Newbie Snapper Questions...

[ericboutin]

Hello everybody - first post and of course I've got a question or two. I've just acquired the RER in my sig over the weekend and all in all it's pretty awesome. It had been sitting for two years and the guy I got it from said "It was running when I parked it" So I thought I had my work cut out for me but the price was right!!! :woohoo1: ...Anyway added a little gas and oil and a shot of starter fluid and barely pulled the starter rope and bam - she started right up!! :fing32: Ok now for my questions - I would like to restore her to her former glory - is there a decal set still available for these old riders. Someone painted over the "Snapper" that was on the steering shaft and the "Comet 26" is fading away. I would like to add these back after a repaint. Next question can you still get mowing decks for these new or do I just need to keep my eyes open in the trader papers? The deck it's got now will probably make it this summer but not much more. Oh wait one more then I'm done - can you put a newer deck (if I find one) or does it have to be one that came on a Comet?

That's it for now - Sorry for the long post...Thanks for any insight in advance! :trink39:

[mark777]

WELCOME TO MTF ericbouting,

As far as I know, as long as the deck front aligns and attaches the same, they just about all fit each other. I've had three different model decks fit one mower (two now) and they fit perfectly in the front....the rear just hangs on with the chains, and the deck drive pulley seems to always line up where it should.

Mark

[jodyand]

:Welcome1: Eric I have a 74 Snapper Comet 8HP 30" cut. As for the decal set no as far as i couldnt find one and as for the deck. I havent looked at the newer ones to see but i know any one up into the earily 90s will work.

[ericboutin]

Thanks for the welcome and quick replies! That is great news about the deck, I will be keeping my eyes open. I'd like to get a decent deck and then see about adding the rear bagger this fall, it would be nice to have a leaf picker upper.
Well I just went to the local Snapper dealer to pickup a new blade and front end bushings and come to find out someone has replaced the deck once...I brought the blade with me just in case (glad I did) because the deck is a 30" model. Mower itself was born a 26". So that answered one of my other questions about deck size. I also inquired about the stickers and they are going to hunt around and see what they come up with. I also have to replace the "Blade Brake" as it still wants to spin when the blades are disingaged. Had to special order that one though. All in all it should turn out to be a pretty decent little mower with alittle TLC. I enjoy fixing up the oldies but goodies, looks like this will be another fun project. Not bad for a freebie!! :bannana:
Gotta love the smiley's at this place! :D

[Jim_WV]

Hey Eric ! don't know anything about the snappers, sorry, but did want to give you a big ole :Welcome1: and we are glad to have ya here :fing32:

[ericboutin]

:fing20: Well thought I'd do a bit of an update. I've learned alot about the decks on these old RER and thought I'd share for any future questions about em. Turns out on my old comet the newer decks are not a one size fits all. ...Rewind...I finally got everything squared away on the old Comet and had just finished adjusting the clutch and had the gears working pretty good. Installed the new blade brake etc etc and took her out for her maiden cut, I got the side yard done and she started vibrating...it got worse and worse and I had just finished shutting the blades down when BAM the whole spindle assembly fell through the deck. So much for making it through the summer.
Anyway now for the deck info...on the old comet decks the rails are mounted right at the front of the deck...on the newer decks the rails are mounted about 2 inches back thus the front arms won't make it to the mounting points under your feet. :banghead3 I found a really great Snapper boneyard and tried 2 decks before I finally realized what was wrong! :eck16:
Now the good news, I paid the guy $50 for a "new" deck and he had one old comet deck that woulda worked but it belonged to a customer soooo I asked how much for a newer frame since my engine runs excellent; he says pick out a frame, deck and all and take it for what you already paid! :fing32: So I picked out a '97 model Hi-Vac frame minus an engine!! Excellent condition!! I couldn't believe it! So unfortunately the Comet resto is no more as the engine's going on the '97 frame. Thanks again for all your help! :trink39: