OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers Scott Bonnar Model 33 Lawn King - Restoration

Hi Everyone.

This is a first post for me. I was just given s Scott Bonnar 33 model with a Kirby HK-30 engine on it. I'll Post some pics too! I'm absolutely stoked with it! I got it running after having to change the rear oil seal behind the points, cleaning them and re setting the gap and flushing out the old fuel. Started after a bit of effort and a new rip cord (the old one was shagged!). I'll eventually get around to doing a full resto on it but for now I am looking at accumulating parts for it and primarily rebuilding the carby because I am positive that the rust from the inside of the fuel tank and the off fuel would have played havoc with the seals inside her. So without further delay my main questions for now are:

1. How rare are these engines and how hard are parts to come by for them? i.e. full rebuild kits for carb, pistons, condos, rings, sealed/gaskets, clutch cones and friction material etc?

2. Are the manuals in the subscription section of this forum going to cover both my engine and my mower? I don't mind spending the money but only if it will give me the info I need

3. Finally although she still cuts grass like a champion someone at some stage has run over something and there is a small dent in one of the blades on the roller. (Not sure how bad the blade is underneath the roller probably not great!) can these things be fixed? or do you have to buy another barrel?
by fixing I mean heating it up a bit and knocking it back into shape see pics below.


Thanks again everyone in advance for your replies.


*Just a note I'll post the pics soon can't seem to get them to upload at the moment but as soon as I can They'll be up!

Hello kymbom2g!

A warm welcome to the ODK forums.

I am not the Scott Bonnar expert here; that is Administrator Deejay who is currently interstate.
I am not the Kirby expert either, that would be Global Moderator Grumpy.

I can get you started though.
The Model 33 is a great machine, highly repairable, and will serve you well.
It is the forerunner of the Model 45. To answer your questions:

[1] The engines are not rare. They are a Tecumseh design and most parts are obtainable.
Machine parts are more erratic, but the wearing basics should not be a problem.

[2] I will need to default to expert advice there ...

[3] We need to standardise terminology here mate.
The basic names are front roller and rear roller. The cutting is done by a reel (cylinder) in
conjunction with a bottom blade.

If there is a dent in the reel (cutting cylinder) then that is generally repairable via
an engineer/repairer. The bottom blade may need to be replaced.

The next step is to upload photos of the machine, including the maker's manufacturing plate.
p.s. How to upload photos

Cheers from the ODK Team.
---------------------------------------
JACK.

ok so worked it out! seems I'm a little impatient with the uploading!

Thanks for getting back to me CyberJack.


Glad to hear that there are still plenty of parts available for these motors. Mine doesn't blow any smoke at all with is great but for how long is yet to be seen.

It seems I'll have to familiarise myself with the terminology! I'm still new to the world of Scott Bonner but I'll get there slowly but surely!

I did read somewhere that the 33 was made from 1960 to 1968 vintage is good for me.

Ill have to get the Bottom blade out and inspect but judging by the dent in this reel if it hasn't already been replaced it'll probably need it.

I appreciate you helping me out where you can!

Hi kymbom2g,

You're welcome and thank you for the great, revealing, photographs.
For one thing, this is a 'special' 33 known as a Lawn King.

These extended the life of the 33 beyond 1968 and into the early 1970s.
These were sold contemporaneous to the Model 45.

The handle is painted tubular steel; the original 33 was flat steel.
Significantly, this has a Model 45 clutch assembly but with what I think is
a spacer between the clutch cone and plastic clutch washer. The primary clutch
lever faces forward; the 33 faced backward.

We'll have to wait and see what the experts think about this.

All very interesting.
------------------------------------------
JACK.

Very interesting indeed!
I did think it was a bit of a bitsa.

So this one was made in the late 60's to early 70's.
Is it possible that Scott Bonner manufacturing retrofitted the 45 clutch to the 33 Lawn King?
I know in my line of work that manufacturers take bits of one model and fit it to another.
However it will be interesting what the exerts say (not implying that you are not one your information is fantastic and very informative!)

This was my girlfriend's father's mower and he gave it to me but I have done some work to it before. Everything I have read and seen on your forums has said that the 33's had a belt drive as well as a chain but, I seem to remember when I took off the side cover it had 2 chains ill have to have another look as this was about 12 months ago.

One last question: Is the white colour on this engine the correct one? every other Kirby/Tecumseh i've seen is the orange/red colour.

Thanks again CyberJack all this information is fantastic!

Hi kymbom2g,

Thank you for that considered response. It is most valuable.
The more this story unfolds the more interesting it becomes...

