The wheels have been attached, mostly to help hold the frame off the floor of the shed. I also was able to attach the steering mechanism to the frame. Although I was unable to get a new part to replace one that was worn out, I was able to adapt quite well. Now, as I assemble the parts to the frame I must clean and paint the nuts and bolts and washers as I go. I find this the main reason for the slower than expected progress. Each step requires priming, painting, and repainting and takes several days for each small step I take.
During the whole process I have discovered some of the things my dad did to keep the mower in usable condition, many are not with original parts. However, one of the changes was an improvement over the original design and , had he not done so, would probably have resulted in the front wheels being permanently ruined. Since I will not be using the mower to mow the grass, restoring the front axle set up should last a life time.(at least mine!)
I have also learned that I am unable to restore the engine to original specifications. What need to be done is to have the cylinder walls bored out a bit larger and have an oversized piston and rings installed. This would be perfectly acceptable for my engine. However, I and unable to do so as the oversized piston is no longer available. A slight boring will not remove all the scaring in the cylinder walls but will be within specs for new rings. Again, since I will not be using the mower to mow the grass it should last a life time.
Heres an updated picture of progress. Enjoy? MAYO
