OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Victa Walk-Behind Rotary Mowers 125cc Utility Restoration

Started restoration on a Victa Utility today. Started sandblasting old paint off base and other components. Still a bit to go yet with the sandblasting. Was wondering the best way to straighten the axle rod which has a slight bend in it (see photo)? Will keep regular updates of progress.
Thanks in advance for any help.

i have a 1967 Utility that I made into a ratrod style custom made mower, its not finished, need to get the bowl of and replace it with a pull start then weld things on the side so i caan tie the rope to the mower, then once she runs it will be finished I have a few parts left over if you need any

Would any one know the easiest way to remove the blade boss without causing any damage to the engine? One other question, would any one know the original paint colours for this mower (handle bars, base, etc) and what type of paint to use (original paint name and/or paint code)?
Thanks in advance for any help.

To remove the boss, lay it on a hard, solid surface [an anvil is ideal, or the side of a club hammer head will do], and give the upper side a smack or two with a steel hammer. That will pop it off the shaft taper.

We really need some pics of the engine, cowling and starter to date the mower accurately, but it looks like a mid-late 1970's Ute, as it has the modified crankcase half for the bottom seal protector disc.

Have a look through the Victa catalogues of that era HERE for an idea of colours - the Utes stayed with red base and cowling and cream handles for the later 70 Series mowers, once the Zip Start system came in, in 1972.

Great, thanks for your help/info. came off real easy. In the process of getting the remainder of the engine apart.
Cheers!

Good show; that's the only easy way to get those Victa bosses off.

Now, as regards that height adjuster link, that bend may be intentional.

On some Victas, the [upward] bend is needed so that the link is still clear of the deck at one extreme of the height range. The low end, in this case, if I recall correctly.

Easy enough to check, with the axles and link assembled up to the deck.

Great, thanks. Haven't progressed much on the resto as it's been too hot to work in the shed over the summer. Temp in the shed the other day was over 40 degrees! Have dismantled the engine and am after a few replacement parts ie bearings, rings etc. Guess ebay is a good place to start.
Cheers!

You'll need to check if the bore is still the standard 2.125", before ordering rings. The usual oversizes are +0.020", +0.040" and +0.060" on this diameter.

Some useful specs docos are available for download HERE - those in the numbered sections are free, while the 'Attachments' section requires paying a subscription.

The ODK Shop can supply all of the parts you will need, too.

Rings, seals and bearings: HERE

Gaskets: HERE

If your machine has the metal G3 carburettor, I don't recommend stripping it down completely, as some parts are now unavailable. Removal of the float bowl, cleaning out, and inspection of the float and needle are as far as I'd go. Along with checking that the gear drive from the governor flag to the throttle butterfly works OK.

Again, some pics would help us determine exactly what you have.

Thanks for the tips and the info. Intend to get back to this as soon as the weather cools down a bit.
Cheers once again.
PS Have you checked out my latest acquisition in my other post (1972 Victa Special)? Great mower, love the side catcher, so unusual.

Yup, I did see that one. Stunning condition - how many average mower owners would even consider repainting one!

The side catcher - yes, they were a very rare purchase, even back then - the added width was a hindrance. But the high arch rear catcher VC series were pretty new on the market then, and their catching ability was a great advance on the earlier low-arch models.

The usual form with windrowing mowers like that one, was to mow in the clockwise direction [if the grass wasn't too long], then rake up the final windrow.

This had the advantage that the re-cutting of the clippings reduced the volume very markedly.

I am in the process of redoing my 125 as well. Good Facebook site for parts is vintage lawn mowers buy swap and sell. For coulor victa didn't actually keep records of specific couloirs but I got a close orange, Duplicoulour Chevy orange as an engine enamel at supercheep auto. I also got their Australian export classic cream for the handle.
To do the lettering I just hand painted it with a very fine brush and some black rusk kill. For the bent rod some gentle pressure in a vice should fix it.