"What do I have" is an adequate group title, so, I brought this home today
Any ideas? I do remember rope pull starts, but today Ryan Courts at Power Bee said this via e-mail...
I wanted to provide you with a quick update regarding your recent inquiries about the vintage West Bend 580's and 700's.
I’ve restored list of 580’s, and 700’s like yours…. unfortunately, I must inform you that I no longer work on these particular models. The main reason for this is the difficulty in sourcing parts, which haven't been produced for decades. When they do appear, they're often highly priced due to their rarity.
While it's true that certain parts such as seals, gaskets, and reeds can still be purchased, other components are much more challenging to find. Particularly, if an engine block is significantly corroded, there's a good chance it'll have issues like pitting on the crankshaft or a rusted connecting rod. Rings are hard to come by, and pistons are even more elusive.
I understand the passion for restoring these classics, and I wish you the best of luck with your hunt for parts. In fact, I'd encourage you to join my Facebook Group "Power Bee Engine Performance & Fun". It's a community of fellow enthusiasts and collectors where you can post your needs. Who knows? There might be a kind-hearted collector who has a spare piston they're willing to part with!
I'm truly sorry for any inconvenience this might cause, and thank you for your understanding.
Best wishes,
Ryan Courts
www.PowerBeeEngine.com