1963 Lawnboy auto mower

[jp1961]

The guys that own boats use Easy Off oven cleaner to remove boat graphics. May want to try it on an inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn't harm the paint.

Jeff

 

[unclelee]

Think I will try that on a diffrent mower and see how it works....thanks
Lee

 

[d_sharier]

That's one heck of a mower. Those are few and far between in my area. I have only seen one in recent years and I blinked instead of bought. Regrets. I do agree on the paint. That is still in nice shape. In my experience with decals, heat has always been my friend. I have even went as far as to place the shroud in the oven to heat it to the point of releasing the decal. The other thing I have had success with is using a razor to start a corner. Once the corner is free I will take a cloth saturated in rubbing alcohol (not dripping) and wipe behind the decal. It usually works well to free the decal and it seems to be safe on paint. Test it out first in a hidden spot though to be sure.

 

[LB8210]

What is wrong with the decal. The mower is a all original survivor. Clean and polish the paint on the shroud, deck and wheels. and stop there. If you start painting or replacing parts you may as well do it all. Very few look as good as this mower. Leave it be. If you need to paint or decal something, find a rusted hulk to restore. Their only original once.

 

[jp1961]

I dunno, that 1963 might be my favorite vintage Lawn-Boy. Unique green color, bricktop engine AND self propelled.

 

[unclelee]

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This is the problem with the decal...the whole left side is blank.
I did find a matching fuel cap since last pic...also got a NOS gear set from Sam at rs_motorsports on ebay...and new capstan rollers from an old closed down mower shop that I got all the remaining LB inventory from, so I will freshen up the drive.
I must say...I think this is my favorite LB as well...but that may change if I ever get my 53 back from the paint shop.
Lee

 

[LB8210]

The end of the decal in not great, But the mower as a whole or the whole picture is very nice example of a 1963 Auto Mower. A untouched example in the condition of your mower turns my head, wheres one that has had cosmetic work done or is restored not so much. Lee it looks GREAT as is. JMO I have a 1962 Auto Mower that looks like a twin to yours that I wish was as nice as yours.

 

[unclelee]

The end of the decal in not great, But the mower as a whole or the whole picture is very nice example of a 1963 Auto Mower. A untouched example in the condition of your mower turns my head, wheres one that has had cosmetic work done or is restored not so much. Lee it looks GREAT as is. JMO I have a 1962 Auto Mower that looks like a twin to yours that I wish was as nice as yours.

It is not completly untouched as I have given it a set of new wheels....the improvement in its appearance was dramatic..that is when I first considered a preservation as opposed to a restoration. My thought was that the new decal would would be a nice finishing touch, however you have given me food for thought.
I will give it a good detail and wax and look at it some more.
A side note on the history of this machine...the guy I got it from rescued it out of a snow bank in front of a mower shop in Pensilvania, brang it to Texas, got it running...then stored it in his attic for over 10 years before I got it from him...after all that time, it only needed primer seals to be back in running order.
Lee

 

[unclelee]

https://youtu.be/i79I_xYLvh4

I made a video of the 8221 running if you would like to check it out.
Lee