OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Finding and Swapping Rare Finds & Donations Scott Bonnar "Centenary"

Greetings,
Here are a few pics of my "Centenary" model SB. I have to make a catcher, muffler is suspect, the engine also has a decompression valve on the head too - dunno if that was optional or not - or if the engine had been changed from a motorcycle of the period. The roller I will get a mate to make out of a nice piece of redgum, the fuel tank I will have to fabricate (from a pattern) - like the catcher), the throttle lever has been trashed and there is another one hanging on the handle. What else? Oh - the side chain cover has been fabricated at some time - good welding too. The cover may be original as made before SB geared up to get them pressed out. The later ones have raised lettering on them. This mower was made to celebrate the Centenary of South Australia in 1936. Villiers engine number WL 53376 . Villiers Model Mk. X1-0.
Stationary

Now THAT is a beautiful machine! I'm very Jealous of you (Though i do have two nice old reel mowers headed my way, so I should shut up and be happy!)

It's good to see the villiers badge is in such good nick too, and i love the way the fins on those old villiers heads 'Fan out'.

I cant Wait to see what you make of this one, it really is a beautiful machine, and being a limited edition, it's a unique and rare piece!

I'm guessing this is headed straight for the museum when done?

Would probably make a very important piece for the collection, considering it's historical relevance to SA!

I do have one question, How does one start a machine like that? I cant seem to see a pulley.

Thanks Mr Davis,
Yes, when restored no doubt it will find its way to the museum.
Re Crank handle - look at photo 5 down at the left side. It is sitting in a holder - a "Z" shaped crank handle.
Stationary

Ahh, I see it, should have thought of a crank, cheers!

Cant wait to see her finished!

Hi Stationary, I have done a bit of research for you and found a couple of pics of the "Centenary".

Your machine was introduced as you have said in 1936, the engine appears to be original but may missing some cooling shrouds as you will see in the bottom pic, which seems to be closer to your actual machine. This also shows the rectangular frame that supports the clutch lever, that is missing. Also throttle should be on the right-hand side.

There appears to be an upright piece of metal in front of the engine, just below and behind the muffler...for what purpose I don't know...maybe as a grass deflector to keep grass away from the engine??!

Hoping this is of help,

Wow, cant belive I missed this thread, what a machine!

The reason you missed it Joe was that it had been posted in the Atco/Villiers topic...I only found it by accident this morning and moved it...great looking machine tho and what a piece of history.

Greetings All.
Just back from WA tour - was in Perth 12 hours ago.
Sorry that I put this in the wrong forum - but glad that DeeJay shifted it.
Re the strange vertical piece under the muffler - that is not on mine - however I do have another vertical fixture the left side of the mower beside the carburettor intake. I thought this may be some sort of a holder for the shroud - but not now sure after looking at the photo you kindly supplied. Will take a better photograph later today when the sun has risen.
Stationary.

Hi Stationary, good to see you back safe and sound mate, looking forward to seeing the new pics...this will be a fantastic project for you and will look a treat when completed!!