Thread: Downsizing

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So I've been reigning back on my projects, and selling them off. I now take the occasional small jobs to make some pocket change.

But, I've taken on a project, donating my time and the Post's cash (VFW) to fix up a riding mower for a local disabled veteran. The mower was donated to him and was badly ragged out.

The funny thing is, it's rather enjoyable. It reminds me of when I worked on models as a kid. Compared to a car, it is like a model.

I've had to break out some of my best skills. I've fabricated and welded on a sheet metal grass deflector, fabricated a bracket for the hood to repair the shattered nose, and re-welded the outer radius of the front axle.

On the axle, it had apparently split, and no longer secured the kingpin. Someone had laid gorilla welds on it without straightening it out first. The kingpin slopped around like it was wallowed out. So I grabbed my big grinder and nibbled away the old welds. I cut through the axle and hammered it back almost tight around the kingpin sleeve. I left a little gap and welded it up neat and clean. The weld shrunk it a little tighter yet around the kingpin sleeve, and now it is a decent repair.

Beyond that, mechanical stuff. The deck's panhard bar bracket had broken because a connecting bracket was missing. So I had to repair the bracket and add another bolt. There was a bad bearing on one of the deck spindles. Sharpened the blades. Removed and cleaned the carburetor. Replaced the battery and both belts.

It reminds me of when I bought the 76 Nova concourse as a "parts" car and put it back on the road. Or the (56?) Plymouth Belvedere, also a "parts car". Or the 78 firebird. Etc.

Very commendable!..Makes you feel good when you help someone...Whenever I have a slow day, I volunteer at the local food pantry, my better half is the office manager there also! More people should stand up and help!

Cool, let’s see some pictures!

Mission accomplished. It starts and runs great.
I reworked the nose bracket a little, and added another couple of supports. I'm considering adding a lock out bar to limit speed to the first three gears. Charlie is a bit frail.

Maybe not. I cut a couple lawns and now the new drive belt is throwing off the rear pulley just like the old belt was doing. I'm convinced it's missing a belt guide so I'll fabricate one.

while cutting my grass I noticed smoke from underneath I shut it off and found a stick had gotten between the deck drive belt and the sheave burned up the belt $40. and 2 hr later I finished the grass. BUT now sticks can't get in there

I fabricated the belt guide from an old linkage, 3/8" anodized steel. I had to make it twice. The first one was too generous in dimensions. And- because I didn't think to grind the paint- big gorilla welds. SO I dropped the deck the brake linkage and blade clutch cable so I could cut it out with my grinder. Then I remade the guide and welded it in place nice and pretty: the paint now having been ground off in the process of removing the first guide.

I took the opportunity to replace the brake pad. I had an old pad (firebird?) Which showed very little wear. With a hack saw, being mindful of the dust (if you can smell it, you're breathing it) I sawed out a perfect little brake pad which works fine.

After that, I took it to Charlie's house and mowed his lawn. It is a VERY challenging now. I've been helping him clear it for two years now. Still lots of small "stumps" hanging around waiting to bend a blade.

But, I gave the machine no mercy, and it held up.

For now!

OOOOoo, she's been rode hard and put up wet! LOL..