Some progress! New front roller arrived and installed. I'm really pleased how its looking. The new clutch corks are glued in now and next up is to refit the clutch assembly.
Cheers BB - yes very happy so far. The reel is "International Orange" and the chassis colour was mixed by Variety Paints here in WA. They are based in Malaga. He has two "recipes" for Scott Bonnar's based on older or newer models. He mixed up the older mix for me, but I felt it was a little too blue to exactly match the old paint colour, so he fiddled with the mix a bit and got it a lot closer for me. Apparently there's a guy that regularly refurbishes SB's and got Variety Paints to mix up the two colours a few years ago.
I got the roller from SB Fabrication and Parts, which don't always seemed aligned with the folk on here from what I can tell. I have to say its well made and fits perfectly.
I need to order a new motor at some point - 3.5HP B&S 5/8" seems to be the best option at a reasonable price, correct? Small Engine Warehouse?
I personally have no issues at all with (SBF&P) George, actually I'm more than happy to endorse him nowadays as his level of product is 100%. I've spoken to him quite a number of times and have struck up a friendship and understanding with him. There are parts that he has made up that are not commonly available and for that I have nothing but praise.
BTW George was the supplier of my Verti-Cutter reel if you look back at my build thread that I put up on here a few months ago.
As far as the engine is concerned the current Briggs sloper style engine is the best value for the amount you can buy an engine for these days.
I'm trying to think who that was in WA who had that paint formulation mixed up, I have a suspicion that it was a past member on here, but don't quote me on that one.
Cheers, BB.
PS. International Orange / Chevy Orange are basically the same formula.
I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.
That's the one, Smelmechiz. The piston doesn't fire straight up and down like the old flat heads did instead they travel at an angle. Just make sure you get the correct shaft size.
If you want to buy local, the Briggs shop in Midland do a very good price on the things, or check out some closer shops. Two reputable shops that are a bit closer to you are Keogh's Mowers 'N More in Willetton and Forrestfield Mower and Chainsaw in, surprisingly, Forrestfield. Stihl Shop Cockburn may have some too, but I'm not certain.
I don't collect mowers. I just require Multiple Mowing Solutions™.
Well, between decorating chores at home, I've managed to (almost) finish my lovely SB45. Got the clutch assembly on, hooked up the new motor, started her up and adjusted the clutch to test out the new cork clutch lining. All good! Put on the decals, new rubber catcher rests, all chains - except for the main drive chain which I got the wrong link for. Bah! I'll pick that up this week sometime and finish off. Also had a crack at hooking up the remote throttle to the new motor but pulled out the cable from the lever, so I'll need to research that a bit. Also - finally, and by far the worst part of this project for me, was getting that damn height adjustment circlip in. For me I needed to add a couple of washers where the spindle goes through the chassis (to bolt onto the front roller) so that the spindle lined up perfectly, then the only way I could get the clip in was a second pair of hands whilst I held up the spring and washer. I found I couldn't do it one side at a time as the washer would jam. So I am sorry to say I had to get the missus to help. I know, its not easy to admit.
Anyway, apart from those last few things, here she is and I am stoked.
To finish off, I have just finished mowing the back lawn. I was smiling from ear to ear and never enjoyed mowing so much haha! Final few photos now that the chain cover is on. I even rinsed off the lawn clippings afterwards - I wonder how long that will last!! I would like to thank you all on here that have helped me along and I must admit, this forum felt like a massive safety net for someone that sits behind a desk all day like me. Thanks for the advice and I wish all the other ongoing projects on here well also. I'll stick around on the forum and no doubt will have some questions when I start looking at the edger ...........
Great job Smelmechiz. I do enjoy seeing others keeping the "oldies" alive and more importantly, using them!
Check your nuts and bolts over the next few mows. You never know which ones might shake themselves loose if you have inadvertently not quite tightened them up properly. Put a few drops of oil into your oil holes either before or after every mow and check that your clutch is adjusted properly so you don't wear out the thrust pad needlessly. It should give you years of service if you give it 30 seconds of care each time.
Enjoy the mow.
I don't collect mowers. I just require Multiple Mowing Solutions™.
