First Vintage Saw - Stihl Lightning/Contra!

[Dasser82]

Hey everyone,

Haven't posted in a while, but too excited about this not to!

Just grabbed this Lighting/Contra this evening. Seller says hasn't run in about 15 yrs, just checked and has crazy compression and good spark. Looks to be in very good condition for the age (not sure on year yet). Drained old fuel even though smells/looks good.

Will attempt to get it running tomorrow (kids are asleep now and would like to keep it that way for the evening lol)

I got it for $250 CDN with a 32" .404 Oregon bar and chain.

2 quick questions:

1. The bar on it now says both 3/8 and .404. I know these saws typically run .404, but can/good idea to run 3/8? Obviously with correct sprocket (haven't looked for anything yet - hard to find?) I have a second 28" bar for my 064 with a bunch of new chains. Will use the current .404 setup for now but just curious...

2. Did I do okay?! Confident I'll get it to run but couldn't resist this cool old beast.

Thanks!

Here are a few pics, also with my first rebuild - an all OEM 064...and an MS170 cause why not?

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[Spladle160]

Wow, nice find! Looks like a hard nose bar so it won't care what pitch chain you use, just what gauge i.e. .050, .063 etc. I think the only thing you'll need to match the gauge to is the star drive on the clutch drum.

 

[Dasser82]

Thanks Spladle160!

Right, that's what I meant. Will get cover off tomorrow and check out sprocket. The bar does have a sprocket tip currently too, those photos aren't too clear.

Cheers!

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[kneedeepinsaws]

Jealous.

where in canada did you get it?

 

[Dasser82]

Hamilton, ON. Guy clearing out his dad's place to get him moved into retirement home.

I was third in line, he was holding for a few more days...I sent him a few msgs and said I'd love to have it but respect my spot in line...next day he says it's yours!

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[Dasser82]

Picked up a second contra/lightning last night. This one is missing the serial tag and top cover Stihl logo, but came with what I'm pretty sure is the original bar to the saw. Made sometime in 1963.

Wanted a second one for parts, but might do a resto on it too!

Cool to compare with my other earlier model. The '63's recoil and gas caps are different, and it's got the manual oiler too.

Something I didn't expect was the different paint colour - I'm sure both saws have original paint.

Anyways....looks like I'm becoming a collector now lol!

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[CR888]

They are really great pieces of engineering for their day. Wait till you start pulling it apart & you'll see for yourself how well built they are. They are a hoot to run, very strong Torquay feel and you feel proper like a man running one. Mine had a 1/2" rim drive before I set it up to run .404.

 

[Dasser82]

You are right CR888 - these saws are pretty interesting in their construction.

I've been busy for the past few weeks tearing down my later model. I've got it basically down to main elements (haven't dismantled the carb yet though). Still needs a good cleaning, debating whether or not to paint this saw when I rebuild and do a complete resto on my other one. Ie. One in work clothes, one as a working museum piece. Or maybe do both up really nice?

This saw has seen some repairs over its life. The fuel tank had been apart at some point (gasket maker with gasket), the muffler is broken, a stud missing from the cylinder (but most of the threads are still fine?) And 2 fins broken off the fanwheel.

I think the most creative repair was the throttle trigger - a piece of brass, some screws and epoxy! I now know why he did as they don't exist anymore!

I'll be replacing many parts and so far I've sourced and ordered many (with the exception of a fewl as OEM (which I'm trying to do.) The muffler will be hard though. Has anyone repaired or know where I can source one? (the 070's looks like it would fit but I need the hinge for top cover).

I think I will be reusing the piston, despite it's condition. Why not right?! Most AF ones I've seen have a slightly different design and I'm not positive it'll work (unless someone can say otherwise?). Rings are in excellent condition and I'll make a better judgement call when I get piston, cylinder etc all cleaned u.

Any recommendations on cleaning up the carbon deposits on piston and cylinder? Chemical solutions etc?

Last, I picked up a pristine owners and parts manual a few weeks ago. Love the artwork and dialogue - I've attached a few examples. Why are owners manuals this fun anymore? Lol

More to come when I find some more time.

Cheers,

Chad

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