Solo Rex 125cc

[WesternSaw]

Would like some input on what you guy's think of the Solo Rex 125cc saw.
Things like performance, if it is in good running shape? What is the parts availability?Desirable as a collector saw?
Thanks
Lawrence

 

[belgian]

The Solo Rex is a nice collector saw. It was the first one man saw with membrane carb in europe and was a big seller in the late fifties/early sixties.
It's a beast to run at 125cc with no decomp and she can kick back like a mule, if the ignition is set a bit early.
Performance : like every other big saw of that era, quite slow compared to today. She has lots of torque and a nice barking sound.
Special look also.

I like this saw. She's a must in every collection...

weak points are the clutch cover and the handle : both are a little weak and can get damaged easily. That's why it isn't easy to find one which has not been repaired or wears heavy scars. The plastic carb cover gets lost or cracked easily.

The carb is also not easy to remove, as the access to the bolts is not easy. I made a special wrench for it, as I have rebuilt at least 5 of these saws in the past 5 years.

 

[Jacob J.]

Lawrence-

The big Solo saws are nice to have. An old timber faller told me that the air filter was worthless on those so they just chucked 'em. Look to see if it has the air filter. Like Roland said, a lot of the used ones will have heavy repairs.

 

[belgian]

Lawrence-

An old timber faller told me that the air filter was worthless on those so they just chucked 'em.

True, and valid for all the Solo models of that era.

 

[WesternSaw]

Roland and J.J.

Thanks to both of you for your replies.A fella has offered to sell me two of them one is running and the other apparently just needs a little work and will run.Hmmmmm,wonder what they should go for price wise?Oh by the way, I do have a Solo 70 with a full wrap handle which apparently is not common,but could have been an option as a very simular model has one.I have the manual for the Solo 70 and it does show the full wrap handle.Mine does turn over but I have not tried to start it.Whoever owned it before me thought it would be agood idea to paint it a burgandy colour as oppesed to it's original baby blue.The burgandy does flake off fairly easy though.Here's a picture of the 70,it's not very pretty!
Thanks
Lawrence

 

[dave k]

I was given one a few weeks ago and have yet to do anything with it. The guy who had it last used it a few years ago so hope it will be a case of clean points and away it will go !
Roland any chance of a pic of the tool you made up for the carb bolts ?
Im not sure if mine is a super or the standard Rex, after looking at the one's on Magnus's site the model # says super but I think I will have to measure the bore to be sure ?

 

[stihlboy]

man i want that saw

 

[belgian]

I was given one a few weeks ago and have yet to do anything with it. The guy who had it last used it a few years ago so hope it will be a case of clean points and away it will go !
Roland any chance of a pic of the tool you made up for the carb bolts ?
Im not sure if mine is a super or the standard Rex, after looking at the one's on Magnus's site the model # says super but I think I will have to measure the bore to be sure ?

I'll take a pic of the wrench today. You'll have to measure the bore to be sure if it's a super, can't rely on numbers really. I've been looking for a super for a long time, no luck so far. I have a feeling the supers were not sold in Belgium, but don't know for a fact.


here's the wrench. You only have a very limited room to tighten the bolts. My advice is to have very clean threads and tighten the bolts by hand as far as you can, than use the wrench. This setup allows only limited torque but it's enough for the carb. The cylinder bolts are a much bigger challenge...

 

[dave k]

Thank you Roland, I was suprised to see one here and suspect the only reason is that it was bought by a German gent who was in plastics manufacture. The family name is Holfeldt and they are still in business, the father had a large house near by and only he and one other employee was allowed too use the saw so the saw is in good, if dirty, condition.

 

[WesternSaw]

Hello Fellas

The fella that has these 125cc saws has a price in mind, so if I can get the money together I guess I should pick them up.Cosmetically they are in nice looking shape,one is better than the other.

Roland I agree with Dave K that would be super if you could post a picture of the wrench,maybe a picture of your Solo also if you don't mind.

Dave K could you post a picture of your solo?


Thanks
Lawrence

 

[belgian]

this is mine

http://www.arboristsite.com/showpost.php?p=793082&postcount=93

 

[WesternSaw]

Solo's have arrived

Well I finally was able to conclude my end of the Solo Rex deal and the saws made the trip out west a week ago.They sure seem to be in nice shape.The fella I made the deal with was great to do buisness with and had the paitence to wait for the funds for quite awhile.Also received a bunch of Pioneer parts and a big Pioneer manual.
Lawrence

 

[dave k]

Good news Lawrence, had a chance to run it up yet ?

 

[WesternSaw]

DaveK

No not yet.I'm a big procrastinator!I have all these well meaning intentions,things to do, and then for some reason just leave it till tomorrow and you know where tomorrow leads.You should see my workbench,well actually you can't because there is just too much junk on it.On a positive note I started cleaning the garage up,so far 5 hours put in and I'm about to go put some more time in after I get off here.I will try and post some pictures soon,TRY is the key word,LOL.
Lawrence

 

[dancan]

Glad to hear you got the saws !

Good news Lawrence, had a chance to run it up yet ?

With the patience for 2 years to get the saws ...........

 

[stihldriver]

My Solo Rex 125 cc from 1959

 

[The Byrd]

My Solo Rex 125 cc from 1959

Hi is this a super I just got 1of these not long ago

 

[The Byrd]

Would like some input on what you guy's think of the Solo Rex 125cc saw.
Things like performance, if it is in good running shape? What is the parts availability?Desirable as a collector saw?
Thanks
Lawrence

Can u get part's for this Saw

 

[bigbadbob]

Pete hasnt been on fer near a year,,,

 

[The Byrd]

Pete hasnt been on fer near a year,,,

Thanks just joined the group