This is the LAST SAW I'll ever add to my collection

[dave k]

Finally got to have a look at the spare badges but as you can see the original Contra badge is a raised pressing as oppossed to the slightly ridged type for the other models. One of the reasons I picked up that spare bonnet was the badge. I will double check my S but Im sure one of the later ones would do for now ?

 

[7oaks]

Finally got to have a look at the spare badges but as you can see the original Contra badge is a raised pressing as oppossed to the slightly ridged type for the other models. One of the reasons I picked up that spare bonnet was the badge. I will double check my S but Im sure one of the later ones would do for now ?

Thanks Dave...

Since my S is kinda late I'd say the later badge would suit just fine - though at some time I wouldn't mind having one of the early ones (just to have one) .

:hmm3grin2orange:

I have to look at my other two Contras to see if one or both of them have the early badge (plus my metal cast bonnet).

I put a new 7 tooth sprocket on it yesterday (a Windsor D-24 model). I also have one that is a spur model but didn't use that one since I'm not going to use it that much.

Cheers...I owe you a Guiness (or two)!

 

[7oaks]

Pics of cleaned up contra/lightning s

Spent all afternoon cleaning up the Contra S. Family thinks I should be committed. Who else but an insane person would spend 8 hours cleaning a chainsaw with dental picks?:msp_drool:

But first some photos of the process and tools used.

First is my Redneck parts cleaner:

It's a 55 gal plastic barrel with part cut off and inverted over the other part and on wheels. This makes it high enough to work on comfortably and the bottom serves as a "non-burnable) trash bin.

The wooden scrapers are cut form a 2X4 at a sharp angle. They do not scratch the paint as metal scrapers do. In this case I just used a spray degreaser instead of loading up a cleaner.

Here is what the piston rings look like. What is the rusty looking band between the rings? Anything to worry about?

Then here is what the piston looks like.

Is that serious scoring on the piston or just oil.

Compression is 140 cold.

Pics of the cleaned up saw are in next post.

 

[7oaks]

Finally the cleaned up king 0f saws

Here are a series of photos showing my pride and joy all ceaned up and ready to go to work. I still haven't started it up and it will probably not be for a week or so until I do as we have company coming tomorrow that will take up all of my time.

Looks pretty good don't you think? Yes it did take me approx. 8 hours to get it into this condition. I know some of you could have cleaned, repainted, muffler modded, ported and video taped 3 saws in the time it took me to cean this one but hey I had a great time working on the King of Saws!!!!!

I don't normally repaint my personal saws, keeping them true to their history. I do have one other Contra/Lightning that the seller told me (might have been repainted by the previous owner) that obviously was repainted and poorly. I plan on powder coating that saw. Do you think a soda blaster will work to take the old paint off.

NOTE: I Don't mean this saw Contra, shown, but one I bought from a guy in Toronto a little over a year ago. I believe I was sold a frankensaw that the guy couldn't finish. Some of the parts are obviously new but the true give away was the metal oil line from the oil pump to the bar was missing. It started up nicely but wouldn't oil the bar. When I checked the line wasn't there so the oil was just pumping onto the interior of the saw. :bang:

I'll start a new thread when and if I start on that project.

 

[Chris J.]

I must be insane as well, have spent many hours 'picking' grime out of crevices in chainsaws. My 'redneck' cleaner looks a lot like yours, but it's a three-stage unit using two empty 40# laundry detergent buckets & lids with holes drilled in them. I'm actually quite proud of my cleaner :msp_biggrin:.

I've used several pistons with the dark 'oil spot' discolorations with no problems. I don't know what causes the spots, but as long as there is no scoring I don't about worry it.

 

[WesternSaw]

LOOOOOKIN Good

Boy you did a nice cleanup Carl.I know when cleaning saws I feel a bit insane doing it, as I use old rags with a plethorea of tools,dental picks,popsicle sticks,chopsticks and whatever else I can find to get in the crevices.Can hardly wait till I have an air compressor.Maybe an ultrasonic cleaner down the road.
Lawrence

 

[7oaks]

I must be insane as well, have spent many hours 'picking' grime out of crevices in chainsaws. My 'redneck' cleaner looks a lot like yours, but it's a three-stage unit using two empty 40# laundry detergent buckets & lids with holes drilled in them. I'm actually quite proud of my cleaner :msp_biggrin:.

How about a picture Chris?

