Hi Sapper,
Lots of questions there and bits going in all directions. The alloy base PT's are out there I have picked up a few of them, but these are 18 inch not the 19 inch that I have come across. The earlier F/C's are more common but usually the catchers are toast. Some of the black aftermarket ones are in good condition, just have to be lucky. I have fitted Rover catchers to a number of these high arch Victas and they work fine, just have to modify/make a new rear flap, fairly simple job. All depends on if you want to keep it original. The Vortex is a strange one great mower with a PT motor but surprisingly people shy away from them because believe it or not they can't see the motor. Never knock back a rusty PT, the motor is probably very good, just strip and dump the body and stick it in the corner, before too long they will no longer be available. Be careful, this fascination can quickly get out of hand.
