When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I'm considered "essential" so I have been going to work all along.
Fortunately home improvement and auto parts stores are still open.
Not car related, but I took the opportunity of this weekend's good weather to repaint the boat outdrive.
First sand, acid wash and blow dry the aluminum.
Then Prime with Zinc Chromate, which is getting real hard to get:
Then spray with 2-part enamel:
And paint the prop while I was at it:
The engine puller cam in handy to hang the stuff from while cleaning and painting so I could raise and lower it while rotating it.
It was painted outside with a 4x8 sheet of plywood stood up next to it to keep the mild wind at bay, then rolled it into the shop to dry.
Took the panel up to Home Depot (wore my mask inside) to get some things & look at their latest in push mowers. My 15 year old MTD 22" Briggs Flathead is still going strong.
The new push mows are too much flimsy plastic & looked very disposable, in short time. I think my Flatty Briggs was made to last a lot longer than those.
made a late night donut run to pick up their limited-time key lime flavor... busted out laughing when I turned into the parking lot, they're everywhere! there's at least 2 other ones at the new job I just took too
Took the panel up to Home Depot (wore my mask inside) to get some things & look at their latest in push mowers. My 15 year old MTD 22" Briggs Flathead is still going strong. The new push mows are too much flimsy plastic & looked very disposable, in short time. I think my Flatty Briggs was made to last a lot longer than those.
That's pretty much the story on most things today, made cheaper and then throw it away.
Our 25 year old Toro 22" mower is still going strong, used as a trim mower to go with our new Toro ZTR.
We also have a 38 year old Toro 7hp snowblower. We hadn't used it in almost 2 years. I had to move it recently and it started on the first pull. The metal is far thicker than the snowblowers today. Friend bought a newer snowblower, bolts backing out all the time, throttle handle broke off, you can feel the whole unit flexing when you muscle it around.
Have you looked at the new Toro mowers? Did they go to cr_p too?
We have our 1978 MTD snow thrower, first pull every fall it starts right up, after 35 years I replaced the carb and I replaced the pull cord about 10 years ago.
Our lawn mower is a 1987 John Deere 21” 5 HP with the cast aluminum deck , it starts first pull every spring, I replaced the pull cord 3 years ago.
they both are maintained by me, fresh oil at the start of the season, fresh fuel too.
At the end of their season of use I run the fuel tanks dry. For storage purposes.
Here is my raised from the dead 22" 1970 Atlas 520 snow thrower.
Everything is metal and using a 5hp Briggs. (Look out now, it's a killer)
Has solid rubber tires that are worn out so I added DIY snow chains.
That's pretty much the story on most things today, made cheaper and then throw it away. That is for sure, sad but true.
Our 25 year old Toro 22" mower is still going strong, used as a trim mower to go with our new Toro ZTR. Very Cool, our 15 year old MTD 22" w/Briggs Flathead (made in USA) is still running super, it gets the nooks I can't get with my 2014 (100 year Anniversary) Toro Z. Bought new in Aug 20, 2014. Great machine as well.
We also have a 38 year old Toro 7hp snowblower. We hadn't used it in almost 2 years. I had to move it recently and it started on the first pull. Gotta love that. The metal is far thicker than the snowblowers today. Friend bought a newer snowblower, bolts backing out all the time, throttle handle broke off, you can feel the whole unit flexing when you muscle it around. I hear that, neighbor had a 20+ year old Honda mini Tiller he had in back of his shed for 14 years or so. Was gonna pitch it out. I said I'd like to take a look at it & if it's hopeless, I'll pitch it.
Did a lil massaging on it, got a $9. chinese carb off eBay with all new fuel lines, gave it a pull & it was purring fine. Sure has made getting the gardens ready much easier. Wiped the crud off it & neighbor saw it running & asked if I bought one. Nope that was what you were throwing out. He couldn't believe it was same machine.
Have you looked at the new Toro mowers? Did they go to cr_p too? I have seen them at my Dealers, they do look pretty good. Engine choices has changed. But mine was 100 year anniversary model w / bells & whistles, & last year one could get the V-2 Kawasaki engine on it. That's my baby, end of season, I service everything & clean up my Z & give it a coat of wax, along with the push mow. Yes I wax em..
Steve
Originally Posted by Oldblue
We have our 1978 MTD snow thrower, first pull every fall it starts right up, after 35 years I replaced the carb and I replaced the pull cord about 10 years ago.You can't complain about that, awesome.
Our lawn mower is a 1987 John Deere 21” 5 HP with the cast aluminum deck, I remember them. Very Cool. it starts first pull every spring, Sign of a quality product. I replaced the pull cord 3 years ago.
they both are maintained by me, fresh oil at the start of the season, fresh fuel too. Same here, that's how we make em last.
At the end of their season of use I run the fuel tanks dry. For storage purposes. I hear ya Blue, I use only 100% gas, so near end of mowing season, I add a bit of Seafoam to the gas & run it in. Leave tanks full.
Originally Posted by Cat Man HHR
Here is my raised from the dead 22" 1970 Atlas 520 snow thrower. I like it..
Everything is metal and using a 5hp Briggs. (Look out now, it's a killer) Real deal, made to last.
Has solid rubber tires that are worn out so I added DIY snow chains. Great idea.