Boy you did a nice cleanup Carl.I know when cleaning saws I feel a bit insane doing it, as I use old rags with a plethorea of tools,dental picks,popsicle sticks,chopsticks and whatever else I can find to get in the crevices.Can hardly wait till I have an air compressor.Maybe an ultrasonic cleaner down the road.
Lawrence

Glad to know I'm not the only insane one around here! :msp_wink:
Lawrence get an US cleaner. You won't regret it. The HF one works well for me. I even do oversized pieces by just rotating them into solution one side at a time.

 

[buzz sawyer]

I did notice some of the slots in the screw heads weren't all in the same direction, but since it was just a simple cleanup, I understand. You can only do so much in 8 hours. :hmm3grin2orange:

Great job Carl, can't wait for the video!

 

[7oaks]

I did notice some of the slots in the screw heads weren't all in the same direction, but since it was just a simple cleanup, I understand. You can only do so much in 8 hours. :hmm3grin2orange:

Great job Carl, can't wait for the video!

Damn...I failed to notice that. Oh well practice makes perfect. I do know where there are two RAs, on a shelf, that need rehab.:msp_cool:

 

[buzz sawyer]

Damn...I failed to notice that. Oh well practice makes perfect. I do know where there are two RAs, on a shelf, that need rehab.:msp_cool:

Actually I cheat. I install the screws, file the heads down, then cut new slots so they line up. Before that I just turned until they stripped, loaded up with locktite, and then aligned the slots. Worked OK until I started the saw.:jester:

I like the paint colors on that Contra much more than the newer ones. Wonder if they would ever consider an anniversary edition with the original colors?

Did you do your ski trip yet?

 

[TreeClimber57]

This is the LAST SAW I'll ever add to my collection?

What you planning on checking out early?

There ain't no such thing as a last saw until your blood has stopped flowing if you really got CAD

 

[Chris J.]

How about a picture Chris?
...

I liked your thought so much I started a thread with pictures :msp_tongue:. Actually I had been meaning to post some photos of my redneck parts washer, thanks for the nudge!

 

[sawbones]

I like the paint colors on that Contra much more than the newer ones. Wonder if they would ever consider an anniversary edition wi

Did you do your ski trip yet?

you didnt hear about the new lineup huh? jusy saw these at the dealership.

madnw pictures by mrbigsaw - Photobucket

 

[WesternSaw]

Ric

Man that's a beauty you have there Ric!
Lawrence

 

[buzz sawyer]

They had a very similar display at my local dealer - and at NOS prices no less!

Unfortunately, he couldn't guarantee how much longer parts would be available so I declined.

 

[sawbones]

They had a very similar display at my local dealer - and at NOS prices no less!

Unfortunately, he couldn't guarantee how much longer parts would be available so I declined.

the NOS saws pictured above are on display at the stihl wharehouse here in washinton.
They belong to the factory in germany and are on loan.
link below pic shows more NOS sthls. BL BLK KS43 and more.

I have a receipt for 2 lightnings purchased in 1960. powerhead price was $169 each.

 

[Teddy.Scout]

Looks awesome Karl!
The clean up is not a pain, but a anxious pleasure!

It is a good felling to have! What is better, is that the saw you are working on is a great piece to have! Looks awesome! And the pics keep us all involved! LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!

 

[buzz sawyer]

the NOS saws pictured above are on display at the stihl wharehouse here in washinton.
They belong to the factory in germany and are on loan.
link below pic shows more NOS sthls. BL BLK KS43 and more.

I have a receipt for 2 lightnings purchased in 1960. powerhead price was $169 each.

Bet that was a good trip. So it looks like the colors have not changed? Carl's looks like more of a cream rather than the Stihl gray. Maybe just discolored from age? (the saw, not Carl).

 

[7oaks]

Bet that was a good trip. So it looks like the colors have not changed? Carl's looks like more of a cream rather than the Stihl gray. Maybe just discolored from age? (the saw, not Carl).

Dave...

The Contra S I am working on is indeed a cream color. I've got a new looking bar on another Contra that is also the cream color. The saw itself is white. My third Contra is gray, which I believe was the original color for Contra/Lightnings.

Does anyone know if there was a date when they switched colors?

 

[dave k]

I'm fairly sure it was towards the end of production as all mine with the exception of the AV are thet almost cream colour (not including the ex soldier in olive drab !).The grey of the AV would be the same as early 090's etc. But then my S is Dec 64 and is cream ?
I think that we should also remember that Stihl was producing the Contra as fast as they could so I think we should accept that there will be oddities depending on what was in the factory at the time.