1951 Eclipse Rocket - Houston, Texas Project

[BigOTex]

Hello....I am in Houston and have just discovered my Grand Father's 1951 Eclipse Rocket Hi-cut in his barn.

"Pappy" as we called him passed away in 1986.

The mower has been sitting for at least 40 years. I am a novice at this...so I am looking for some help. Not sure if this is the right place, but thought I would give it a try.

I started the project today, power washed the ages away....took the carb off and cleaned. Have spark from the coil. Crankcase is soaking for the night in diesel. Cleaned the gas tank. Hope to try and get some smoke tomorrow.

Any help and advise is appreciated. Will need some parts....

Thanks....hope somebody out there can help me. I would love to get this grand old machine running again!

Steve

 

[steamer]

Hi Steve,

Welcome!

Well, a picture of what a Eclipse Rocket is would help......I assume it's an engine?

Dave

 

[JorgensenSteam]

I think it is one of those old reel lawn mowers with a Briggs.
We had one of those, but I was not old enough to use it.

We also had a push reel, and it was really heavy and hard to push (I was young), but it cut the grass like a golf green.

 

[lazylathe]

One of these?

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkm1LsVYDNY[/ame]

You might get some more help over at smokstak.com
Those guys are really into larger manufactured engines and even some lawnmowers too!
Looks like a neat mower!

Andrew

 

[G_N_R]

Hi BigOTex
Welcome.