I need your help here.
I do want to discuss a couple of points because I believe you have an important machine.

The first thing is that I wouldn't describe this machine as a 'bitsa' at all.
I think it should be considered as a distinct Scott Bonnar model: a Model 33 Lawn King.

I have argued on these forums that the Lawn King came about at a specific point in time for
specific reasons: the advent of Commonwealth legislation that changed the relationship
between manufacturer and seller, and the tension between mass-merchandiser and small agency.

It is absolutely my belief that SB retrofitted the SB45 clutch to your machine.
This makes sense in terms of component rationalisation.

- I would really like you to confirm that this is a 16" machine, and not the Model 45 17".
- Second, could we have a photo of the transmission (with cover removed)?
- Third, could we have a close-up photo of the primary clutch from above?

Colour: that's an interesting question.
Yes, I do believe white is the original engine colour, as I do believe gold is the original.
Gold the signifier of 'kings' and white for 'purity'. This would have been a stunning machine!

kymbom2g, you have a very interesting machine that ODK would like to document.
Did your girlfriend's father buy this machine new?

All very sovereign.
----------------------------------
JACK.

Oh wow! interesting is an understatement!

Definitely not a bitsa I will never refer to it as a bitsa EVER again!

So if your suspicions are correct then this mower was created due to commonwealth economic policy? I only say that because I am currently studying economics and politics at university and would be a great topic for me to pursue in one of my subjects next semester If you have any info on this you could send me or point me in the right direction that would be fantastic!


My girlfriends father did not buy it new he was at an antiques auction and picked it up about 18 months ago Not 100% sure what he payed but irrelevant in the scheme of things.

Hope the attached pics are what you are after. they are a little erratic but if there is anything you think I have missed or not the correct parts let me know.

I have measured the blades and they are 16" overall width is a tad over 17" closer to 18" with cover off.

Hi kymbom2g,

WOW! Those photos are excellent!
WOW! This is clearly new information on this rare machine.

This is the first time I have seen the first model Lawn King in detail.
Clearly, it is not a 33 or a 45, but a distinct design, integrating the newer
features of the 45 with the original 33. This is amazing.
It has not been documented (to my knowledge).

So, this machine has a 33 transmission layout, but with a 45 chain drive
to the reel sprocket. There is no belt!

I do not understand why the sleeve on the primary clutch is not painted.
The clutch, clearly a 45 design, seems original to this machine. I do understand, though,
that the cone was shorter on the 45, compared to the elongated 33 one, necessitating
a sleeve as used on your machine.


This is not a topic lending itself to brevity.

Yes, this whole issue of Commonwealth policy and the history of the Australian lawnmower
industry are intertwined from the early 20th Century. You are lucky that you are studying economics and politics,
because you are in a position to see that they, too, are intertwined. It would be a rewarding
topic to pursue, as it would require original research.

In fact, it was only deliberate tariff protection in 1929-1930 that kick-started
Australian manufacture of lawnmowers. The Foreign Trade Minister made a special trip to
England and convinced Qualcast to manufacture here. It did, and this fostered a
bevy of local manufacturers including Qualcast, Clyde, Crowe, Adams and others.

I better explain my contention about why this 16" 33, modified to become a Lawn King,
was manufactured at all; given that SB were producing the fresher designed 45 in 14, 17 and 20
inch variants. It just did not make sense to me.

After extensive research I have come to the conclusion that the original Lawn King was not
a branding exercise but a deliberate attempt to confront the Trade Practices Act.

That Act, historically, prevented manufacturers dictating selling prices.
On one side, there was the emerging mass retailers who had buying power and wanted
to sell at a lower price than what small agencies believed was viable.

On the other side, the small agencies, who lacked buying power (individually), were
hostile to the 'Big Chains' for doing this, and hostile to manufacturers for not
being loyal to them.

It is my belief that the Lawn King was offered to the larger clients at a reduced price.
This appeased the small agencies, because ... it was a different machine ... but sort of
the same. Later, it was realised that more subtle changes and 'branding' were all that was
needed to appease the conflicting parties. Enter the 'store brand'. The later model
Lawn King is essentially a Model 45 with a pram handle.

I have tried to be brief here.

-------------------------------------------------
JACK.

Well I can say that this conversation has taken an unexpected turn for sure!
I'm not sure i'll tell my girlfriends dad what he gave up!

