sheerline front plastic flap. I can find the red one but not this colour.
Then I ran into someone on my journey who had an original set of front and rear flaps for more than 1 Sheerline, at least 1 4 Star and may have the set for the Cadet and the Envoy 4-stroke because I didn't have time to stay and go through everything. I also picked up a second housing for the larger black choke/airfilter that I can replace the internals for and have the Victa one on my V6 sheerline when it's finished.
So here is my sheerline front flap that I picked up last weekend and the 2 choke housings I have with the Victa logo printed on the face.
First Seanoss congrats on finding those handy parts on your travels. Secondly we were making the point that not everybody is in your fortunate position of total freedom to bring home as many mowers as you can physically accommodate without being answerable to anybody, especially a female who is far less likely to understand and tolerate your interest, let alone a collection.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Ahh now I understand! Even I have limitations without a female involved. I wish I had much much more property to keep on getting large bundles of cheap mowers but unfortunately I've decided that I'm sticking to a certain few that get stored safely under cover, no matter how many I want to have I have to admit that I have a capacity and I think it would be unfair to keep going after certain models when it's just vanity to have these models. Case and point any power torque model I have including my red 83-84 one, I really don't love it, so I'm going to move it on to someone who actually is looking for one but doesn't have the budget of others or the luck that I have....
The only power torque model I really want is one of the chrome ones I posted a picture of that you had memories of. It's nothing against the mower, the engine or anything except they're just not appealing to me...... just like the VC-SPORT models aren't appealing to others, like some don't collect anything after 1960.
My collection is based on 2 things, what appeals to me and mowers or models that I find important in the evolution of the humble 2-stroke mower, yes power torques are included in that and I have the first model but I don't love it, I won't lie! I can't help it, it's not my style....... the V6 sheerline with all the bells and whistles, the Impala 2, the blue and purple VC-SPORT and the 75-76 Eclipse by victa store brand with the dark green base with its clean high arch and fluoro orange cowl in that very distinctive and futuristic look especially when I find a catcher that matches the dark green base, I think I have found one. I know that these definitely are probably only a list of my top 4 mowers and if you pushed me for 1 more it would be a model 1 rotomo.
I just don't want to offend you MF as I know you love power torque models deeply! But I just like other models more and I don't have enough room to safety keep collecting these because they will just be out in the weather and I can't do that. So I know I go on about being able to collect a bunch of mowers but even I have to pull myself up because it's not all about me......
Threw in a quick picture of the stuff that fits on my little chest of drawers top, these are collectables and parts to eventually go on finished model restorations. The drawers below are full of stuff like this, that's all I could get on top.
I personally like being surrounded by objects I'm fascinated with but clutter isn't good for your mental well being or lifestyle. I really want to pare back my collection. You end up with too many projects you'll never finish and you have to stick with a select few of the ones you are really into.
It's a shame you're not as passionate about the PT thumb latch alloy models as I believe they were the peak in performance for tackling thick overgrown lawn. A tad better than the full crank in power terms, if not longevity. The best mower I ever used was a 1980s PT Silver Streak in about 1991 when it was in near new condition. It was so easy to start and ran so smooth and looked great. I felt like I was driving a new late model car when I mowed someone's overgrown yard with it.
Last edited by Mowerfreak; 20/02/2204:45 AM.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
If it comes down to the superior 160cc engine the PT does win hands down. My opinions are purely based on looks. There are some early model mowers that are very collectable, rare and valuable but im not interested unless one falls into my lap for a cheap price, purely because they don't visually appeal to me.
So it's nothing against the PT itself, it's the change from fashion and flair to putting preference on profits. That's fair enough in this capitalist world. If I was in the management department and it's all about profit, I do the same! I don't like most 60's models either, too Brady bunch for me all those lifeless colour schemes. So it's just my taste in looks, not the mower or engine itself. I'll amend my preview statement about the only one I'd want in my permanent collection would be the chrome one to, I'd take the silver/chrome one and a Mustang with the optional V40 cowl. I did like the white and black 2 tone with mower and catcher, with red accents on decals like the TORBO DISC decal on the base of mine.
