OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Finding and Swapping Rare Finds & Donations Victa Self Propelled c1971

Hi guys,

Is anyone as excited about my new mower as I am??

I've never seen a self propelled this old - but that doesn't mean much as I haven't been around mowers all that long. It might not be a rare beast - but its a bit uncommon.

What is it? A Corvette?

Blumby seems to be keen on the Corvettes - any comments? Know the exact model?

OH good work there Polybus.
Be buggered it's not rare. I've been trying to find that model for quite some time.
That is a 1969-70 Self-Propelled model 69VA-1 Victacode V68. It also could be a model 1969-71 model 69VA-2-3 and or 70VA victacode V69,Very little difference between the models.What might help if you could post the engine number it might help in identifying which model it is.
No it's not a Corvette as mentioned above it is just called a Self-Propelled.
Depending on which model it is depends on which carby it run.As through these models they run the 3Q,G2 and the G3 carby's.
All in all totally awesome find,I'd be happy to find one in that condition.

Thanks for the info/comments Blumby.....

I'm such a ChuckleHead sometimes!!!

I was so excited to find something I'd never seen before, and was so keen to buy it I barely looked at it, I didn't even notice it didn't have a Carby.....

Engine number....

Hello Polybus and Blumbly

Congratulations on the find.
Too few of these survive today.

I will remove from the topic heading the descriptor 'Corvette'.
This is a 1971 Victa Self-Propelled.

1971 Range catalogue:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=61949

May I ask; what are your intentions with this one?
A full restoration?

Cheers
----------------
Jack

Yes, a full restoration is the intention - I hope I can do it justice. I like to bring them back to as close to factory original as I can.

But I wont even get to start until at least February next year - as some may know, I often end up at the far reaches of the country for work, which takes me away from my toys/tools/workshop etc - and cine 5 weeks I'm off to Mildura for 6 months - so I won't get started until I return home in Feb next year.

And for those who still remember....I am still working on the Triplets on the rare occasion I get back home.

Polybus

Hi Polybus
That's great news!
I have seen your work here, so it should result in a great restoration.
We understand it will take time.

The reason I find these machines collectable and 'exciting' is that
they are so anachronistic ... the 'fender styling' of the base is a
carry-over of 1960s Victa. The combination of a complex transmission
resulting in a primitive dog drive is hilarious. That is why these
machines are collectable and deserve saving.

Please keep us informed.
----------------------------------
Jack

OK Polybus I was on the right track,it is the later model from 1970-71 Self-Propelled model number 70VA victacode V69.It should have had a G3 carby.Your one was made in 1971.This is the 2nd last model of the self-propelled,I'm green with envy as that and the last model I'm still trying to find.

You have done really well.

If you decide you don't want to restore it let me know.I'm sorry I just had to say that.

Your going to be kept busy doing that up. It will be well worth it. I just love those fat rear nylon bearing wheels. I wonder why they chose them instead of the ball bearing style?

nice find there mate, a great mower to restore, and the bits
yours are missing shouldn't be to hard to find, just make sure
you post PLENTY of pics of the resto for our green mate Blums to enjoy....

Green is right there,that is one of the models I want.
Oh look there you can see how green I am.

that's the same chassis as yours Blum..

What will you do with the hole in the base (LH side)? With my Mustang GTS, I just stuck a square of tin on the inside with liquid nails and then apply Selleys Knead It over the top.
I also examine carefully for fine cracks emanating away from the hole and if there, I drill a small hole (about 3mm) where the crack(s) end. that stops them from expanding any further in future.

Good question, what will I do with the hole in the base????

I was thinking something similar, but I would like the fix to be invisible from both sides, both the top and the bottom.

Like you, i was thinking of placing some kind of metal (probably cut up aluminium can) on the bottom side, and glueing it there with something quite temporary.

Then use something like Selleys Metal Knead, or Metal Tech Car Body Filler to fill it from the top. Once that stuff has completely hardened, rip off the aluminium can (which may be a lot harder than I think!!)and then sand both sides level with the deck itself.

If it comes out well, should have a perfect fill for the hole. If not, just keep bogging it and sanding it until its good.

At least that is the plan.

Good tip you gave about drilling the 3mm hole at the end of any cracks - that will stop them spreading (if there are any there - I've not had a good look yet) and I can fill them with metal bog as well.

And both those things, Metal Tech Bog or Selleys Knead It will accept paint, and if I can get a good hammer tone finish, the fix should be invisible from both sides.

Actually - did these models have a hammer tone finish??

Polybus

I retained the tin to shield the epoxy filler from being blasted when I use the mower. If you are after full on restoration with no plans to actually use the mower, then you could get away with removing the backing. One idea might be to use gaffer tape or maybe even masking tape will make enough of a surface to mount the filling material onto. It will be tricky to achieve a flawless bridge over the hole on both sides. I would try doing the outside and then the inner in separate stages.
It would be ideal to find a skilled lead filler if you are mega fastidious about achieving an authentic as possible restoration.
I personally think bog or epoxy filler will be perfectly practical and then just paint it over.

Yes it should be as that base covered the last 4 or 5 Models.From 1968 to 1972.

Oh no no no no no.If you going to restore it then do a good job and have an aluminum plate welded in.My eyes a sore from reading all these bogies repair ideas.It doesn't cost that much to have it fixed properly,and would be much less time.
Sell it to me and I'll get it done the right way.

G'day Blumby,

Can I PM you, or eMail you?? I've got some info you might be interested in....

Polybus

Yes mate I've sent you a PM.

Hi Blumbly,

Why don't you open up the PM option in your profile as you've got it ticked as closed ?

Cheers,
BB.

There BB I think I got it.I didn't even realize there was such a setting.