OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers SB 45 17" Restoration....another one

Hi all. I'm currently restoring a Scott Bonnar 45 17".....yes, another restoration post.

I want to restore it to original condition. Below are some progress photos.

I got my local paint shop to match the original colour. I'm very happy with the matching, cant see any difference.

I'll add more photos as I progress.....though it is a long term project. Cheers all!

Hi Corduroy,

The resto is coming along nicely, and the paint looks awesome! Well done mate....please keep the pics coming!

Glad to see another machine being done in its proper original colour, that's what restoration is all about in my eyes.

Good on Ya !! and as Deejay say's, keep those pictures coming as its puts the enthusiasm into us all that strive for perfection.

Agreed, this looks great

I'm not sure I've seen a 45 with this paint scheme restored back to original. Definitely looking forward to seeing more.

Thanks all for the nice comments.

I'm after confirmation or a link to a photo showing the correct colours of each part of my lawn mower. It's a post 1980 machine.

The colours/parts I want confirmation on are:

Cylinder reel = Black
Clutch housing = Black
Drive shaft = mill / not Painted
Drive shaft bearing housing = black
Soleplate = Red
Bearing Housing = cast / not painted
Clutch fork = Green
Front roller bracket and shaft assy = black
Front roller tube = mill / not painted

Yes I have searched without luck and conflicting information is everywhere!

Thanks again.

Unfortunately even Scott Bonnar (well Rover in this case) were not very consistent themselves with paint and decals over the years but here is what I believe is correct. I will dig up some photos later today.

Cylinder reel = Black
Clutch housing = Black
Drive shaft = Black
Drive shaft bearing housing = Black
Soleplate = Black
Reel bearing housing = Not painted
Clutch fork = Not painted
Front roller bracket and shaft assy = black
Front roller tube = Not painted

Hi to Corduroy and Rolla,

Not forgetting of course the rear roller which on these machines were painted in the chassis colour.

You can see just about everything in this pic, I can chase up some more if need be

I've just noticed that the Catcher rubber blocks have bolts through them opposed to the half inch square bar that was tack welded to the side plates on earlier model SB's.

I'm actually looking for a chassis that is too far gone to restore and scrounge one of these small blocks from it as all one has to do is go over the weld on the outside of the side plate with a 4 inch grinder and it will pop right out and then easily fit into another machine with a small tack weld again.

I must admit that the Rover SB's weren't the sexiest colour scheme were they ? it wasn't until the all new Red scheme that they had some showroom appeal again. It's something about Red or Red and Green isn't it ? Green and Black just doesn't do it, but originality is everything when it comes to restoration, just ask a Valiant owner.

Cheers,
BB.

Thanks Rolla, appreciate the help. The only one that I have found different is the sole plate. The one I have is red. Though it confirms your comment about Rover not being consistent. Must have used the cheapest available paint on that day.

Hi BB, I have a 14" SB with square bar holding the rubber blocks and I'm always losing them and is probably why they switched to bolts.

Thanks Deejay for confirming the roller. It's the only part that I have wondered why it's painted. I'm going to paint it as it was intended to be, but it's going to look ugly in a few months time. Though any other finish (galv or zinc) would only be more expensive for SB/Rover.

Hi Corduroy,

I know how hard it must be for you having to paint the rear roller, when you know the finish is going to suffer from the very first time you use it....
SB/Rover did some silly things at that time, but painting the rear roller takes the cake.

Hi All,

Below are some progress photos. I had hoped to get more done this week, but having 3 kids takes away most of your spare time. I bought new stickers from a guy on Ebay. The instructions said you can coat the stickers with clear. I've done this before on another project as the stickers reacted with the paint. But this time it worked well.

I'm pretty happy with the finish. What you see is off the gun. Should come up every better once buffed.

I decided to paint the main roller black. I'm part disappointed as I wanted to keep everything original though the look of a green roller just doesn't look right.

Next to do is the cylinder. What's everyone's opinion on the type of finish? I'll probably just go with paint. Though it appears the original coating was powder coated. I'm not sure if the extra cost is worth it.

How good does that look

I've seen the instructions you're referring to and I must admit they really concern me. They suggest to use an acrylic clear for protection. Unfortunately acrylic clear is not normally compatible with enamel (as most paint their machines with), so sadly one day someone may end up wrecking their new paintwork to put some clear on a sticker

I've tried painting a reel once, I sandblasted it, primed and painted and it still wore off very easily within 12 months. I've powdercoated a few since and never had an issue.

Hi Corduroy,

I'm glad you decided to paint the rear roller black, there was a guy not far from my place here with the same model and colour scheme as yours and his rear roller, now the green paint has worn off the outer ridges, it just looks dreadful...

Re: the cylinder reel, because of the harsh environment that the reel has to work in....wet grass, dirt, dust, mud etc.
I agree with Michael, powder coating is the only way to go.
I did mine years ago and it has stood the test of time and will clean up well with a pressure wash, whereas paint would fly off in all directions and rust will set in very quickly.

Your respray looks just brilliant mate,

Hi All,

An update on my restoration. I've completed the mower, just need to finish painting the catcher.

After taking it for a test run, I was very impressed. I'll state the obvious, it felt like a brand spanking new mower.

From having a 14" all my life and going up to a 17" that cut the lawn in record time was the most noticeable improvement.

Anyway, enough with the chat, the photos say it all.

Thanks to all for the advice and Outdoor King for the mower parts.





Any questions, please feel free to ask. I'm sure most will be about the engine.

Hi Corduroy,
That looks just brilliant mate....and on a first-class restoration.
What did you end up finishing the reel with.... powdercoat or paint ?

Looks great Champ, well done top job.
Them 200's sure are tall, nice choice.