THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 11, 1995 TAG: 9508090219
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: L02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOE MARINO, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
Many people dread the thought of cutting their grass. Going out when it's 95 degrees to walk or ride behind a running engine, stirring up bugs and dust, inhaling gasoline fumes and getting sunburned is not what many look forward to on the weekends.
One man, Keith J. Budny of Virginia Beach, does not have that problem. He has combined his lifelong love of muscle cars with his riding lawn mower.
The result? A custom lawn mower decked-out like a hot rod.
``I've always loved hot rods,'' said Budny, ``and I needed some incentive to go out and cut the lawn, so I figured this would be a neat thing to do.''
Budny bought his lawn mower at an auction 18 months ago for about $70. It was a no-name brand with many Craftsman parts.
``Most ride-on lawn mowers will cost you about $400 to $500,'' said Budny, ``so I got a really good deal on mine. And as soon as I got it, I just said to myself, `I have to do something with this. I can't just have a regular lawn mower.' ''
He doesn't.
From the top of the hood to the bottom of the tires, Budny's lawn mower is all customized. Dual racing stacks sprout from the hood. Primered flames lick the sides of the black chassis. Chrome parts shine in contrast to the rest of the red engine. Racing stickers from companies such as Moroso, Acce 1, Holley and Ebson Cams adorn the rest of the body. And there's a matching racing helmet that goes with it.
Since he is into cars and can work on them himself, the renovation only cost Budny about $15 in parts. With some help from a friend, Gary Peterson, the project took about two weeks to complete.
All of the added parts came from real hot rods. For off-lawn use, Budny has had many fast cars. Four Corvettes, a 1970 RS Camaro, a Z28, a Trans Am and a 300ZX have come in and out of his driveway. He is currently looking for a late-model Corvette to house his $4,000 car stereo system.
Budny treats his lawn mower the same way he treats all of his cars. Through normal use, most lawn mowers become encrusted with dirt, dust, grass and pollen. But whenever Budny finishes his lawn, he washes and details the mower, polishes the chrome on the engine, and puts Armor-All on the tires.
All this hasn't gone unnoticed in his Lake Placid neighborhood. ``Lots of people ask me if it's mine or if it's fast,'' Budny said. ``When my neighbors go out to cut their grass, they taunt me by revving their lawn mower engines - but I always get my lawn done first. Everybody around here just loves it.''
In the Virginia Beach automotive clique, Budny's lawn mower has gotten publicity at the Advance Auto Parts store on Virginia Beach Boulevard. Nationally, some of his other cars have been featured in Hot Rod magazine.
When he's not souping up cars or garden equipment, Budny likes to participate in car stereo competitions and watch NASCAR races. But his favorite hobby is evident in the bumper sticker on the back of his lawn mower: ``Yes, it's fast. No, you can't drive it.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHARLIE MEADS
From the top of the hood to the bottom of the tires, Keith Budny's
lawn mower is customized. It has dual racing stacks, primered flames
on a black chassis, chrome parts on a red engine and racing
stickers.
by CNB