I saw the Powertorque models on thumb latch base as an updated continuation of the first thumb latch models from the early 70s like the VC 125 mark III and VC Mustang plus the Victa Two Stroke Hi Arch my neighbour had with the G4 125 combo with creme corsair style top and gold base. I thought the next generation Powertorque engines suited the sleek thumblatch base so well and looked even more modern in appearance and just looked like the right sort of progression fot Victa's line up.
Did you notice how the top tier Mustang engine cover (not Vortex) meets the catcher top almost like a seamless continuation, giving the mower a harmonic sleek appearance overall. The way the motor is perfectly level with the top oh the catcher to achieve that aerodynamic look to impress the Joneses with? The side pull full crank Mustang and Powerplus were the only full cranks that achieved those attributes. The Corvette almost did it but has an unnecessarily raise in the plastic around the fuel fillet that "ruins" it. The cup starter high arches do achieve the illusion of it but rise up a bit due to the top mounted starter.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
I love your passion MF and you show it so much with trying to convince me why the PT models are beautiful and even explaining why "you" have a passion for these models and their beauty.
I wish I could explain so simply why I love the models I love but maybe that's the difference between you and I! Everything that I kind of see in your explanation shows uniformity and reasons and thus you can explain your reasoning behind your passion for them. Where I can't explain simply why I like the models I do like and why, if I have to pick 2 top models it's the sheerline and my store brand Eclipse and it's the things that don't make sense on them that I find beautiful! They don't flow like certain models that have been perfected for the market it's targeting over a period of time and many "innovations" to come to something perfect for the market.
The sheerline is beautiful to me in a way I can't explain and the Eclipse is beautiful to me for all the reasons that most traditionalist or median collectors would find it ugly but I see the beauty in the imperfections that others see. I guess that's the only way to explain it.
So it's no longer the 1970s high arches that started it all? I personally cannot understand this fascination mower people have with this ancient stuff from the 60s and before. They are ugly and uninteresting to me and just too overtly old. If you felt the same way about the PT stuff I'd just shrug it off as having a different taste and experience with mowers than I do. What's this eclipse look like?? Is It the one with Corssir style plastic cover?
Last edited by Mowerfreak; 21/02/2210:52 AM.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
So I've been collecting for just over a year and in that very very short period of time my answers for questions like what got me into it or why I love this stuff have evolved dramatically and I'm guessing will continue to evolve, not change but grow.
The way you're so passionate about the accuracy and all of the fine details of the PT models with everything working perfectly in unison, shows me why you love it! What I see is a guy who sees the PT and certain models around it as being the first time that Victa got it, in your opinion, all correct! The way everything lines up and fits perfectly and the engine and the list goes on for you.
I see this like, you like DA Vinci paintings and I like Picasso.
Are either of us wrong? Or is there one thats a better artist? NO to both, a big NO to both because it's personal taste that dictates what we find appealing and we have very little say in our person taste.
I'll be straight. The power torque models bar the top end all look like crap to me, actually I only like the chrome looking one. Ugly boxy engine, same cheap plastic cowl for all, a choice of a base of weak sheet metal or a more expensive alloy cast that actually broke easily with big rocks, black catchers only. To me the power torque signalled the end of getting to choose a piece of art to mow your lawn with from a huge range of choices, to getting the most efficient and cheap product and all for profit margins. Taylor'd to certain markets. To me the power torque was the end to making mowers look great!!!
So the way you feel about some of the older models is how I feel about anything that came after 1980. I didn't want to be so straight about it, but you asked in such a broad statement about mowers from before 1960, and then you picked the wrong model as the argument for its beauty. I'm sorry but ask every mower person the question on what's better looking a model 1 Rotomo or a power torque commando. I'm sorry but I'd say a minimum %95 of the population would say M1 any day. The PT was where style went to die...... yeah profits for the company went to grow but style went to die.
I really appreciate your in depth explanation and I agree with you on the less abstract artistic appeal of the SPFC/PT era. Many things I admire are more square and less intricately shaped but still like some curves to be present but overall square and angle dominated and overtly 1980s looking.
Your example of preference for a 60s shape Chevrolet over the boxy 1980s one is a perfect summation of the situation. Authenticity is paramount.
