Excellent job you must be very proud of it and you will get a lifetime of work out of it because you appreciate the work involved and what the machine is capable of. Many owners have no idea and bash and crash their way around and then wonder why they break. Any machine used within its design capabilities will always give good service, abuse they and they will fail. The rod welded around the cutter edge is a good move
When you build something you aquire a mechanical empathy and you understand what all the parts of the symphony are doing. You can tell easily when something is not in tune and have the skill to correct it before it becomes a problem. You also appreciate the value of maintenance.
Quality is a direct experience, independent of and prior to intellectual abstractions. R. Pirsig .
... and LED headlights with an MP3, Bluetooth, SD card FM stereo with a 15W amp and some 4" speakers... you aquire a mechanical empathy and you understand what all the parts of the symphony are doing
What a great performance this has been!
And I now know the name of the tune to the BH theme! I can't believe how many versions there are on YouTube:-
Andre Reiu
And with Chet Atkins:
On a serious note, I love a good ride-on mower deck, and the advice on reinforcing the deck for greater life is an excellent one - particularly with the realization that we cut grass lower here than in any other country.
A stellar job. --------------------- Jack
p.s. encore - this topic will be moved into the R.C.M. forum shortly, and any special sub-topics can be linked.
Last edited by Bruce; 13/08/1709:05 PM. Reason: Corrected Youtube
Ok so now I will ask, where did you extend the hood
I meant extended the mounts so the hood sits 75mm further forward to clear the longer engine and about 25 higher to clear the air cleaner screws. A few simple bracket fabricated and welded and you'd never know it wasn't factory.
The brief was, that everything had to done as well as a new mower (except tyres, they'll be replaced when they wear out) and where possible to improve on the original if possible, then each piece had be finished to match the scheme all metal bare was primed and when overpainting the items were all rubbed back with 320 to get a good surface, the deck was sent away disassembled to be blasted and powdercoated, all deck bolts were replaced with zinc plated ones. The obvious bolts on the front of the chassis are chrome plated (I already had these lying around). Any modifications had to be an advantage and to the quality of the original. Of course there are a few "Everest" items (because I could ) like the stereo. It has no moving parts and the amp is a compact module sprayed with clear epoxy to weather proof it, the speakers are poly cone with urethane roll surrounds so they're pretty well weather proof and some recycled dip containers are on the rear to protect from debris. My only disappointment was the quality of the paint and that was my fault as I'd never done a large area using epoxy and i had a few little issues. I've learned and can only improve.
Last edited by Brycevr; 05/05/1605:22 AM.
Quality is a direct experience, independent of and prior to intellectual abstractions. R. Pirsig .
... and LED headlights with an MP3, Bluetooth, SD card FM stereo with a 15W amp and some 4" speakers... you aquire a mechanical empathy and you understand what all the parts of the symphony are doing
What a great performance this has been!
And I now know the name of the tune to the BH theme! I can't believe how many versions there are on YouTube:-
Andre Reiu And with Chet Atkins:
On a serious note, I love a good ride-on mower deck, and the advice on reinforcing the deck for greater life is an excellent one - particularly with the realization that we cut grass lower here than in any other country.
A stellar job. --------------------- Jack
p.s. encore - this topic will be moved into the R.C.M. forum shortly, and any special sub-topics can be linked.
That's very punny
Which forum? and maybe instead I'll do a smaller build thread there if it works better for the forums.
Last edited by Brycevr; 05/05/1605:05 AM.
Quality is a direct experience, independent of and prior to intellectual abstractions. R. Pirsig .
I would like to move this Topic into the Restoring, Customising and Modifying forum - to showcase this machine. It is in the wrong forum at the moment - dealing with repairs and maintenance.
This is a custom project.
Any special sub-threads could also be placed in that forum - under "Ride-on Mowers". I can link them to the main project when done.
This is a truly special project that should be recognised - any given appropriate provenance for future reference.
I would like to move this Topic into the Restoring, Customising and Modifying forum - to showcase this machine. It is in the wrong forum at the moment - dealing with repairs and maintenance.
This is a custom project.
Any special sub-threads could also be placed in that forum - under "Ride-on Mowers". I can link them to the main project when done.
This is a truly special project that should be recognised - any given appropriate provenance for future reference.
All very fox tail! ---------------------- Jack
Thanks Jack, Why don't I just do a new thread with more photos showing the build and detailing some of the fiddly bits I took a lot of pictures (with foxtails). It was originally a repair and refurb job I could put a link under the completed pictures post to direct to it. Some of the early dialogue might help someone and the new thread would be far more interesting and cohesive, without going through the early banter, for those that care? Just my thinking.
Rgds Bill
Last edited by Brycevr; 05/05/1605:32 AM.
Quality is a direct experience, independent of and prior to intellectual abstractions. R. Pirsig .
What I made was the mower EVERYONE would really like. Clean, durable, aesthetically pleasing and practical. I started a new thread where you recommended and I think, to tell a story is more interesting than to tack on updates to a disjointed dialogue.
You do as you see fit mate - and I'll follow. Any way, ODK members will be the glad beneficiary.
In recent times, I have come to a better appreciation of 'customisation' - as against the purist 'restoration'.
-------------------- Jack
p.s. How about these lyrics to Yakaty Sax [Yakety Axe]:
------------------- Jack
I have a great car collection, several race cars and some pre-60's classics. I have a very good appreciation for the "modified against the restored". It's a common ride on that will still be in good condition in 20 years. I'll go with that. My resto is toward '60's rovers, '70's Victa Mustangs and original Super 24 slashers. We can't collect everything so that's where I row my boat. I love my Murray, it's unique pretty and practical. I'm sure I'll still have it to leave in my will.
B
Quality is a direct experience, independent of and prior to intellectual abstractions. R. Pirsig .
With over 120 Internal combustion engines, I think it's an un-diagnosed mental illness but, to be honest, if they make a pill for it I wouldn't take it.
Rgds B
Quality is a direct experience, independent of and prior to intellectual abstractions. R. Pirsig .
) like the stereo. It has no moving parts and the amp is a compact module sprayed with clear epoxy to weather proof it, the speakers are poly cone with urethane roll surrounds so they're pretty well weather proof and some recycled dip containers are on the rear to protect from debris.![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2016/05/full-7392-28322-follow_project.jpg)
