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Get insights on repairing tractor rims, body work, sandblasting, paint removal, and painting techniques for a flawless finish. Learn from Mr. Reinders' experience as a Farm Mech. Instructor.
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Body Works, Rims, Paint Preparation, Painting Farm Mech Instructor~ Mr. Reinders
Tires • Prior to 1934, most tractors had steel rims. • Rubber completely replaced the steel rim by the end of the decade. • Calcium Chloride over time is not good for rims. Many need to be repaired. • A good welder can repair rust spots on some rims.
Tires • There are hard rubber rimes to place on steel wheels for road operation. • 23 degree bards do offer better traction than 45 degree lug tires on the originals.
Body Work • If a dent is 3/16 to ¼ inch deep, it is best to repair with body fill. • Another body filler is a product called Metal to Metal for working on sheet metal.
Body Work • If a dent is not repaired, after final painting you will notice it! • Be careful not to use bondo on vibrating parts. It will crack!
Body Work • Prep area to be body fill with roloc disk or other sanders. • After application, sand, sand , sand until smooth. • Sand surface just like you would a piece of wood
Sand Blasting • Works best for metal prep. • Pits metal for optimal paint adhesion. • Cleans metal and removes any grease that would hinder paint adhesion. • Best with CFM around 150 PSI.
Sandblasting Warning • Some hoods and thinner sheet metal may anneal if sandblasted. • If sandblasting engine or chassis, careful attention must be made to avoid sand getting where it doesn’t belong.
Sandblasting Warning Part 2 • Be sure to wear hood/mask to prevent silica sand from entering your lungs. The dust from sandblasting can be very harmful.
Other Paint removal • Needle scraper on cast iron. • Metal wire wheel. • Air Craft Paint remover. • Hot Tank engine. • REMOVE ALL GREASE AND OIL. PAINT WILL NOT STICK TO METAL!
Painting-The Primer Coat • Seal all areas that you don’t want paint to get to. • Cover all threads of bolts. • Tape off gasket areas.
Primer Continued • If not using a epoxy primer, best to use etching primer to “bite” into metal. • Primer comes in grey and red. Choose based on your top coat color. • One coat of etch and two coats of primer will properly prep metal for top coat.
Top Coat • What paint to choose? • Research your tractor. There are hundreds of colors out there and you may have to special order. • Basic colors are available. Ag Green, AC Orange, Massey Red.
Top Coat • Prep coat by rubbing surface with steel wool then tack cloth. • If not using an epoxy paint, add hardener to obtain gloss finish. • Add at least two coats for coverage.