The PT is part of my long term memories and thus there is a powerful sentimental attachment from an era where the latest modern square designs were what people aspired to. Those same designs have lost their appeal these days, considered outdated precisely because of their abundance of angles and straight lines, now considered dull. We've now gone to computer designed intricate shapes that are very different to the human made from the heart designs. I think I just touched on the appeal of the classic designs of three generations ago and more. My tastes are the 1980s designs of my childhood or 1970s that look ahead of their time like the VC mowers.
Last edited by Mowerfreak; 21/02/2204:45 PM.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
This is why I have such respect for you MF! You have your opinion but you're very open to seeing the point of view of others and don't discriminate that opinion as long as it makes sense!!!
I get why you love certain models and for your reasons just like me! Yeah I'm going to evolve my opinion as time goes on, I've been doing this just over a year long and I have so much more to learn and discover. Some may see my opinion evolving as me trying to please others or using it as an excuse when I make a mistake with something. But I'm happy to be wrong and have it pointed out respectfully because being wrong means to find something new and I love finding out new stuff especially if its something that most have only speculated on.
But in my opinion if people are not open to new ideas or willing to evolve their own opinions, especially ones they have made on their own, then they aren't doing anyone any favours by pushing them on others that don't agree and I'm sorry to say that their ignorance leaves them to what I think is a very boring life.
PS, I'll get some good pictures of the Eclipse in the next few days! Yes it's the 75 store brand with a very dark green base, fluoro orange cowl and I'm trying to find a matching dark green catcher and I'm close but not there yet! It has a high arch design without the pleat on the arch but also a smother finish compared to the Silver Corsair and Green Contessa store brand high arch bases I have from a similar era.
My taste will evolve as I continue this passion, it is a passion now not a hobby. But I will always find "MY" V174 Green 1975 VC-SPORT that I found on the side of the road that started all of this for me will be a pivotal and unmovable force in the evolution of my favourite models, brands, types and era of mowers and why as time goes on.
That's the thing with me, my opinions and taste. Nothing is set in stone with me, I'm open to new information and open to others thoughts and willing to see their point of view. Doesn't mean I'm a sheep either, I just don't want to be closed off to new ways of seeing things........
You had me encouraged when you showed signs of appreciating the premium Powertorques so there is a sinking feeling that you don't share the enthusiasm anymore. Too many people obsess over very vintage stuff and the modern vintage era falls through the cracks, like when they love showing 200 year old "stereotypically vintage" historic footage or five minute old stuff but very little if any from the magical 70s and 80s. That situation has improved from the TV stations thank goodness, not a moment too soon though.
I can't make anyone like what I like but the gulf in tastes with so many others into certain vintages or styles can be isolating. At least I know I'm being natural and authentic when I stick with my tastes despite the majority being into certain other vintages/models.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
I haven't changed my tune, I do still like the Vortex design and I do actually really like the white mustang with the optional V40 cowl and red decals but that's where it comes to an end for me "at the moment". But that also doesn't mean I've closed the book on what I find attractive. In my opinion anyone who isn't open to try and put themselves in someone else's shoes and really "LISTENING" to others opinions or ideas about why they find something attractive or interesting and won't be open to changing the way they think about or look at something, to me are the ones that jump up and down when someone does something with "their" mower their "own property" are a bunch of childish socks. Any one who wants to say I change my opinion to people please but if I find the perfectly matching catcher for my Eclipse then that will be my favourite mower! It's rare but not seen as collectable, you wait until I show you mine finished, you will be seeking out these fluoro cowls because the colour schemes that they set up with these are just so perfectly executed. You should know me well enough MF to know I'm no people pleaser and you are the only reason why I ever even considered the PT models.
What I will say is that I did realise is that even tho I live alone I do have limited space and right now the red and yellow vortex mowers I own just aren't high on the priority list as I have many many other models I like more and want to finish off. I don't collect 4-stroke and it's not because I don't like 4-stroke mowers it's because I've got enough on my plate with my 2-stroke mowers that the extra time needed on a 4-stroke engine just isn't economical, time wise, and that's how I feel about my red and yellow vortex. I like them and I'd love to return them to their original glory but I just won't get around to it and I know it! I'm sorry if the vortex are low on my list of models that I find appealing, doesn't mean I've changed my tune I've just decided to prioritise. Your prioritise and my prioritise are completely different and that's OK mate!!!
