OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Welcome to Outdoorking Forum HELP Area Introductions ir_baboon_73 - NSW - Another Newbie

hi i came across your page while looking for parts for my early 80s victa tac at least now i know im not the only one who likes older mowers etc i have tinkered with mowers since i was young i love the old victa 18 specials i have one sitting in my shed id one day like to get my hands on a blue body rover and a victa vortex red plastic body
i will post pics of my 18 and tac when i have some time
again thanks for letting me join
ir_baboon_73

my victa 18 and victa tac hoping to one day add a victa vortex and rover blue body

Hi ir_baboon_73,
I have welcomed you in on your Victa T-A -C Post, but thanks so much for posting pics of you 2 beauties...
From what I can see there, you have a Victa Tilt-A-Cut Series 2, Power-Torque engined machine and a nice example of a Model 5, Series 1 Victa 18 Special.

I say this, because it has the side skirt holes of the right-hand side of the machine only, it has the (infamous) edger attachment slot, the height adjustment and axle housing extensions (originally for the Predicta flaps of the Model 4 Automatic) but unusually, from the supplied pic...does not appear to possess the rubber tank strap under the fuel tank attachment metal strap.

If you could supply the engine number and lower crank case digit (number or letter) our Victa experts here could give you more information....and I hasten to add...Correct me if I am mistaken!

Post Edit: I was wrong on both counts....Thanks Mal (Bluegmhtmonaro) for updating the info on the 18 Special...I could have sworn there was axle extensions in the pic above on the left hand adjuster....must be the axle bracket...

Two great machines, and thank you for posting the pics!

im suprised to find out the tac is a power torque dad bought it new in the early 80s i found the operating instruction booklet it says its a model no:CE909A1 it also has super start electronic ignition sticker on the rear cowling above the head no mention of power torque in the manual or the machine
as for the 18 it doesnt have its original petrol tank / cowl as the petrol tank was rusted out when i got it 18 years ago
i bought a carby/ cowling and tank at a swap meet years ago i havent started it in years as it needs a carby overhaul it leaks like a sieve and the throtle isnt right
engine number: AC53484
cranck case: ZERO or letter O

Hi ir_baboon_73,
You are correct there regarding the T-A-C, I didn't see that it is a side start machine...I just went by the cowling...my mistake.
You see, I couldn't see the wood from the trees...
Sorry mate,

Hi Mate, Welcome.

An interesting want list....From Special to Rover to Vortex! A nice diverse collection.

I dont know much of your Tac, but assumed also it would be a full crank.

As for your little beastie, Yes the cowl is easily enough explained as you said.

At the Risk of toe treading, Your 18 is actually an early Model 5 series 2 judging by the serial.

AC is actually the intersecting serial between the model 5 S1 and 5 S2.

The image is a little hazy in the axle area, but I can see no axle mounts, making this a Series 2

The cowl and tank is correct style for early series 2 with exception of the Cowl sticker. This sticker was used on the 2a Some Model 4 Automatics and early model 3 Rotomo.

The Line/option code of 0 is unusual and would have been more suited to an early automatic.

I cant see clearly, but the cap looks green? If this is the case, then this tank cowl assy was off an auto. (But still accurate for your Model)

In anycase, even with the changed cowl, it is close enough to a correct Early Model 5 Series 2.

Filter is also correct, but snorkel has been shortened ...cant see the throttle control.

Very soon after your mower was made they changed the recoil Starter and introduced the big black choke assy both of which saw out the rest of the Model 5 series 2 run.

Anyway, shes a very nice tidy Machine. Thanks for showing us...

thanks for the info about the 18
any chance you could tell the year it was made
i tried years ago to buy the correct snorkel for it but obviously none were available id like to get the correct snorkel one day
can you get the hammertone paint still i painted this about 18 years ago also can you get the carby rebuild kit
as for my taste im mowers my dad bought a red plastic vortex new and i foolishly gave it to a freind years ago id love to get my hands on one now and the rover i had one years ago i think they are a nice looking unit
thanks everyone for the info

Both the mowers you seek come up now and again. Ebay often have the rovers, but it depends on which year model or title your after.

A few members here may know more about the Vortex availability.

Since its a crossover serial, Id say its still 58.

Snorkels come up occasionally in NOS and SH, so keep your eye out.

Yes Avocado hammered finish by Galmet is still available, but its expensive and depending on who you go through will depend on shade. Rarely are 2 mixes the same, even though they use the same Two codes. Mitre 10 Will still mix by order only. Spray cans have still not been reinstated in this colour either for shelf stock or special order.

Most restorers have now pretty much made Wattle Deep Brunswick Green the Uniform colour for handle bars and Bracket, and Delicious Red for the Victa Logo.

That cowl and tank assy with decal and cap would be desired by some collectors due to its original condition and patina and the fact it was likely off an Auto. Check your cap and see if the inner is green or white.(just for my own interest)

Perhaps you could sell or trade this for a std setup with money going your way...Just a thought for preservation:)

Overall you dont need much except a snorkel and recoil starter if you wanted to go this way.

Even though your wheels aren't shot, keep in mind that they stopped making them again, and are getting up over 150-200 for a set.

Enjoy your hunting and restoring...If you need any info on history or parts and accuracy please don't hesitate ask:)

how much would the cowl be worth
funny i had a recoil set up and the bigger air cleaner set up was given to me years later after i got the 18 i ended up selling on flea bay years ago
so in your opinion i should try and sell / swap the cowl and tank and get another cowl and tank ??????

Here' a Rover Princess I found

A princess, cool...looks pretty early. See if you can pick up an auto drive too...How much is this one?

Not necessarily, was just a suggestion for preservation really. Cost to the right person if the cap is correct auto 50-80$... not millions, more a case of some love originality. Things are slow now but ive seen good caps go as high as 80$, at the moment unless they are mint they run around 30-50$. Your cap should be Victa marked Black, so to sell the cap for something you need is an option, just see what they are selling for after January.

From me a std cowl and tank would be free to a member if ive enough in stock. Still very easy to come by...

A shame as a good series 2 starter and choke will run around 50$ a piece.

he wants $90 hasnt ran 4 a few years he says
going to check it out tomorrow arvo with any luck ill bring it home then will hunt for the vortex