JD 4700 Curtis Cab rehab

tlj87 · Jan 17, 2020

I got the machine home last weekend. I will tackle the cab this spring/summer when it's warmer (My shop is not heated). It appears that the metal is all solid, but in many places the paint has separated from the metal, like the examples in the previously posted photos. I'll share updates on the progress of the project when I get to it. Right now, I have the tractor at the welder's shop where hooks are being added to the bucket, the cab doors are being tweaked so they seal properly on the bottom, and he's fabricating a vertical exhaust. I found in my limited use of the tractor, that the exhaust fumes from the standard exhaust location travel under the tractor into the cab.

fried1765 · Jan 18, 2020

tlj87 said:
I made a deposit on a 2000 John Deere 4700, Power Reverser, 4x4, 400X loader, Curtis hard-sided cab. The tractor is about 7 hours away and I will be traveling to do a final inspection and if OK, purchase and bring it home next Saturday. The tractor has 608 hours on it and appears to be in very good condition. The only known issue is the peeling paint/rust on the cab. The dealer sent some close-up photos of this. The dealer stated that there are no holes, the metal is solid. I am wondering what the best approach is for repairing this. I'm thinking it would be best to remove the rubber gaskets and glass, but I'm not sure how feasible that is (in terms of being able to reuse the gaskets or availability or cost of replacements). In terms of equipment, I have an angle grinder with wire wheel, various electric sanders, and pneumatic needle scaler. What are the best products to use? Should I use a product like POR15 or should I wire wheel the rust off and just use a regular primer then paint? Should I use OEM JD paint or would another brand of matching color be as or more desirable? Thank you.

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Get ALL the loose paint/rust off.
If you could....sandblasting would be best!

After being satisfied that you have the loose paint/rust removed....
Use OSPHO directly (maybe two coats) on the rusted surface as a primer.

Follow the OSPHO (Phosphoric Acid) instructions.
It is great stuff!
A gallon (gal. will last a long time) will cost about $30, at hardware or marine store.

tlj87 · Oct 21, 2020

I wanted to provide an update on this project. The tractor has been great - I've put about 110 hours on it now since we got it in January. We took the cab all apart in August. The windows were actually pretty easy to get out. None of the rubber gaskets ripped. I spread crushed asphalt at a welder friend's shop parking in exchange for free sandblasting of the entire cab. I decided instead of painting the cab and probably having to do it again a few years later, that I'd get the whole thing coated with Line-X bed liner. I dropped it off yesterday in pieces and for about $650, it's all going to be sprayed with JD green color matched Line-X. When I get it back, I'll share some photos.

tlj87 · Oct 29, 2020

Picked up the cab pieces from Line-x last night. Everything looks good. Will start putting the gaskets and glass back in on Saturday, and perhaps start mounting back on the tractor.

LouNY · Oct 29, 2020

Looks good, you are doing quite the rebuild to that cab.
Almost time that you will be ready to enjoy when the weather gets cold, sloppy and nasty out.

pmsmechanic · Oct 29, 2020

I like the Line-x look. Very damage resistant.

tlj87 · Nov 19, 2020

We finished reassembling the cab last weekend. What a major PITA! It took about 20 person hours - windows, gaskets, latches, etc. I had to keep reminding myself that I’ll never have to do it all again since we opted for Line-X (a suggestion by my wife!) instead of just painting it.
Anyhow, I recommend going this route if you want something durable, lasting and good looking.