Hi Christian , CyberJack and prd,
I really like the idea of using paint stripper for removing paint without disturbing the substrate underneath, but its a bit of a messy procedure for some as I could imagine.
I generally use a 4 inch grinder with a flap disc on it and that rips everything off and gives a great finish, admittedly not everyone has 5 x 4 inch, 3 x 5 inch and 3 x 9 units all with differing wheels on each at their disposal as I have so using what is convenient to each person will differ. Oh and while I remember I forgot the 7 inch machine in that lot, man too many grinders in my power tool cabinets.
As far as choice of power plants is concerned I totally agree with Jacks idea of of the OHV units opposed to the side valve units. My main concern is that you've gotten an "out of jail free card" so far with those rails and you don't want to start something that requires a whole lot of rework so a newer breed OHV unit such as a Honda would really be a bit of preventative maintenance in the long term I'd say.
I really think that a nice restore job on this unit will have your mower coming into the $1600~$1800 bracket and that's nothing to sneeze at. As Jack has already suggested, it would be easy enough to substitute power plants without having to do any structural changes whatsoever and if you so desire you could return it to original factory specs without a worry in the world.
We'd love to see progress photos of what you are doing as it all helps others and instills huge confidence in new Scott Bonnar restorers that view our forum before tackling any type of work themselves.
Cheers,
BB
