Martin77 4 #1 Posted May 28, 2014 (edited) We've pretty much finished cleaning and smartening up our project Ladybird, (will try to upload a pic later) but are left wondering what to do with the motor. We've asked a few places about rewinding the motor, but it seems to depend on how much needs doing, it could cost over £150... whilst it would be great to use the original, it doesn't seem worth it for that expense. We have a modern Alko motor we could fit, but it means chopping up the deck as it's larger, which seems a shame. So, either we have a nice clean original mower that is nothing but an ornament, or a non original machine that could actually do a bit of cutting. What do you think? Edited May 28, 2014 by Martin77 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 4,458 #2 Posted May 28, 2014 I'd hang on for a while. You never know what you may come across in time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Martin77 4 #3 Posted May 28, 2014 True... it's just a bit frustrating when you want to get a project finished! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pmackellow 2,738 #4 Posted May 28, 2014 I'm with Stormin on this one, hang fire until a suitable motor appears... it will just be patient !! Your mower looks great by the way... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thorn1979 19 #5 Posted May 28, 2014 It does look great, even better with the handle on. Have you noticed though that there was never an on/off switch on these? Bit scary! So one will be added once we know which motor's going in. Have found a chap to take the motor to at the weekend, so maybe if we are lucky he can repair the original one which would make life easier. Paul, could we beg a huuuge favour please...? Could you take a pic of the blades on yours when you get the chance? The original ones are meant to be spring loaded, so that they don't stick when they meet an obstacle, but the blades on ours look like they have been bodged; definitely not original. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pmackellow 2,738 #6 Posted May 28, 2014 Will take a photo tomorrow and post on here, no problem !! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ian 2,417 #7 Posted May 29, 2014 Your doing the right thing by getting the original motor fixed, it would be a shame to have to cut the deck up to fit a different motor. Nice polishing by the way Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thorn1979 19 #8 Posted May 31, 2014 Well, the guy we saw today says he will take the motor apart and see what's up. He was keen; I get the feeling that he spends his days fixing and selling modern alternators and starter motors, and gets quite interested when something vintage appears. "ohhh, if it's more than £30-£40 worth I'll call you, cos it won't be worthwhile then" - I like someone that works like that. Could be a useful guy to know about. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pmackellow 2,738 #9 Posted May 31, 2014 Sorry, haven't done the photo you asked for I will do it tomorrow without fail !! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pmackellow 2,738 #10 Posted June 1, 2014 Here's the photos of the blades... Looks like the one on the right in the photo has hit something a bit solid... It works ok though Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thorn1979 19 #11 Posted June 1, 2014 Oooh, thanks. Curious... that looks like one solid bar of aluminium. They don't look "spring loaded" unless it's two seperate blades and there's something under that dome in the middle. The blades on ours are in two halves, but we didn't think they were original. Perhaps Metalair just changed the design along with the other bits n bobs they tweaked. Fingers crossed for the motor, once that's done then it's just a matter of adding new flex and a switch, and it'll be done Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pmackellow 2,738 #12 Posted June 2, 2014 Possibly design changes along the way as you say... Mine has got an on/off switch but has been rewired... Good luck with sorting your machine out !! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Martin77 4 #13 Posted June 19, 2014 News just in from the expert.... the armature's worn out. Much like old villiers coils the wires are broken and shorting... Don't suppose anyone out there has any suggestions? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rotoscytheben 94 #14 Posted June 21, 2014 could it not be re-wound? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wristpin 400 #15 Posted June 22, 2014 (edited) I recently did a tidy up job on a Ladybird for someone who has since sold it but it had a disc with two swinging blades and an on/off two pole tumbler switch in the mains lead about 18" from where it emerged from the top of the handle.As far as chopping the chassis to accommodate a different motor goes I would say . Don't . It's your machine and you will do what pleases you but for my money the originality will be gone for ever. Edited June 22, 2014 by Wristpin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wristpin 400 #16 Posted June 22, 2014 Just worked out how to attach images! 1 nigel reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pmackellow 2,738 #17 Posted June 22, 2014 Funny how they all pop up out of the woodwork isn't it !! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wristpin 400 #18 Posted June 22, 2014 Similar to Qualcast Commodores Mr PM. Bought yours and then two others came along! Now in the process of being amalgamated into one Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Martin77 4 #19 Posted June 22, 2014 Nice to see another one in working condition! Yes, the motor could be re-wound, but it's a question of cost. You'd be looking at over £100, and it's never going to be worth that. We have a new motor arriving soon, which is just about the right size to fit the chassis without cutting, so hopefully we can get it running ok, without losing originality (well... nothing irreversable if you see what I mean) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thorn1979 19 #20 Posted June 28, 2014 So... We added another motor, which came out of a washing machine. It sucked. Right size so no alterations needed, but it was pretty weedy. Tackle a clump of grass and it would stop. Back to the drawing board.. Strolling round Holsworthy Vintage Rally today we found a bloke selling the usual crap, rusty spanners and nicked power tools autojumble stuff.. and he had a couple of SDS drills. £15 later and we own an 800 watt motor that's neatly compact. Seems a shame really, cos a powerful drill is a useful item when you live in a house that has 2ft thick stone walls. And returning home I get an email from a chap that's seen my Wanted ad on Freecycle, and has 6 motors kicking about that we can choose from. Now, I am a firm believer in "always have a backup", so I'll go and see him I think. He's in the next village over, which has an appealing-looking pub, what an excuse! Progress! Well, a bit. (as for the vintage rally, I reckon the contents of the shed and workshop here would have put on a more interesting display, but someone did have a Jobber. Martin wants one of those, just for novelty value.) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pmackellow 2,738 #21 Posted June 28, 2014 Similar to Qualcast Commodores Mr PM. Bought yours and then two others came along! Now in the process of being amalgamated into one I did wonder how you were getting on with it... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
