Tractor Cab built from PVC

[cdcole]

Somehow *poor tractor* implies that I ruined or broke the machine. The machine is fine. It lifts right off if I cut the tie straps. This is not about making the machine look pretty. It is about giving me some protection when blowing snow.

 

[relaqbr]

*Poor tractor*

Poor tractor my foot! You go! Prime that baby with something that makes the PVC sticky. Purple primer works great on a small rag - or acetone? -- and paint that baby blue!

 

[SARG]

Somehow *poor tractor* implies that I ruined or broke the machine. The machine is fine. It lifts right off if I cut the tie straps. This is not about making the machine look pretty. It is about giving me some protection when blowing snow.

No offense ...... Sorta reminded me of the story my Grandpa told me decades ago about the day he cut his dogs hair to get rid of burdocks ......... and the dog hid under the porch for a week cause of how he looked.

 

[cdcole]

No offense taken. Also, I like the idea of painting it and am experimenting with a piece of PVC that is painted with New Holland blue. The piece is in a HALT test (highly accelerated life test) right now laying on the wood pile in the back yard. If it survives well - then blue it will be. The acetone or purple primer was not used first so I should try another piece with that technique....good idea. Just don't want chips and scratches. I know you have seen plastic poorly painted before where your fingernail can scrap it off. That looks horrible. The white at least mathes the wheels and trim. Just need to paint the the burned parts white!

One last thing...I mentioned that I will add the steel top with rubber trim. When doing that I will paint the wood parts as well for a more finished look.

Must admit that the Gorilla tape works but somehow the duct tape thing does not work for me. Just don't know if snaps will hold in PVC. Maybe I get more 3/16" clear plexi and replace the film where ever I can. With oversize holes drilled through it, weather stripping and screws compressing everything to the PVC the 3/16" plexi is pretty stable.

Thanks for the positive comments guys.

 

[cdcole]

Here is a closeup of how I managed the strobe light. Keep in mind that this is a temporary mount. I have to pull it off again to add the metal roof so at that time I will use stainless screws and those type of nuts that bite into the plywood from the back - what do they call them?

The strobe somehow makes the cars slow down quicker. Like there is official business going on that might get them in trouble. Up high you can see it for a mile or more (I tested it) and it makes me more comfortable to have my son turn the tractor around in the road.

I can see it flickering on the barn about 1/8th mile away. Annoying? - maybe. Safer?- no doubt.

The flange and the pipe is in the same isle of Home Depot. It is not shown in the picture but I put a 1" to 3/4" bushing in the bottom (on the same shelves) to reduce it to 3/4" because the 1" stuff is more expensive and is way overkill for the light. I protected the metal with a coat of black Rustoleum.

 

[cdcole]

Here is how I built up the hinge. Very simple but keeps the door against the cab "frame".

 

[cdcole]

Door handle was kind fun.

 

[SARG]

If you choose to paint it I strongly suggest you look at the "Fusion" paint for plastics. Works great on PVC & on Vinyl.

I have a 12 x 12 tractor shed that I sided with siding that I had replaced on the house because it was fading.

Several years later it had faded even more in spots. Two summers ago I "painted" this siding with the Fusion paint.

Remarkable how good it looks and how well it is standing up to the sun. Just be sure to prep the plastic as instructed i.e. diluted ammonia wash.

 

[cdcole]

Thanks for the tip. Fusion Paint and proper prep..

 

[mmurphy]

cdcole, great idea on build. You got me thinking on a project this summer.