The whole reason behind building them is fascinating and ill be sure to look into it at uni next semester too. You have provided some fantastic information with the political/economical history behind these bad boys.

looking around other forums it looks like the clutch fork mount is set further back than that of the 45's.
Is it possible if you had a lathe to fabricate up a spacer that meant you could retrofit a 45 clutch assembly to the 33's or are they a completely different design?

Finally is it possible to retrofit the chain drive assembly from a 45 to a 33?

These may seem like silly questions and it would be awesome if this was truly a special mower but, I have dealt with a lot of vintage cars and I have been caught out before thinking something was special and it has turned out that someone has retrofitted different parts to it (mostly in engines and transmissions and differentials).

CyberJack It's not that I don't believe you its more that it sounds too good to be true!

Once again thanks heaps for your help.

Hi kymbom2g,

The issue of retrofit was on my mind too.
This would mean that the primary clutch and belt drive to reel were
replaced at some point in time. My view is that that would be very possible.
It may be that this is exactly what has occurred here.

I will need to default to Deejay, the Administrator and SB expert, on this.
I know that there are other experts like Bonnar Bloke who may comment.

Nonetheless, this takes nothing away from the fact that this is a rare first generation
Lawn King. In Scott Bonnar lore, these are not common machines.

They are Bad Boys.

All very kick your grass.
---------------------------------------------
JACK.

Thanks CyberJack for all your help.

I'll PM Deejay and Bonnar Bloke and see, if they have time they might be able to shed some more light on it.

If anyone else knows anything else please don't hesitate to post something!

Indeed it does not detract from the fact that it is a rare machine. The information you have provided is invaluable!

You are a champion CyberJack thanks once again!

Hi kymbom2g & CyberJack,

If there's one thing we know about the manufacturing techniques used at SB and that is that they never wasted anything. Just as did happen in the model 45 there were what we call transition machines which incorporated new bits that were out of character until a fully redesigned component was fitted to the ongoing design. Most of these changes were only very small but never the less they wasted absolutely nothing. I'm sure every Wednesday the Thebarton bins were empty with nothing to be picked up.
One of those little things was the original ID plate had a single spot for mower model and number, then they ran two plates riveted over the top of each other with the model on one and the actual mower number on the other, shortly after that they got a ID plate that had two allocated spots for the two lots of numbers which was a bit more specific.

I must admit that extra spacer on the drive shaft has blown me away but I have to concur with CyberJack that this Lawn King was indeed a transitional machine and made towards the end of the Model 33's production run as shortly after that the colour went to Pacific Blue. BTW most of the earlier Kirby's were white on both horizontal and vertical shaft motors, but as far as Engine parts availability is concerned I'm not sure if I agree on that fact as that's why so many Kirby's get scrapped, no parts, unless second hand are used.

The trans is quite interesting but pretty much a theme from the 45 but arranged differently.

All in all as CyberJack has stated it's a very interesting machine indeed.


Cheers,
BB.

Hi kymbom2g, BB and ODK members,

I'm more convinced that the first Model Lawn King dates from the early 1970s.
Its factory colour was gold and white and not 'Bonmow Blue'. It was a Model 33 with an updated
transmission. These components were factory original and not retrofitted (best guess).

These are fairly rare machines for the reasons I've stated.
Here's an auction record from last year. Note the clutch spacer:-
[I hope this is not the exact-same mower as kymbom2g's?]



Here's a YouTube video of one:-

[video][/video]

Here's the best ad. I could find. It's not clear but it does seem to
corroborate a front clutch lever (maybe):-

Hi CyberJack,

Yes the auction photo you have found is in fact the actual mower in question.

Note the red electrical tape on the right hand side handle bar, well it appears on the photos that kymbom2g has supplied us with.

Isn't the internet just such a wonderful thing ?

BTW I am just wondering why this mower was fitted with the HK30 motor and not the 25 as being that the Lawn King was a budget build unit for the larger stores I'm a bit miffed as to why the larger 3 HP motor was used opposed to the 2.5 HP unit. I have the later Pacific Blue Model 45 Lawn King and that sports the 2 HP Briggs on it and not the 3 HP unit as most of the 17 inch machines used.

Cheers,
BB

Just another point to ponder,

This machine was made in the early 1970's as it has the double ID plate set up as I mentioned in an above posting, so I'd be comfortable in saying it was around 1971~72.

Also that "Lawn King" Decal on the catcher is about one of the best surviving units around as most are damaged in one way or another. I'm pretty sure that it is a clear background decal which pretty much has protected the paint underneath from fading.

