Hi user101 and ODK Members & Guests

They're great photos that tell the story here. To address this, this won't be an easy or short post.

I'll take the issues in turn: You said:-
I'm guessing the presence of the washers indicates that the height may be somehow "permanently fixed".

I think not, the washers were added because the knobs have just worn out.
The knobs seem to be beyond their service life, and the washers were added to secure the brackets.

The Wimbledon used four of these fasteners: two on the rear roller brackets; two on the curved
plate behind the reel (or cylinder). The difference was in how the screw was inserted:

[Linked Image]

The best way would be to simply grind off the heads of the bolts and free
the bolts from the roller brackets. Replace them with the better, deflector bolts and knobs.
[assuming the brackets are in good condition]

This, however, will not solve your objectives:-
You said this:

I have two main goals here:
1) Get it working correctly and well
2) Potentially restore it to a nice shiny condition, rather than what it is now.

Looking at your recent photographs, I do not think this machine is economic to repair
as a regular-use lawnmower. The bottom blade is worn out and the reel (cylinder)
does require re-grinding. This is very expensive.

Second, the tyre rubber is clearly deteriorating. New replacement parts are not available
for Pope Wimbledons.

The bottom line is: unless this machine has some sentimental value, meeting your
objectives may not be economical.

That's a pity, because Pope Wimbledon's were superb lawnmowers.

[NOTE: Having said that, the best advice would be to contact a local repairer that
sharpens reels and can manufacture a new bottom blade. If this can be done within your
budget then we can assist in helping you disassemble and re-assemble the machine - CJ]

You have highlighted a real issue in push reel-lawnmower restorations user101.
This is a complex issue: the desire to 'make live' an old mower versus the cost
of doing so. I await your response.

I hope this helps.
------------------------------------------
JACK.