Old push mower restoration ideas?

[Sevenhills1952]

I'm in the process of restoring my Dad's old Craftsman lawnmower. It hasn't run in about 50 years but I got it running. Dad was good at rigging things and brush painted latex mixed together.
The deck is aluminum and a chunk broken out, rock probably. Best way to fix it?
I have metal wheels on order. Inside original I see tiny bit of red so I assume that's it.
Handle is in two parts, never taken apart until now. I'm thinking bottom was chrome plated, top silver paint?
The deck I'll just clean up except where I patch it.
Any thoughts appreciated!

Sent from my SM-S320VL using Tapatalk

 

[Sevenhills1952]

Anyone have red 3/4" handle grips?


Sent from my SM-S320VL using Tapatalk

 

[legdelimber]

If you could get the handles sanded smooth and glass slick, I'd say just to clear coat them.
I have an "ancient" light fixture in my bathroom that was getting a bit of rust. I had access to a metal furniture working shop back then, so I buffed it back to a bare, mirror shine.
Properly cleaned & degreased.
Wear clean gloves for no finger prints etc.
Hung it up and then shot it with clear coat.
Just to look up at it, you would almost think it had a fresh plating job.
Still looks pretty good and it's seen a lot of soapy steam in the last 25 years.

 

[JoeDirt]

For the chunk of aluminum that broke off the deck, see if anyone you know has a tig welder. I assume the missing chunk is long gone? If you have a hard time fabricating a piece,, find a junk Lawn-Boy with an aluminum deck, and cut a piece off of it.

 

[Sevenhills1952]

For the chunk of aluminum that broke off the deck, see if anyone you know has a tig welder. I assume the missing chunk is long gone? If you have a hard time fabricating a piece,, find a junk Lawn-Boy with an aluminum deck, and cut a piece off of it.

I know a fellow who can tig weld...but he's expensive. I'm going to hardware store now to get aluminum. I'll cut torn place square, make a matching piece to fit tightly in. I've had good luck welding aluminum using these rods from eBay and oxy-acetylene torch small tip, low heat. Then grind smooth.
I'll see if I can get can spray paint close.
Pictures when I'm through. Here's a few so far.

Sent from my SM-S320VL using Tapatalk