It would certainly be worth taking very accurate square on photos of it for future reference and duplication for Grant (willingworker)

Cheers,
BB

Hi BB,

Always a pleasure.
Yeah, I did notice that, which is why I am approaching this cautiously.
I am convinced that the first Model Lawn King was gold and white, but I need
more corroborative evidence on the transmission changes.

We'll just have to wait and see what transpires.
Interesting machine though.

All very interesting.
----------------------------------------
JACK

Hi All,

There is actually another listing on that auction site for a similar mower from earlier this year. The photo is not fantastic but it does help coroborate that the colour of this model was gold and white.



Also looking at the youtube clip it looks like there is a spacer boss present which is also not painted gold.





Cheers,

Sir Chook

Hi CyberJack, Bonnar Bloke and Sir Chook

Apologies for the delay in getting back to you all.

The internet is indeed a wonderful thing! without it I wouldn't have found you guys!

The first picture is definitely the mower that I have. This auction house usually deals with deceased estate etc. The second one, my girlfriends dad said that he saw it there (He frequents this place often) and said that it was no where near as good as the one that I now have. He goes pretty well every week but hasn't seen any Scott Bonner's since.

The pic of the old advertisement is fantastic thanks heaps for digging that one up!

The video is something I have never seen before I did go through all of the other Bonner vids that I could find on youtube and the blade adjustment and clutch removal ones were great too!


Ill post some more pics of the front and transmission cover decal's if you need me to do so with a ruler in the pic for scale let me know and i can arrange that too.

I did also wonder why every other 33 I have seen has had a HK25 on it and not a HK30 too but if it was made in the early 70's then could that not explain the bigger motor?

All this information is fantastic though! The only other thing I can't help but wonder is why the clutch body and cone is painted the same colour as the rest of the mower. Unless this thing has had a complete respray already once in its life. but judging by the paintwork's age it really doesn't look like it has.

If you want me to post any more pics of anything let me know.


Cheers guys!

Hi kymbom2g,

It would be very much appreciated if we could get a close-up of the logo (with ruler).
It is clearly different to the 2nd generation 45 Lawn Kings.

I think Sir Chook's second photo (of a different machine) does confirm the livery.
As I said, these were handsome machines - and quite rare.

Matching the clutch colour to the main colour was the practice with the Model 45s back then,
so it seems 'right' that this would occur on the Lawn King as well.

I do not know about the engine. If the HK 30 was used on the 17" 45s, then it seems logical
that a 16" would receive a similar size engine...

I guess we need to just wait for new evidence to come to light.
What is emerging, though, is that the first Lawn King was more than a cosmetic version
of the older Model 33. It is a distinct model (asssuming the transmission changes are genuine).

I am keen to hear what Administrator Deejay thinks when he returns from his interstate sojourn.

All very interesting.
-----------------------------------
JACK.

Thanks for posting that Youtube video, Cyberjack. Many years ago I had a vertical crankshaft Kirby Lauson and hated the disgusting way it ran. That video brought it all back to me.

Hi CyberJack, kymbom2g and Sir Chook,

The engine stuff will always remain a bit of a mystery as the erratic placement of different size engines has always confused the life out of me. I have played with plenty of 45's and some have HK-25's on the 17 inch units (I have just received one with the 25 on it and it does have the larger tank like the 30's generally have) and I know it's a dinky die original machine. The same thing has been the case with the Briggs fitted unit. Some 17 inch machines have anything from a 2 HP, 2.5 HP to a 3 HP installed from new. I just think that it was a bit like Holden's marketing back in the 1970's. You can have it your way as long as we get the sale, while Ford had a moto of if you wanted a GT then it had a V8 in it and not like Holden's 186 3 on the Column Kingswood in a Monaro Shell, then a 186S with a Opel 4 speed as the base level GTS right up to the 350 Chev powered units. Sure Holden sold 9 Monaro's to Fords 1 GT but it was all about a standard with Ford and I feel very much that Scott Bonnar adopted Holden's method of selling and would do anything to stop Victa getting another sale.

I guess what I'm saying here is that from a historical point of view it's very hard to work out a pattern when there was never a blueprint to follow in the first instance and that's a real bugger for a historian, believe me I know especially when you're trying to piece the history of a Footy Club together and there's been many changes of management and protocol over it's lifespan and the baby keeps getting tossed out with the bath water every 4 years or so.

Cheers,
BB

Hi All,

I was doing a bit more searching and turned up another Model 33 Lawn King

Mower number 33 31275
Model 330026
Lawn King by Scottt Bonnar





I note that the colour of this one appears to be the same as the second mower in the photo in my earlier post. It therefore looks like there may actually be two different variants of this model.

