Dads Snapper Lawn Mower

This is my Dads Snapper Lawn Mower, He purchased it new in 1983 just before he had his first Heart Attack at the age of 49. In 1993 he had a second Heart Attack and mom bought a new Snapper and in 2003 he passed away. It sat in our shed from 1993 to summer of 2011 when I picked it up to restore. The pics (not in order) are: Sitting at shed with his gloves still where he left them, at my house on saw horses at the start of tear down, one rim before, and one rim after. This has been a long process and still is, but i find a connection to him in this. I was just curious and i put a battery on the mower and believe it or not it started!!! After sitting from 1993 to 2011! I will post more pics as I go through this process of restoration. This is new to me and any help or advice will be welcome!!! Sanding, Painting tips etc. Thanks for letting me share this story.