So I got this 1988 Snapper 21500PC a couple of months ago and spent those last two months tearing it apart, sandblasting it, replacing some parts and re-painting it. The po had painted over the original paint (YUK) but other than that it was in really nice shape so I decied to take on the project. In addition to the re-painting prtion of the project it has new wheels (7x1.5f/9x1.95r), new belts, new throttle, new rear guard and a new grass chute. After sandblasting and priming it I found some really good spray enamel at home depot. Rustoleum Regal Red and gloss white, both professional grade high performance paint (or so the can says). But the red I think is a PERFECT match to the vintage 1980s red. This thing always starts on the second pull, idles down great and runs perfect. This will definetly be the mower I use when I'm in the mood for a 4-cycle!
Looks great, and its a commercial series to boot your right, that red does look like a perfect match. What is different about the old commercial snapper mowers other than the handle braces and metal wheels?
That's Awesome! I think that's one of the best mowers Snapper ever made. I know at one time the commercials had an extra set of planetary gears in the differential. Not sure if that was the case in the later ones? They offered either the 5 hp Briggs or the V-50 Tecumseh during that time frame. I think they offered the Robin engine later on. I know of at least two of those mowers like that, that are still in commercial use today! Great job restoring it! Thanks!!!
#5
Snapperfreak
Thanks guys. Unfortunately I didn't take as many in-progress pics as I should have but I'll go through and find some. The other cool thing about the commercials is the handlebars are a couple inches longer and they have a bigger bag. Yep I've always liked these but thy are rare around here.
#6
midnite rider
Looks great Snapperfreak. Way to go. :thumbsup: I dig the brushed aluminum gas cap and air filter housing. If I ran into one here in the south I would SNAP it up also so to speak.
x2.. Only way I think it could get any better is maybe with one of the Wisconsin Robin 2 strokes. And maybe a PAC n sac added to it:thumbsup:
#9
Snapperfreak
WOW, u guys made my day! I spent a lot of time over the summer working on this thing and it's a great feeling to hear such good feedback about it. Thank you all.
As for the in-progress pics...I'm lame. I didn't take nearly as much as I should have and the only ones I have are, well, lame. But here ya go. The one of the complete mower isfrom before the refurb. Looks ok but in person it was quite the cosmetic mess. I was really hoping to find one in nice original condition, it wasn't my intent to undertake such a project. But after having this thing torn all the way down and put back together it's a neat feeling to see it in its current condition. BUT.....I don't know if I can actually bring myself to use it. I want it to stay this pristine. It would be AWESOME if i could find a new old-stock white commercial bag for it. I would never use that, it came with a good bag, but it would be a neat addition.
#10
Snapperfreak
OOPS! I forgot to actually upload the pics. Here we go....
That looks great. Makes me want to dig out the old Snapper aluminum deck mower a neighbor gave me several years ago after he hit something and bent the crankshaft. I have a cast deck Craftsman I would like to give a forum member looking for a project.
Cannon
Looks real good! I've been looking for one of these. Bought a commercial with a Wisconsin on it the other day. Wish it was a briggs model like yours. I can't get this Wisconsin to run worth a hoot!
Looks real good! I've been looking for one of these. Bought a commercial with a Wisconsin on it the other day. Wish it was a briggs model like yours. I can't get this Wisconsin to run worth a hoot!
Well, I got one of each! The 2-cycle I just cleaned the carb and it came right to life. Runs good and I love the sound of it. He wanted $50 for it. Now the 4-cycle Wisconsin snapper he wanted $75 for. Tried to buy both for $100, but he was firm. I bit the bullet since I had not found any Wisconsin snappers in my 4 years of daily Craigslist snooping. Had two of them right infront of me, so I bought them. I give up on the 4-cycle, think I made my first snapper mistake! It would hit but not start. Pulled the carb off and cleaned it. Then it would run good on choke only. So I thought maybe I missed the idle circuit. Pulled carb again and blew out the gas lines/tank. Started and ran beautiful! Next day I went to start it and now it will run for 5 seconds and die. Re-start and repeat, 5 seconds run time is all I can get out of it now.
I'll get you guys some pics. I'll have to move 15 snappers to get pics. I shoved the 4-cycle all the way to the back of the building! Done with it for now!
Digging up an old post. I keep looking back at it. This is the mower I originally started looking for 5 years ago. I'd trade ya a whole stack of my snappers for this, Haha! You've got Honda snappers too..wish I had your luck!
#18
Snapperfreak
Lol the funny thing is I had another one last year and sold it to a guy down in Los Angeles. He saw it on cl and actually had a guy that just picks up and delivers stuff up and down the state come pick it up. $100 cash. But I guess it was the closest to him that he could find. It sure is one of the rarer ones. That's one I should've kept. Still have never found locally a commercial with the WR185.
Well, atleast I got one on ya then. It could be yours...:wink:
#20
Snapperfreak
Dude I wish I had the dough. Even not running great that thing is still worth at least $100. And shipping to here isn't cheap. But yes that would be sweet! I thought u had pics of it but I can't find them.
#21
Snapperfreak
...but out of curiosity...if u were ever to sell that WR185...how much u think it would be??
your right, that red does look like a perfect match. What is different about the old commercial snapper mowers other than the handle braces and metal wheels?
