jeffinsgf
Veteran Member
The attached picture is of the latest addition to my implement collection. It is a Turfco MeterMatic II topdresser/spreader. It works sort of on the same priniciple as a manure spreader, except it has a gate that can be held to a very tight opening and it uses a brush to throw the material instead of a beater bar. Golf courses use it to spread sand and compost on fairways and greens. Since the plan is for my yard to look like a fairway (someday), I figure I will start doing what the courses do. My clay soil definitely needs amendment, and by topdressing a couple times a year I can work it into the soil a little at a time. You can see a few more pics of it at the completed auction: Jeff's MeterMatic
So, as you can see, what I bought is a rust bucket. I was gambling that it was mostly surface rust, and I was mostly right. Since I had to replace the feeder belt, I decided to break the whole thing down, degrime and derust, paint, and carefully reassemble, replacing any components that look like they might be on their last leg.
And so I come to the brain trust at TBN for refinishing advice. Here's my plan. I have a sand blasting attachment for my pressure washer. I am going to use that on the mainframe, the rollers, and other large components. I am going to buy a small recirculating parts washer to clean up all the sprockets, chains, gears, and clutch components. The mechanical components will get wire brushed and treated with some type of rust converter and then machine buffed if needed.
The body components will get blasted (as mentioned) then rust converted, body filler on the worst of the pitting and then painted.
In the past I have used Ospho rust converter and have found it to be satisfactory. I was planning on getting some John Deere green enamel from my JD dealer. But in doing some surfing for other ideas on this project, I found this outfit Zero-Rust If their paint is as good as their copywritng, this is some darn good paint. Anybody have any experience with them? I am tempted to use their "Prep-Step" instead Ospho, then paint with their product and top coat it with their clear coat. Their green isn't exacly JD Green, but it is close, and it isn't going in a parade, I just want it to look nice and work for the next 25 or 30 years.
Any comments on Zero-Rust or ideas on other products I might use or questions about my sanity are welcome.
So, as you can see, what I bought is a rust bucket. I was gambling that it was mostly surface rust, and I was mostly right. Since I had to replace the feeder belt, I decided to break the whole thing down, degrime and derust, paint, and carefully reassemble, replacing any components that look like they might be on their last leg.
And so I come to the brain trust at TBN for refinishing advice. Here's my plan. I have a sand blasting attachment for my pressure washer. I am going to use that on the mainframe, the rollers, and other large components. I am going to buy a small recirculating parts washer to clean up all the sprockets, chains, gears, and clutch components. The mechanical components will get wire brushed and treated with some type of rust converter and then machine buffed if needed.
The body components will get blasted (as mentioned) then rust converted, body filler on the worst of the pitting and then painted.
In the past I have used Ospho rust converter and have found it to be satisfactory. I was planning on getting some John Deere green enamel from my JD dealer. But in doing some surfing for other ideas on this project, I found this outfit Zero-Rust If their paint is as good as their copywritng, this is some darn good paint. Anybody have any experience with them? I am tempted to use their "Prep-Step" instead Ospho, then paint with their product and top coat it with their clear coat. Their green isn't exacly JD Green, but it is close, and it isn't going in a parade, I just want it to look nice and work for the next 25 or 30 years.
Any comments on Zero-Rust or ideas on other products I might use or questions about my sanity are welcome.
