[vhgmcbuddy]

I have a identical machine :).

[vhgmcbuddy]

I have a plate on the oil filler with what I would think was an engine number although it is a ransomes number not an engine manufacturers number. Borrowed a friends flexible camera thing yesterday to look inside the box still can’t see a number so I’m going to have to pull the lid of.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hey Guys Im back
After moving house and finally getting my own house i am in and back on the projector “rotivator”
My aim is to be showing it this year at some shows so time to pull my finger out.

So far i am in the process of spraying the engine covers and fuel tank
I need some advice basically i dont want to dismantle the engine as it runs 100% but im unshure on whats the best way to clean the muck so i can spray it ? also any body no what colour to do this ?

[vhgmcbuddy]

As I said earlier I always use Vapormatic Howard Orange. I always spray it and I find it comes out nice and glossy, probably similar to when they were new. Over the years I’ve found though that satin finish can be better if there are flaws in your surface, I.e. It shows up less imperfections, but if bare metalling I would personally always go for gloss.

[vhgmcbuddy]

I think it’s down to personal choice really and whether you are trying to be 100% original or not.

Personally, I would go for gloss or perhaps semi gloss. My own Howard 200 I painted in gloss and it is quite shiny.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Whatt would be the best finish to have as there is 4 differant ones to choose from , gloss, semi gloss , satin or matt ??

[vhgmcbuddy]

No engine number and no sign of there ever having been one.

[vhgmcbuddy]

Here’s the finished machine and a short video of it running……

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[vhgmcbuddy]

A few last little jobs, 1st was to paint and refit the air cleaner, next was to make the support bracket and fit it…..

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[vhgmcbuddy]

Ordered some 4mm rubber sheet to remake the soil/stone flap. once fitted I put the rotor cover back on.

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[vhgmcbuddy]

Once the engine was refitted, the problems began…… This little engine refused to start, It would cough, it would chug, it would puff the tiniest amount of smoke…… But it would not go! I tried everything, the timing was set correctly, the points were set correctly, the plug was gapped correctly…. I lost count of the number of times I took it apart and rebuilt it, checking and double checking everything. there were no air leaks from the crankcase, nor the carb to air intake…… This little engine almost had me beat, almost met with the 7lb club hammer! Thankfully it started eventually, I still have no idea what I did to make it work, just happy that it does!

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[vhgmcbuddy]

Once all the paint had dried totally, I started putting it back together…..

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[vhgmcbuddy]

The wheels were given a makeover next…..

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[vhgmcbuddy]

The frame and covers were stripped and followed the same paint regime as all my other restorations…

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[vhgmcbuddy]

I took the engine cowling along to my paint suppliers and they matched some for me. Its strange that in 1958 they could make a metallic gloss finish in a one coat paint, yet today it has to be a base coat followed by a clear lacquer? The cowling, recoil housing and fuel tank were given a strip down to bare metal, etch primed, paint and finally a couple of coats of clear…..
I really like this colour…… It’s a nice contrast against the blue!

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