Hi again
Kenny,Your engine was manufactured on the 10th August 1981, in Rolla, Missouri, USA.
I think in regards to the reel, you suggestion of getting a second hand original Scott Bonnar reel would have been in my opinion, the best option.
Making a reel from scratch is a job that requires specialist equipment in forming the twist of the helix in what is tempered high carbon steel.
have a look at the video here...you can see the blades being formed....
In my observations, your current reel will last you a long time if used domestically.
For a complete
full restore, a plan of attack would be:
(1) Take a good series of photos of your machine with a digital camera for future reference in reassembly.
Order your replacement decals for engine, chassis and catcher.
(2) Using our videos as a guide
HERE remove the cylinder reel and soleplate complete with its bottom blade attached, and have the blades straightened then powder coated then both sharpened.The engineer can supply and fit a new bottom blade if required.
(3) Split the cutter clutch and then remove the engine.
(4) Remove the cowling from the engine, degrease and thoroughly clean all parts of the engine and prepare for painting.
(5) Remove all chains and sprockets and rear roller assembly and any other ancillary equipment...(handles, clutch fork assembly etc) to achieve a bare chassis.
(6) Inspect chassis for any cracks, repair if necessary and then thoroughly clean and prepare for painting.
(7) Panel beat the catcher and clean and prepare for painting.
(8) Please post photos to this thread as you go along.
The inner cutter clutch half fitted to your machine, is a much better design in that it has a better fixing method to the PTO engine shaft. The grub screws are 90 degrees opposed and one secures the engine shaft key in its keyway, and the other secures the clutch half to the shaft.
The captive cotter fixing method is a design failure and suffers from damage by the key moving in its keyway and damage to the thrust bearing.
please keep us posted as you go along....