Cheers,

Sir Chook

Hi Sir Chook, Contributors and ODK members,

That is so interesting.
Bonmow Blue, chrome handles and Kirby Red engine.
It has a 45 clutch with that spacer?

Bonnar Bloke is so right in saying that there may not be one single blueprint.
Great research S.C.!

All very interesting.
-----------------------------------
JACK.

Hi guys

Hi grumpy I do agree they aren't the smoothest running things but I like a challenge! Honda is good (best for reliability) but I hope I don't offend you here when I say good/reliable could also be boring lol!

Bonnar Bloke I hear you! The sporadic way that these things were built doesn't help when they get to the age they are and we are trying to piece together their history! nevertheless I must say I think I like Fords way of doing things! at least then we would know what we had and whether or not it is original! but then I guess it would take half the fun out of it!

Great find Sir Chook! It is of some comfort that there is another Scott Bonnar out there with the same setup as mine (makes me think it may be a factory fit after all!)

It will be very interesting indeed what Deejay has to say when he returns......... The more information we can share on this one it sounds like the better off we will all be!

I'll post those sticker photos soon too I just finished my last exam for the year so it will probably be tomorrow!


Cheers guys!

I think I have solved the mystery of the chain drive assembly.
I was looking around the place and came across the Manuals and parts list which has a downloadable pdf of the 33 with an exploded view of all the parts. see attachment at the end of the post
First cab off of the rank up the top of the page it says written in handwriting "Chain Drive"
Then the next two say written in handwriting "Belt Drive"

I would like to also bring to your attention number 71 on the same diagram curiously (now I stand to be corrected here) that looks like a certain unpainted spacer on my unit and the other one that Sir Chook posted too.

I wonder if the clutch cone from this page too is the same or a superseded number for the 45 clutch?

This all looks pretty factory after all!

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=6371#Post6371
Then click on the model 33 link.

Hi kymbom2g

What a great site you found!
I did not know that page existed. WE need to sort the quick links out.
Eventually, they should be assigned to their specific model profiles in the History forum.

In my books, total confirmation that you have a genuine and original Lawn King.
Yes, part list No. 71 spacer. The spacer was needed because the 45 cone
is shorter than the elongated 33 one.

The clutch lining p/n is the same for a 45. Confirmed.
I note the clutch lever faces backward on the 330026 chain drive.

Your Model 33001. Parts List shows a Model 330026 for the chain drive?
I wish the image was better quality. Looks like it was taken off a faxed original.



Very well done.
------------------------------------
JACK.

Hi Guys

I finally got around to getting those pics of the Lawn King decal with the ruler.
If this isn't good enough or you need more info let me know!
Looks like I'm going to be doing some panel beating on the lower part of the catcher too!

Cheers again for all your help.

Well it clearly shows that the decal was the same from start to finish as here is the image from the later "Pacific Blue" machine that I supplied to "willingworker" to make the Lawn King decals that we see on eBay every now and again.




Cheers,
BB

Hello kymbom2g, BB and ODK members,

Thank you for doing that, as it is now part of the record.
WE are now all much the wiser about this first model -
the gold and white one - fit for a King's lawn.

All very interesting.
------------------------------------
JACK

Hi guys

I just picked up another 33 model today and have stripped it down for parts for my gold and white one.
I've decided that I'll restore it, paint and all to its former glory.
This one was a little different as it had 2 piece pram handles, the belt drive and the older 33 style clutch assy.
The guy I bought it from said that the older 33 style clutches are better because they are a cast iron body and don't wear out like the 45's is this true to anyones knowledge?
The bottom blade and looks like its in pretty good nick and the reel hasn't got a dent in it so I think I'll use those and keep the dented reel as a spare.
The reel had a little different cut in it though. It had not just a straight edge like mine in the pics it has a taper machined into the blades as it moves down to the cutting edge.
It has a rubber grip over the handle to engage the drive to the rear roller (haven't seen that on any others but looks pretty factory)
It even had these really cool covers for the oil holes that snap into place and stop dirt etc getting into the bearings etc. Mine didn't have them so ill re use them on my build.
After pulling down this mower today its pretty obvious that these things need regular oiling and maintenance to keep them running at their best but hey I love a good challenge! (I never thought I'd get this into a lawn mower! its actually quite fun!)

What would be the best way to get in touch with willingworker? does he have a business I could contact because ill need some new stickers for sure!

Cheers
Kym

Hello Kym and ODK members,

That's great news!
I don't believe we have seen a restored first model Lawn King, and it will look
awesome in its gold and white livery.

