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.