19 replies to this topic

[Bolensfan3888]

     I'm taking on my first restoration. My project is a Bolens Power Ho Delux with a sickle attachment. This walk behind was a gift from my uncle who received it on trade. The previous owner attempted a restoration but did not complete it. Looks like the parts were cleaned maybe sandblasted but then he painted them with rattle can green. Seems like a waste of time if you aren't going to do it right. My first task is to inventory the parts and hope I have everything to assemble it. The motor and hood are only sitting on the chassis.  I have an extra engine, chassis, handle bars, fuel tank and a few odds and ends.  I plan to blast everything and use either high build primer and or body filler to fill any dents or rust pits to make everything has smooth as possible. My goal is to return this piece of history back to as original as possible. Any and all help and leads are much appreciated.

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[DougT]

Welcome to the forum. looks like you are on your way to having a nice tractor. Keep us updated.

[B10Dave]

I wish you good luck with your Bolens restoration project. One thing to remember though is that these garden tractors of any make were not perfect when they left the factory. If you over restore it in the paint and smoothness of tin and castings it will not look "factory" when you are done. However if that is what you desire it is after all your machine to do with as you please.Again, good luck with it...Dave

[Bolensfan3888]

Yes I agree I don't want to over do it. Just want to fix the flaws from time corrosion and abuse. There are a couple dents in the hood and tank and some heavy pitting in the frame and handles. I'm going to try and take some better pictures this weekend

[Bolens 1000]

Looks like its mainly complete, let us know if you have any other questions.

[Bill56]

Welcome to GTtalk. Nice looking Bolens!

[Gabriel]

WELCOME to GTTalk!

[Tbrooks]

Looks ro be in good shape! I am working on one myself. If you think about getting rid of the extra engine, let me know. What info are you looking for to get yours restored?

[LilysDad]

Thanks for joining us. That's going to be a nice tractor!

[Bolensfan3888]

This is my extra fuel tank, the inside is to rough to restore but it has this Bolens Huski logo on it. Is this correct for my tractor? It looks identical to my other tank but I haven't seen a restored one with it.   What other decals would this model have? What I have found is that it would have had the calcium label on the wheel (I don't plan on putting calcium back in) just for looks. It would have said Power Ho on the hood. I have seen one said Power Ho Delux on the hood. Which is right?  Would that have been Painted on or decal? Also how do I decide what year my power ho is? From what I found I think mine is a 1950.

[Bolens 1000]

There were decals on the sides of the hood that just said "Power Ho"

I dont think anyone currently has a correct set yet.

The Huskiman decal on the tank was not on all models, I have yet to figure out when that started or which specific models had those.

 

Best way to ID the year is the engine serial number.

 

I think I have a good hood that I can get pictures and measurements of.

[Bolensfan3888]

This is the motor that the pervious owner I guess was planning to use because some pieces on it are painted. Serial # 17868 B&S 8R6.

The extra engine I have the serial # is 45865 so I assume this is a later motor. How can I figure out the year? I have not tried to start either engine yet. Both have compression and I have checked the better looking motor for spark. Are these a challenge to rebuild? And are the parts available?

Edited by Bolensfan3888, October 18, 2014 - 10:11 PM.

[Nato77]

Your two engines are both from 1950. June and Oct were the months they were made.
I haven't seen them in person but a guy by the name of Hank Watkins has the 12BB. I don't have his number but there are guys here on the forum that do. A few years back I talked to him about them and if I remember right they were $18 for the two "Power Ho" and gas tank decal. Here's a pic of the rim deca .


Almost forgot Welcome to GTtalk!

[Bolens 1000]

Whats the OD of the round tank decal?

[Bolensfan3888]

I found Hanks Info in other threads, I have it saved. Plan to give him a ring when I'm closer to the finish. Thank you Nate for the motor info, and Thank you to everyone else so far. I have learned so much already, I really enjoy GTtalk. My plans for this project is to be a good winter project. With my lawn care job right now is really busy time with the leaves and the fall treatments. I just like to gather as much info as I can now so when I am ready to go I can just focus on the work. I plan to post step by step progress of the restoration. Is this thread the best place for that? Or should I start a new one? I'm new to using forums and want to follow all the rules.