This is an important machine and, in my view, more desirable than a stock 33, because
it was introduced for specific political reasons [I have speculated], and as I have covered in this topic.

That is interesting, the observation about the reel design. I have noticed that too.
Any pics documenting that difference would be much appreciated.

As I understand it, the Model 45 clutch has had criticism in modern times.
I do not believe the problem lies within the materials (cast iron versus alloy),
but in the captive cotter pin used on the SB 45s. If they loosen and go un-checked
they will wear out the housing. [BB corrects what I said here, below]

Rover probably - inadvertently - improved on the 45 clutch housing in cheapening its
manufacture. The capture is achieved by two square-head screws placed at right angles.
That seems to have worked quite well. The SB experts at ODK might wish to clarify and/or
correct me on that.

I am not surprised that the 33 reel does not have a dent, as the reel was protected very
well by the belt drive. The Lawn King does not have that protection.

Yes, the rubber grip is original 33. This is another difference you have helped to
document. the Lawn Ling has the 45 style all-metal trigger but retains the 33 rod to the
landroll clutch.

Contact willingworker through his eBay store. He is the great Silensmessor:
http://stores.ebay.com.au/vintagemowerdecals/.

Yes, I love those tiny spring-cap oil reservoirs. What you need to do is buy one of those
steam railway engineer's caps and oil-up the ol' King when he is restored.
[No need for the 'choo choo' sounds ]

I hope I have answered your questions.
----------------------------------------------
JACK.

Hi Jack,

I must admit that I beg to differ on the topic of clutches as it's only the alloy bodies that flog out and not the earlier cast iron units. I just picked up a trailer load of 5 SB's yesterday and every single clutch is OK and guess what ?, they are all the early cast iron units. I think you'll find that the cast units have absolutely no give in them thus the cotters don't come lose opposed to the alloy units which did allow the cotters to move ever so slightly and that starts the loosening process. One thing to take into consideration is that the alloy body was just another cost cutting exercise just like the twin rail was and also the plastic end caps on the front roller.

I do agree that pinning the output shaft at right angles has cured the issue to some degree but you just can't beat a cast iron clutch body and I salvage everyone that I can as they are worth an instant $80 on the nose when compared to buying alloy replacements.

Cheers,
BB

PS I've also just fallen across the very last variant of the Lawn King which had a totally different decal. I shall take a photo of it and post it up on this thread.

Good Morning BB,

Thanks for correcting that. I was not aware the CI clutches also used a cotter pin.

Cheers.
--------------------------
JACK.

Just out of interest, below is the very last variation of the Lawn King Decal that was used exclusively on the Pacific Blue and Silver Streak

Model 45's



It's not a great example but it's the only one I've fallen across in a few years.

This sticker was also used on the Silver painted Lawn Kings.

Cheers,
BB

Yeah right! Thats not a bad looking decal at all! I haven't seen that one before.

Ill post the pics of the other reel soon and ill be sure to be in contact with willing worker soon to get some new decals.

But can I just say Rest In Peace Phillip Hughes. I'm not sure how many of you are cricket fans but The whole reason I got into Scott Bonnar's is because I went down and got my pieces of turf when they dug up the old Adelaide Oval and I've grown it out. I've been a cricket fan my whole life and I sincerely hope nothing like this accident happens ever again.

Hi Kymbom2,

So you're in Adelaide as well !

There's quite a contingent of us here in SA along with all the SB's that were made here at Thebby.

The decals you'll buy are in fact taken from my original photo that's back up this thread a bit. Grant Simpson (willingworker) who does them is down Glenelg way.

BTW is your reel something like this one ?



Regarding the Adelaide Oval turf, I wished I had gone down there when they were giving it all away as I'm just about to plant all new lawns around our new house.

Haven't got any to spare by any chance ??

Cheers,
BB

G'day BB

Indeed I am in Adelaide!

Just out of curiosity WillingWorker isn't the same guy that did the stickers at the brickworks back in the day is he?

I am in very good company indeed It does make it a little more personal knowing that they were built in Thebby!
Probably A bit like the feeling you'd get restoring a classic Holden

Yes my reel does look like that indeed but 16" long. Could they be an aftermarket reel?

The Adelaide oval turf was well worth getting up at 6am on a Sunday morning to get my 4 squares 300mm by 300mm. You'll have to wait in line to get a bit of the grass though Ive got 3 mates waiting to get a bit too! I'll offer to you what Ive offered to them a plug or 2 but if you are planning on waiting a few years to grow it out no problem!

