Newbie with my Grandad's Model 55

[jrgordon]

Title says it all. My grandfather was the IH parts man and part owner of Farmer's Supply, Inc. in Danville, KY from 1925 to 1972. It was the most amazing store... Bins of seed, nails, housewares, you name it. Across the street was their lot with the serious stuff Combines, Tractors, and all the implements. When he retired in 1972, they presented him with his current "daily driver" which was a 1963 IH C1000 pickup that belonged to the store, and he just drove it home each night, as his "company car". :-) I have it, as well as his Model 55 Cub, also presented to him as a parting gift.

I've been through the Cub once about ten years ago with a pretty healthy restorationaint, (retaining original decals) engine overhaul, electronic ignition, original seat, new tires, etc.. It's stopped running about three years ago, and I was distracted (ashamed to say) into using my push mower. BUT, the time has come for a revival. I have sent the mower to a trusted shop to get the beefy 5 HP Briggs running again. I think the carb is the culprit, and barring an issue with parts availability, should have it running well again.

I do have two questions.

1) I would like to add electric start to this engine (Briggs 130902, 0376-01, 7206216) and I need a source for a kit, or parts to complete the job if it is even possible with this engine. Or, do you fine folks have good recommendations otherwise? Repower? 8 HP upgrade that was on the Model 85? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

2) Since the restoration, I've had an "incident" with a tree, and need fiberglass body work on my 55 shell. Where/how would you recommend a repair? Body shop? Or can I do it myself? I'd like to again retain original decals as they are in great shape. I'm assuming they can be masked off. That's what I did the first time, and they look great.

Many thanks. Looking forward to the time spent here.

John Gordon
Huntsville, AL

I'll try to post a pic where it's appropriate. (from just post restoration a decade ago)