So this is my 1975 build Store Brand Eclipse by Victa High Arch. It's %100 a 1975 build engine, I see no signs of any engine change at any stages. It has the cylindrical shaped airfilter/throttle-controller that comes out over the arch so the primer cap can face outwards and easy to access, now I've only been collecting a short time but this is the earliest engine number I've seen with this set-up as the 75-76 V174 VC-SPORT doesn't and the 75-76 V173 Mustangs I've come across all have remote primers and the first engine year I know of to have the alternative set-up, again in my short time collecting, is a 1977 build, I think Mustang from memory but It could definitely have that wrong and it could have been my store brand Contessa. I'll check another day. The base cast shape is similar to the other store brand bases I own but not exactly the same. It's definitely a heavier cast than 2 of my other 3 and the main difference in looks is that 2 of mine that are lighter both have a pitted look, it's not an effect from anything done to the bases aftervwards. Its definitely part of the design of these other 2. The colour is this amazing dark almost hammer tone green but not quite and the catcher I still need to go pick up is the one I think that's actually made to match the colour of this base.
I think my main tastes in what appeals to me on a mower is what most see as a defect I see beauty in the defects. I like what everyone else hates...... I don't do it on purpose that's just the way my brain works, it works different to most others and there is nothing wrong with being different!!!!
I seriously hope you like this eclipse as much as I do. I took some pictures with water on the cowl so you can see the actual vibrant original orange and the base is grubby as but I cleaned a spot for you to see the actual colour and zoomed in. I just love everything on this mower and the catcher pictured is the one I'll be picking up once I'm up to driving long trips.
PS MF, you're not the only person who collects PT, maybe the bulk you run into and the few who are active on ODK aren't but before I left Facebook for good last December and there is an entire page committed to PT mowers. So it's not you VS the world. You just choose to stay within the confines of a smaller mower community than I do because 2 of the 3 people I consider the ones I trust and respect are all PT and the other started on PT but his tastes evolved over his 10 years and he actually likes obscure brands from the late 50s and early 60's and these aren't considered valuable, rare, but not valuable and he loves them for the same reasons I love the ones I do but his work horse is a PT and he loves it!
Do you hear me trying to convince you that the mowers I find attractive should be attractive to you and give you a list. Nope. I'm not trying to cause conflict, I'm just trying to make you understand that just because you have taken a very strong opinion or stance to explain "WHY" I should find them attractive so much to the point that your picking out statistical reasoning to try and convince me, I have a certain point of view of that era as the loss of doing things because they looked good and removing colour from catchers and I'll be %2000 clear!!! I do like the White mustang with the V40 optional cowl and the red decals as they off set the white perfectly and you almost dont notice that the catcher is black. I'd really really love one of those chrome looking mustang GTS that were given put as prizes for good sales stuff. I love your passion!!! It keeps this alive but it's not as dead as you may think, it's just hard for the true collectors to come out and express their appreciation or love of anything related to the mower stuff when the big personalities cut them down when they do something they don't like but this is the thing, it's not their stuff!!! I just don't care any more and I'll keep saying what I say because it's me being honest and If I want to use a model 1 rotomo as an anchor for my boat that's my right! Now morally is that wrong, to me it's absolute sacrilege and I would love to string the person up who does it but it's their right! It's their property.
I have to support so many others that have been collecting for much longer than me with the bullying and harassment they get online for just trying to share their passion and the way they use or treat their collection. Over opinionated and aggressively commenting negative comments on others post I's just a show of how weak these people are, I'm constantly helping new people because the Facebook pages may have been made in good spirits but the guys in charge have found it a good tool to rip off unsuspecting new people and I go out of my way to tell people that they are getting ripped off! I don't care if that rocks the apple cart but I don't care any more and I'd love to meet some of these scammers in person. Because once that keyboard isn't there to protect their anonymity , keyboard warriors, and they actually run into me they won't be so aggressive. No one on here has actually met me in person and I show areas of my personality that leaves people to believe I'm a submissive and easy to push over, then they see the 6 foot 5 bloke that my own father has mistaken me for a criminal before and all the puffing of the chest, deflates very very quickly when the stories that they have been telling you are obviously the attempts of a person who's scared and even tho I think they are wankers, I'd never say that to anyone just because that's the only way they cope.....