I can tell you however that It is Short Leaf Santa Anna and it will grow best in the full pelting sun, any shade and it doesn't like it at all.


Cheers
Kym

Also just out of curiosity were all SB's 33's and 45's painted with hammertone effect? or is that just weathered paint I am looking at?

I only ask because when I go to get the gold paint matched I want it to be right.
I had visualised a gloss colour with many many coats of clear over it like a car paint job.
But the more I look into it the more it seems like it is a hammertone.

Cheers
Kym

Hi kymbom2g, You are correct they were all hammertone colours, gold and white...Pacific blue, silver and we are waiting for confirmation from BB; they were also in a green hammertone...
Here it is in the hammertone gold...

Hi DeeJay,

Sorry, but no Green in Lawn King's, that colour was exclusive to genuine Scott Bonnar's sold at full retail price in the smaller stores. There had to be something in being an exclusive Scott Bonnar Dealer and that was to sell the Premium machine.

Cheers,
BB

Hi DeeJay
Thanks for the colour info most appreciated.
Is that your Lawn King? Looks good!
Is it just me but do a majority of the unrestored SB's I see have a dent on the front of the Chain/Belt cover? I only say this because mine has a similar dent to the Gold/white one that DeeJay posted and even the one I have for parts has a dent like it too.

and sorry just to clarify when you said

you are only talking about the gold yes? not the white of the engine as well. I only say this because i'm pretty sure the engine is gloss white.
I hope these questions don't seem too stupid I am just compiling my shopping list and want do this machine justice for the resto with everything as close as it can be for when it came out of the factory.

Cheers
Kym

Hi Kym, sorry to cause confusion...When I said gold and white, I was of course referring to hammertone gold for the chassis and grassbox (catcher), and gloss white for the engine.
The machine in the photos is not mine, I just happened to have the pics in my archives....
BB, thanks for clarifying that for us....so we can now say with confidence that the Model 33 came in 3 hammertone colours;
Gold, Pacific Blue and Silver.

Regarding the Model 45 SB, yes Kym, they were all green hammertone until the takeover by Rover Mowers in 1980....then the transitional machines, the Rover-Scott Bonnars were painted in a solid colour, and finally the Rover 45 which was powder-coated.

Regarding the dent in the chain case cover....I guess that is a particularly vulnerable area on the Model 33 when navigating around gardens, edges etc...on the Model 45, it it protected by the height adjuster.
Best of luck with the resto Kym,

Hi Kym,

I'll chime in here if that's OK as Darryl is probably a tad busy this morning.

I'll just clarify what DeeJay has previously posted as he is correct.

The colours used on the frames are all Hammertones, but the Engines themselves were sourced from the various engine manufacturers and they painted them at there own factories in there own colours, thus the Briggs Engines were International Orange, Grey and Black, while the Kirby's were also Orange and White as is yours.

Where this changes is in some of the earlier machines such as the "Supercut" which had it's engines repainted in the frame colour as they were a different green from the Villiers Factory in Ballarat and it would've looked silly with two shades of green being used on the same machine. Normally you would want a deliberate contrast between the engine and frame colours. Also I think you'll find that a deal would've been struck between SB and the engine supplier to supply engines a tad cheaper if the engine builders colour scheme was left, thus advertising the engine brand more predominantly and creating awareness, something along the lines of "Scott Bonnar Powered by Briggs & Stratton".

I hope I've clarified paint finishes for you thus giving you a better insight as it can be somewhat confusing.

Also just about every SB chain / Belt cover has been slightly to massively dented at the front corner due to hitting concrete path edges etc. They were never dented from the factory that's for sure.

Cheers,
BB


PS, I've just written this post while Darryl must've been doing the same and as such it seems a bit out of sync.

Hi BB, you must have been typing as I was posting, but thanks for the extra info on the engine colours...
I think Kym will be on the right track now, mate


PS: Don't forget that Briggs also had a 2.5HP engine used on the 14" SB that was painted silver.

Great!

Thanks heaps guys I reckon I have the info I need to get this rebuild underway!

I'll post progress shots as I go along

Really appreciate all the help/info that CyberJack, BonnarBloke and Deejay have posted.You guys are a wealth of knowledge.


Many thanks
Kym

Hi All,

While this is a Model 45 Lawn King, this mower displays the blue livery with the same decal as shown on the silver version. I though that I would add this just for completeness of discussion regarding liveries and decals.




Cheers,

Sir Chook

Hi DeeJay,

Not to be silly but I did mention the Silver / Grey engine in the post about paint a few spots above this one.

