Nice find! 1969, the last year for the dual bronze bushings in the residential D-400's. I've had a couple of those engines (D-407), one is in my 7260B and both of those engines actually have steel bushings instead of bronze, babbitt I think is the correct term, not sure why they did that, but they seem to work just as well as the bronze ones. My 7259 mag deck was also shot so I tossed it, those mag decks are really prone to cracking and severe corrosion. I have a quart of the bermuda sand color custom mixed in acrylic enamel and will post the color code on the 1967 Lawnboy edger thread if you find a good deck and want to do a restore. One other thing, the 68 shroud is a different style than the 69 shrouds, those style shrouds used on the 7259 were used from 1969 to 1974, I think that would be the 3rd generation fiberglass shroud with the 1965 a one year only style and 66 through 68 being 2nd gen and your 7259 being the 3rd generation. Those wheels are beige for 1969, I think that maybe the only year for those color mag wheels.

 

Well....I just compared the shrouds, and they are different.
Think I will remove the engine and a few other parts and thrash the deck and handles.
Maybe one day I will find another deck for the engine.
Lee

 

Hey Rex, looks like we posted at the same time.
Thanks for the info on the shrouds.
I wish the deck had been good on this one..but ya can't win them all.
I think I remember someone here saying they where looking for some beige wheels....if they turn out to be that color I will post some pics.
I believe I heard that 69 was the only year for that color too.
Lee

 

Nice find if only for parts! My guess on the wheels that are triangle on the outside and not on the inside is that they are just dirty, newer style triangle wheels. The old rear wheels were triangle inside and out and then they changed the style on the inside, probably for more support around the hub to keep it from cracking. Bill

 

Your probably right Bill. The tires on the back looked to be in decent shape and the gentleman I got it from said his dad bought it new, and he and his brother pushed it for miles while they grew up. Judging by the deck being worn paper thin, I think I believe him...lol.
It's a shame, I could tell he was disappointed when I told him the deck wasn't fixable, as he was wanting to see it restored.
Maybe down the road, luck will bring a new deck and it can see new life again. I think the engine will clean up nicely and be worth a rebuild so time will tell.
I am picking up another mower tonight... hopefully it will be in better shape.
Then this weekend back to plugging away at my 5020.
Lee

 

Well, I started to assess the 69 today....first question...will it run.
https://youtu.be/dWRniywZISg.

Next question....what is salvageable?
It turns out that none of the wheels were original. But I will keep them around along with the adjusters.
The side discharge cover however is original and in nice shape....also looks like a fairly new blade.
Guess I will keep everything but the deck.






Lee

 

Nice find Lee. I'm sure you'll come across another deck. I've been looking for one of this style in cream for awhile. There don't seem to be many survivors.
I hope you find a deck soon as I can't wait to see your restore!
Geoff


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Reedz,
I am torn as to what to do with this one. The engine is clean.. but worn. The shroud is in good condition, and I really kinda like it. But a restoration on this one would be very hard to pull off I think.
Like you have said, not many survivors. I am finding that I am not a fan of the magnesium decks. They are very expensive to repair vs aluminum. Also the chance of finding a set of cream colored wheels would be next to impossible.
My thoughts are leaning towards finding a donor deck, doing an engine rebuild and some nice white triangle wheels and maybe making a daily driver, since it won't be an original machine.
May even make it a 19".
Lee

 

FYI~Here is a list of models that are shown to use the same deck. Maybe this will help in your search as you can check Craigslist etc., for these models. Bill

Lawn Boy
5020 (100000001-199999999)(1971) Lawnmower
7003 (900000001-999999999)(1969) Lawnmower
7004 (100000001-199999999)(1971) Lawnmower
7004 (000000001-099999999)(1970) Lawnmower
7020 (100000001-199999999)(1971) Lawnmower
7020 (000000001-099999999)(1970) Lawnmower
7064 (100000001-199999999)(1971) Lawnmower
7064 (000000001-099999999)(1970) Lawnmower
7080 (100000001-199999999)(1971) Lawnmower
7080 (000000001-099999999)(1970) Lawnmower
7220 (900000001-999999999)(1969) Lawnmower
7221 (100000001-199999999)(1971) Lawnmower
7221 (000000001-099999999)(1970) Lawnmower
7259 (900000001-999999999)(1969) Lawnmower
7259E (900000001-999999999)(1969) Lawnmower
7260 (100000001-199999999)(1971) Lawnmower
7260 (000000001-099999999)(1970) Lawnmower
7260E (100000001-199999999)(1971) Lawnmower
7260E (000000001-099999999)(1970) Lawnmower
7500 (200000001-299999999)(1972) Lawnmower
7500 (100000001-199999999)(1971) Lawnmower
7500 (000000001-099999999)(1970) Lawnmower
7500 (900000001-999999999)(1969) Lawnmower
8228 (900000001-999999999)(1969) Lawnmower
8228E (900000001-999999999)(1969) Lawnmower
8229 (100000001-199999999)(1971) Lawnmower
8229 (000000001-099999999)(1970) Lawnmower
8229E (100000001-199999999)(1971) Lawnmower
8229E (000000001-099999999)(1970) Lawnmower
8229S (100000001-199999999)(1971) Lawnmower
8229S (000000001-099999999)(1970) Lawnmower

 

Thanks Bill.

 

That shroud is in incredible shape! It's a real shame the deck is gone.
Too bad you weren't closer as I have a really nice 21" deck that would work for you. You're right about the wheels though. I'd be surprised if you'll ever find a set of cream wheels. You could always try painting them, not sure how the paint would hold up on the plastic though.
If I was able to source a shroud I'd consider making a mower myself in that colour.
I've thought about doing the same thing to get a IH mower but I'd not have the proper nameplate


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Lee I wouldn't limit your search for a new deck to just mag decks only. I think an aluminum deck like what was found on models like the 8255 would work just fine. The self-propel holes would need to be covered up and lab metal would do the job just fine. This 7260B would have been a 7259 except for the fact that I had this immaculate 1973 shroud so it became a 7260B. I still have a set of decals for the 1969 model 7259 and had always thought in the back of my mind that someday I would do this model in bermuda sand and stick the 7259 data plate back on it.

 

Rex, you may have given me my answer.
If you look in the first set of pictures in this thread, you will see an 8235AE sitting right behind it.
I discounted this deck because of the self propelled.
I will have to give it a closer look when I get back home.

Lee