[vhgmcbuddy]

I’ve got some business in the area in a couple of months time, so was going to call by.I find that you often get a better response in person, I’m hopping that they may have some records as to who they sold it to?

[vhgmcbuddy]

It took about 3 hours to get the rear rotor covers to line up. Some of this was caused by poor manufacturing process which is a little disappointing considering how much they cost and some of it was caused by trying to fit them to a machine they weren’t designed to fit. I also fitted a new decal and a new brass plate that I’d had made.

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[vhgmcbuddy]

After the paint had set for a few days I started to build the old girl back up. After connecting up the handles and gear rods I’m pleased to report that all gears seem to select properly. I also highlighted some black bits and fitted the closest match I could find to the original grips.

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[vhgmcbuddy]

The starting handle rotating sleeve was sized as usual so this was got very hot. After prepping a few items I then sprayed most the loose parts. I also gave the rotor covers a rub down and another blow over as I wasn’t happy with the finish I’d got before.

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[vhgmcbuddy]

One of the items missing from this gem was the chain cover, early ones were plain with no adjuster cut out. They are like hens teeth, however I luckily had one in my store but it was quite battered and corroded. It took about a weeks worth of work to straighten.

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[vhgmcbuddy]

Several years ago I managed to buy a batch of N.O.S oil filters for gems so one was duly fitted.

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[vhgmcbuddy]

I then recieved a very nice package in the post off Titch from Machinery Decals. They really lift the appearance of the gem.

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[vhgmcbuddy]

Several years ago I purchased a new set of rotor covers off standen engineering. The price was quite eye watering, however because the covers on this machine were definatley past it, I decided to use them on it. They needed a lot of modifying to match the older type with metal being let in, seems welded up etc then smoothed off with filler.

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[vhgmcbuddy]

After painting the oil filter housing and rotor shaft clutch plate,the handles and tank were dry enough to refit.

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[vhgmcbuddy]

I trial fitted the rotor chain backing plate to make sure everything still lined up. Then set about changing the bearings. The bottom one took over 2 hours to extract with a lot of banging and swearing! Even our 75 tonne press wouldn’t touch it, however it was a common metric one so pleasantly cost only a few pounds.

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[vhgmcbuddy]

Made further progress today in ID’ing the ride on mower, recon i have a T1200 chassis with a swapped out motor. Reason being is its the only 1983/1984 part list that has the forward raking deck adjuster on the front.

[vhgmcbuddy]

hopefully this you can now see the picture

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[vhgmcbuddy]

I think your wasting your time trying to covert an old engine

I have a kohler gem & thats hard to start sometimes. Easy with the pull start on the front though

[vhgmcbuddy]

Really appreciate the assistance, now i can start part hunting. Latest updates…

Got the engine to run today and discovered after an engine flush that the crank shaft oil seal (£3.50) is leaking like crazy.. so a complete engine removal and replacement (4 hours work). I’ve disassembled and reassembled the brake today also.

There are few places in North Kent that do Soda Blasting, I’ll let you know how things turn out.
Planning on using Bonda antirust primer paint-on and then High fill Anti rust primer on top with a Black satin colour coat. Recon this will will be my cheaper alternative to powder coat of the arches (which will run me about £150), for the same process except powder coat vs black paint. After all she (Kids christened her “mini mo”) is nothing to enter any competitions.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi got any finished photos yet?

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