Just for the record there were also Grey 2.25 HP engines fitted to the 14 inch machines along with the 2 and 2.5 HP units in that same series.

Yes you are correct I was typing while you posted that earlier post thus it looked a bit like we were talking over each other.

Cheers,
BB

Hi BB, I misunderstood your terminology...to me, grey is a solid colour....silver is a metallic finish, and that's what I was referring to. No probs mate, all good.

Hi everyone.

Its been a little while. I'm just starting to gather together the parts, paint etc. for my build and I'm wondering if anyone knows a spray painter that can paint hammertone in the Adelaide area? Or can I do it myself?

I went to an auto paint store today and they can match the colour for me and said I can mix 1-1.5% oil or silicone compound into the paint to get the hammertone effect if I was to do it myself.

I have access to a sand blaster at work so its easy to strip the paint off and prep the surfaces.

Also I seem to remember someone mentioning (I think it was Bonnar Bloke) that there is someone that does the re production stickers for my lawn king anyone know who it was and how I can get in contact with them?

Any input as always would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Hi Kymbom2g,

As far as doing the job yourself you'll need a spray gun and compressor to do the job satisfactorily. Maybe you could tell me where in Adelaide you are as I could possibly help you out if you get stuck.

Silicone is definitely the product that requires to be added to the paint.

As far as transfers are concerned you could contact "willingworker" on this forum as he's the major seller on eBay that reproduces most of the vintage mower decals, he's also a fellow Adelaidean.

Cheers,
BB

I have a 33001 as well and require a full sprocket set for it.

These are two lawn king mowers models 33001 and mower numbers 33-20559 and 33-20945 and progress on the make-over of the 20945

on another note I am not sure about there not be-ing a green version of the 33 lawn king as I have one,model 33001,mower number33-20633 which falls between the two gold mowers in the earlier post




as can be seen by the colour under the I.D plate and inside of the chain cover,i would doubt this mower has been repainted but the drive seems to have been repaced with a gold one. regards,john

Hello Voljon

Thank you. You could have the world's largest collection
of Lawn Kings there.

It's not common to see two 33001s side by side.
It's hard to get a feel for the new colour from the photo.
Are you happy with the choice? Is it a stock colour?

The green one? Do you feel it is a re-spray?
There seems to be paint on bolt heads that were not originally
painted....?

I have recorded the serial numbers.

---------------------------
Jack

hello jack,i am pretty sure the light green is a respray, but I don't know about the green on the inside of the chain cover. maybe the cover is off another model.i will check the covers on some other scott bonnars and see if they interchange.regards john

G'day John

That's interesting.
Perhaps, as you say, the cover is a replacement.

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

Hi John and Jack,

I've noticed in the photo of the two unrestored machines sitting side by side that one uses a smaller "winged decal" on the chain case while the other uses the standard "Lawn King" decal as per normal. That small decal is a bit of an abnormality I must say.

Cheers,
BB

Hi BB and John

That would be the usual 33 one, perhaps fitted in error.
The earliest 33s had the 'blob' one.





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

jack,do you mean that the earlier belt drive 33 has the bonmow decal.i have two of the belt drive mowers, 33-07963 and 33-10578 but the decals are long gone.i removed the handle grips on the green model 33 lawn king and found gold paint, so I now have 3 of them
regards,john

G'day John

Yes, I do mean that the first 33's were 'Bonmows', but 'No' as to
whether all belt drives carried the Bonmow decal.

For whatever reason, SB dropped the Bonmow name and the mower became
the simpler 16" Model 33.

The issue of belt & chain, and all-chain transmission is confusing.
I'm hoping we can sort that with your help.

It would appear that the first Model 33's were all-chain, but at
some point SB moved to the belt drive to the reel. The later Lawn Kings
moved back to all chain. Confusing? Yes.

Help!
-----------------
Jack

Hi Everyone

I am currently working on a Scott Bonnar 3301 and cannot get the engine clutch lever lined up correctly as you may see from the photo. Can anyone guide to me to what I am doing wrong. I am assembling the shaft the same way it was dismantled but obviously I am doing something wrong. I would really appreciate any guidance.

Many thanks
Willo

All sorted thank you. The spacer on the shaft was stuck in the wrong position.

Willo

Hi Willo
That's great!
Remember that the final adjustment will occur when
the engine and clutch are installed.

That's what the adjusting bolt and lock nut are for
[as seen in your picture].

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

Thanks Jack

I will send you a photo when it is finished. I may have a bit of a problem with the govenor, but will see.

Regards

Willo