Hi Davo,
We know exactly what you mean regarding unfinished threads. It frustrates us to no end. It's also quite rude I find. One could use the analogy of catching the train to Adelaide but jumping off at Bowden if you get what I mean.
Blades are constantly being removed with a new blade inserted by the guys that work on these and other reel mowers for a living.
As far as what you want as an end result is totally up to you, as long as it's saved and not ending up in the scrap yard.
Now regarding the carby, they are quite straight forward and it would be easier to disassemble, clean and reassemble than buying a cheap Asian copy, waiting for it to arrive and fitting it.
You might be able to lean the handle bars backwards by undoing the upper nuts on the fastening points to just clear the air cleaner.
Cheers,
BB.
