Well, yesterday I brought home two Scott Bonnars that I picked up for a total of $80 in the hope I could use some parts on my Rover 45 and potentially do a restoration on one (or both?) of them down the track. One of them is a 17 inch model 45 and looks pretty good, I'll probably do a separate post about that one later.
The other machine has a 16 inch reel and that's the one I'm interested in finding out some details on. Pictures attached. I tried to turn the engine over but it appears seized... after opening the filler plug about half a litre of yellow water came out... so I think it's fair to say the Kirby engine is done. The rest of the machine however to me, looks to be in pretty good condition, but I'm interested in your thoughts given the photos I've provided.
I did notice the rear roller appears locked when trying to move backwards, and I have been unable to reattach the roller "clutch cable" - it seems to be stretched right out open (ie. Handle engaged tight to the handlebar) if I put it where i think it is meant to go.
Anyway, it would appear that with a clean up and a replacement engine it could turn out to be a reasonable machine - should I choose to go down that path (and I may in the future). I'm interested in the fact that it is a 16 inch though, I hadn't heard of them existing.
Lets put it this way, the money you spent bought a Model 45 and the 33 was tossed in with the deal.
Personally I wouldn't buy a 33 but that's me. There are no parts available for the 33 and basically no parts correlate between the 33 and 45. Also the 33's as much as they are a part of Scott Bonnar history fetch absolutely no money at resale time. It's all about the Model 45. Even the bulletproof "Supercut" holds hardly any value to those in the know. The only person you'll get any decent coin from is a totally unsuspecting green horn that just sees the name plate and thinks they've scored an absolute bargain. Sadly the 33 is a money pit, but if that's what floats your boat then don't hesitate to hold back. Restoration is quite personally rewarding.
BTW I can hear Mod CyberJack screaming in the background already.
Cheers, BB.
I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.
