THE OLD LAWNMOWER CLUB

RESTORATION: BEFORE YOU START

BEFORE YOU START

A bit of thinking and planning before you start will make the restoration easier.

TO RESTORE OR NOT

This is one of the big questions to ask yourself before you contemplate a restoration project. The decision is completely up to you but here are a few pointers. 

WHY RESTORE?

Many collectors like to restore their mowers to original condition. This is fun and rewarding because you are helping to save something from the past for future generations.

TAKE SOME PHOTOS

Take some photographs of the mower before you start.  These will be a useful reference when you reassemble any bits that have been taken apart. In particular, take images of intricate assemblies. Digital cameras simplify this but any basic camera will do. 

MAKE SOME NOTES

Make notes of any unusual features that may not show up very easily on your images. For example, some nuts will have washers and others will not. Making a note of these before you start is better than trying to guess days, weeks or even months later.

CHECK FOR COLOURS

Getting the final colours right will make all the difference to a successful restoration and you need to decide what they are before you start. Queries about colours are often received by the club and we have compiled some basic guidelines.

You can also check out the Club's database of mower colours.

Make a note of which parts are painted which colour.

CHOOSE SOME TOOLS

You do not need any specialist equipment to restore an old mower but a few basic tools will be very useful.  

BE PATIENT

There is a temptation to get cracking before you have thought it all through.  If something is taking a little longer than you expected or a few nuts and bolts are seized, take a break. When you come back everything will seem a little easier.

Now you have decided to restore the mower, taken some images, noted any special details and checked the colours you are ready to start.

Restoration Home