Hello xhall,
Well it seems that you certainly have your hands full there. Most times these old Scotty's are pushed aside for a reason and I'm sure that yours was because it would've vibrated like crazy when it was last running and your Grandad had had enough of it.
A flogged out clutch, no proper contact between the motor and clutch, a bent rear rail and a bottom blade that looks like it's been used for cutting wire and not grass is just to name a few issues that you've encountered. I must admit I would be very surprised if there were absolutely no stress fractures in both rails underneath the green paint. With a bent rear rail like you have there the out of balance motor would've induced some fractures as they always do. I have about 3 machines that are fractured to buggery and are "straight as" in the rail department and believe me I've seen many in my travels assessing other people's machines.
Therefore could you please be so kind and take some good close up shots of around the motor anchoring holes, as this will give me a better idea of how you should approach the chassis part of the project. I won't interfere with the engine side of things as Grumpy is the expert in that department and will be able to best advise you there.
I look forward to the rail shots.
Cheers,
BB
