OK, so before you look at the picture let me explain my actions!! You John Deere fans may understand. The Orange and Blue among you may have more troubles!
It is painted green with the Deere decals because my wife wants it that way---period…end of story…I couldn’t argue with that so you can’t either! I choose the JD 650 since it was an 18HP 2-cylinder and I believe was entirely Yanmar-made then shipped over here for sale by JD. Similar stats to my 1500.
The front rims are not yet sandblasted and painted…it will have wider rims and turf tires on the front also. Everything including engine area shields, tool box, radiator, fenders, fender handles, hood, headlight surround, etc was removed/cleaned/sanded and repainted with primer and top coat. I used JD “buff” primer and their top coat with hardener. I know I could have spent a few pennies less on paint at TSC but I ended up being VERY impressed with that primer and the top coat was great paint also…very worth the small price increase to me. Heck, even the overspray that snuck under the back door is sticking well!!!(now you see why I painted it how my wife wanted!!!)
As neatly as possible I added the Sunpro gauges and kept the low oil pressure light also. The JD decals were from the dealer…only about $45 for all the warning/fuel/hood/etc deacls—9 in all. All the other decals were from the sheet sold by
Hoye Tractor —good people and good set of decals. The new radiator hoses and weather seal at the back of the hood came from
Parker Equipment Company —Danny’s a good guy too.
I truly appreciate all the great help I got before doing this project. I have painted cars before but was unsure how to approach a tractor with all the issues of old/new grease/oil/fuel, the heat of the engine, and the cast iron with a million “nooks-and-crannies.” So far am happy…now as long as it doesn’t wash off in the first rain storm!!
Thanks again to everyone for your help.
Peter
