I'm picking it up tomorrow Slash, like me it is a bit tired, but I enjoy bringing old neglected machines back to life.
I usually try and avoid getting parts for these old machines from the manufacturer (if they still have them) generally I repair or come up with something that will do the job adequately. At the moment I need a gear selector safety switch for an Ariens 11/38 and it looks like I might have to get the genuine part. Have tried to think of other ways but so far no good. Lucky for me their factory is only 5 mins up the road
