OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Question On Scott Bonnar Cylinder Mowers Original Rubber Handle Grips on the 45

Hi Guys,

Just wondering with all the remanufacturing of parts for the Model 45 why no one has reproduced the original Model 45 rubber hand grips.

I have a perfect set and these could be used as a mould to create new ones, surely this couldn't be too hard. This is probably the only part on the 45 that is missing on most restorations.

Any feedback is most welcome.


Cheers,
BB

Hi BB and ODK members and guests,

This is a great question. I have wondered about this myself mate.
For me, one of the great features of the 45 was its ergonomics.

The handle bar design was most excellent and the hand grip design(s) and feel
should not be considered distinct from that. It was part of what was a 45.

AS BB says, "Any feedback is most welcome."

All very ergonomic.
------------------------------------
JACK.

Hi All,

When one looks at the hand grip design for the Model 45 it changes over time. I have seen the erganomic moulded rubber design, a similar hard plastic design and a round soft grip (the latter are generally the same/similar to the ones currently available as replacements). With respect to the latter design the handle bar itself is round rather than the oval shape associated with the earlier variants. I would suggest that these changes were more associated with reducing component/manufacturing cost rather than true improvement in design. I particularly note that the round soft grip design is similar to the handlebar grips that I had on one of my first full sized bikes.

I suspect that the only reason that the moulded rubber grips have not been reproduced to date is the generally low demand. From what I have seen they tend to hold together fairly well even after years of use and are often able to be "mended" with a bit of superglue or duct tape to extend their life - certainly not good enough for a restoration but for everyday use it is probably adequate.

In terms of producing restoration parts, it generally requires someone with the interest and the capital to get such a project off the ground (or the ability to do it as a trial or a once of basis - e.g. at home as part of a restoration). This is certainly the case in terms of specialised replacement parts for classic cars and other machinery.

Cheers,

Sir Chook

Hi Chook,

I totally agree with you on the cutting of manufacturing costs and thus no longer crushing the tube and having special moulded grips made opposed to the purchasing of what became a standard bicycle hand grip of the mid 1970's. I think that there would've been more of the first design made as they were also used on the Model 33 and 40 plus up to around 1975ish on the 45. The finely finned units were used on the 45's from 75 onwards until Rover took over and then those similar ones that are currently available on eBay took over until cessation of the Model 45. I must admit the finned ones are not my fancy and the ergonomics of the last version is just not my style. As Cyberjack suggested the first ones are just the right feel along with the correct corresponding handle bar. That's what most of the Scott Bonnar feel is all about.

I might look into seeing what is involved in making these as surely it wouldn't be that much as the tooling wouldn't be that great. Copyright shouldn't be an issue either as all the patents would've run out as no company that owns them anymore is in existence.

I'll look into the matter as I'm sure they would sell over a period of time, I wouldn't expect them to sell overnight that's for sure.

Cheers,
BB

BTW have you picked up that Supercut from Normanville that you won ?

Hi BB,

It will be interesting to see what you find out as it could help with other restoration projects.

Re the the Supercut down at Normanville - it was SimRice that won that, not me.

Cheers,

Sir Chook

DOH !!!!!

Just to update all the ODK members regarding the rubber grips, I am going to see a chap in the rubber moulding industry to see if this is a viable option or if it is cost prohibitive.

I'll let you all know how I go.

Cheers,
BB

Hello BB,

That is great news mate, even if nothing eventuates.
I would rather have a quality reproduction than a poor original ... any day.

All very commendable.
------------------------------------
JACK.

Hello BB
Anything to report. I would gladly grab a few pairs if you can get them made.
Cheers
Steve

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the reminder as I still have to see the proprietors of a particular business that does this type of work and get a final costing of how much I would have to invest in the project.

Hopefully I can get that done shortly, but again thanks for the reminder.

Cheers,
BB