14 replies to this topic

[Bolens600]

Im 17 and I'm starting to restore a Bolens 600 for my girlfriend. We are both in FFA and so im going to enter it into fair as a FFA project. I want it to just surprise her. (She knows about it, but I mean how it looks.) 

 

I was wondering if theres anything I should watch out for during this process.

I will post progress as I go. My girlfriend said she isnt a big fan of the original gold, so I told her thats fine as Im not either. So im going to go with this color combo that someone did for their 800 (2nd picture). 1st picture is  mine before the teardown. 

Thanks guys!

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[crittersf1]

[Newpaws493]

Welcome aboard!!! Whichever way you go with the final colors, Enjoy the process and give attention to your prep and replacements as you go. Organize your parts and don't forget plenty of   

[robert_p43]

Nice looking project you have there.  I hope you share the progress.  I can't offer many tips as I have never restored one yet, just got a GT running.  I know, at least it's a start. I would keep parts that go with other parts together, label things, take pictures as you take it apart so you know how it goes back together, keep a notebook.  Find manuals if you haven't already.

I live where in the area where FFA was founded in schools.  It started in Weyers Cave, Va at the high school.  The high school is no longer there but is down the road a piece in Fort Defiance, Va.  We moved here from Florida and the following year, My youngest daughter started attending high school there.  On FFA day, she was surprized to discover it was "drive your tractor to school day" too.  The FFA kids also cooked their lunch outside consisting of squirrel stew and venison. My daughter, a city girl, was kind of grossed out by the whole thing. 

Edited by robert_p43, July 16, 2013 - 07:04 AM.

[IamSherwood]

Hi there.

 

Welcome to GTT.

Glad you joined us here.

 

I really like those 600s. Some day, I'll find one too. I'll be

watching your progress here.

 

As for pointers, as said already, take lots of pictures and notes, to help

you in putting it back together. I find it easier, to fix the things that need fixing, as you tear

down. That way, when you get to the exiting part of reassembly, you can zoom right along.

[Bolens 1000]

Welcome!

I think if you seen the original gold before it faded you would be going back to the original color.

If there is a place that sells Sherwin Williams/ Martin Senior paints take a look at their color charts... When I was scanning through I thought I found a real close match for the gold that was used. I believe Bolens used metallic in the gold.

 

Here's a pic of what one looked like: http://gardentractor...attach_id=25659

[Texas Deere and Horse]

Welcome to GTtalk, If your judges are like the judges we have down here in TEXAS, you will loose points for not going back with the Original paint scheme. I wish you the best of luck and be sure to ask any question, someone here will be able to help you out.

[Bmerf]

    Welcome and good luck on the restore!

[JDBrian]

Welcome to the forum! You have come to the right place for Bolens advice. There are lotso f collectors here who can help you through the restoration process. I like the gold myself and it's a unique colour that looks really classy when it's in good shape.

[larryd]

Welcome , and great project. Don't rush and take pictures as you disassemble and number etc.

 

larryd

[Oregon_Bolens]

Welcome to the best Bolens site on the web! Glad to see another Oregon member. I used to actually work in Independence. Good luck on your project and definitely don't be afraid to ask questions...there's lots of guys with great knowledge of these tractors.

[Bolens600]

Thanks guys for all the help and advice! As of right now the Bolens is in pieces and ready to go to the sandblasting place. But Im also taking the motor which means im going to rebuild it (well, gaskets anyway). I cant seem to find anything really on this motor or where to get gaskets. Any info for me? 

 

briggs 190402 0515-01

 

Thanks

[Bruce Dorsi]

The B&S 190402 0515-01 was a standard replacement 8hp engine.    .....The first four digits of the CODE number will indicate year and month of manufacture.  ....Example:  Code # 7910xxxxxx would indicate 1979 October (the 10th month).

 

The 600 originally had a 6hp B&S model 142302 (pull-start) or 143301 (electric-start) engine.

 

Most B&S dealers should be able to get gaskets & parts for your engine.

[Bolens600]

The B&S 190402 0515-01 was a standard replacement 8hp engine.    .....The first four digits of the CODE number will indicate year and month of manufacture.  ....Example:  Code # 7910xxxxxx would indicate 1979 October (the 10th month).

 

The 600 originally had a 6hp B&S model 142302 (pull-start) or 143301 (electric-start) engine.

 

Most B&S dealers should be able to get gaskets & parts for your engine.

 

 

Thanks Bruce! After much research until the waking hours of the morning, I couldnt find anything so I finally called Briggs and Stratton directly. They had what I was looking for (Engine rebuild kit and Carb rebuild kit). The only problem was it was $85 plus shipping. I thought about it for a bit and went back to taking apart the motor first. After hours of pulling, pounding, heating, the flywheel would not come off. The motor was a dead end. So I did the unthinkable...

* I went to Harbor Freight and bought a 6.5hp predator Honda clone motor for $115. The price is pretty close to just the kits I would need.  I know to some it seemed silly and "un american" especially for a Bolens, but I havent heard toon many things about the Predators (except for bias). So we will have to see. ...dun dun dunnn

[Bolens 1000]

Dont give up that easy....... It would be a shame to put in another engine.