Ive had the front axle out of one and re tensioned the axle clips.
One i have here at the moment has u bolts holding the front axle in. Washers over the original holes with a nut and i would assume new holes drilled at the front for the other.
Blade plates are available in the store.
I fixed my grandfathers up for my uncle, i had to replace all the bolts/nuts that hold the belt cover on.
Spring??? Im not sure there is one.