Fixing Bodywork on a 4500

MMH · Jun 17, 2013

I have a JD4500 that is in need of some bodywork. A branch got thru the FEL brush guard and pushed on the radiator grill. The grill pushed on the side panels, the side panels pushed on the two cowl halves that surround the instrument cluster. The tabs are broken on all these parts. All the panels were on the tractor and looked normal and the radiator grill had some damage that was visible but I could not believe that the rest of the panels got daisy chained like that. I have not priced the panels but will not want to waste the money on buying replacements.

I was thinking about attaching the tabs by sandwiching them with fiberglass. I would lay the cloth on top & bottom of the tab & panel & soak it w/ resin and build several layers up this way. I do not know how the fiberglass will adhere to the plastic. Does anybody have any experience with this type of repair? Any suggestions on other repair methods?

mfreund · Jun 19, 2013

You might want to try plastic welding. I have not tried it, just coming up with other ideas.

Agent Blue · Jun 20, 2013

JD plastic parts are probably SMC.......... Nothing to do with fiberglass. I don't think the two will combine for any length of time. They make repair kits for SMC which would be the best choice. Corvettes haven't been fiberglass for years. Harley bags, side cars, and fairings are SMC also.

MMH · Jun 24, 2013

Agent Blue said:
JD plastic parts are probably SMC.......... Nothing to do with fiberglass. I don't think the two will combine for any length of time. They make repair kits for SMC which would be the best choice. Corvettes haven't been fiberglass for years. Harley bags, side cars, and fairings are SMC also.

I got a kit made by Lord Fusor. Apparently these guys make all the GM/Ford/etc. approved body repair kits. EXPENSIVE but seems to work pretty well.