manahale 31 #1 Posted September 21 Hello to all, I've got a 1989 312-8 with a 37" mower deck 05-57SC01. It has a couple of small holes I want to repair. Also, super clean the grass glue off and any rust. My question is what procedures have you found most effective for the best results. Do you strip all the paint off of the deck or just sand and feather edge the rust spots? I don't want to have to do this again ever. lol. I tried phosphoric acid on the grass glue and that worked well with a putty knife and wire brush afterwards. The two holes look like they were repaired once with bondo. After it's all cleaned up, I was thinking of putting duct tape over the back of the hole and then "filling it in" with JB Weld. That would leave a smooth surface on the inside so grass doesn't get hung up. Does this sound reasonable? Now, getting all that rust off. I'm not interested in perfection, just preservation. Any suggestions would be considered. Afterwards, primer and rust oleum? And how do you treat the inside? Spray with rust inhibitor? or I've heard of painting oil on it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,283 #2 Posted September 21 I would cut out any and all of the cancer and weld in new metal. To get the best results when painting, sand blasting to bare metal is the way to go. There is nothing that will completely protect the underside side of the deck, some paints or coatings may be better than others but regular cleaning and oil coating is necessary to prolong life. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manahale 31 #3 Posted September 21 Thanks Lynnmor. Maybe I can rent a sand blaster. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 2,974 #4 Posted September 21 Those holes where the deck mount bolts to happens quite often. you may want to check the other three mount locations closely top and under the deck, especially the back one on the same side. Where the mount in the photo bolts to the deck there is a crack, that is going to be your real problem, JB Weld won't hold there long, it needs to cleaned to and bottom and welded, been there done that a couple of times. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,283 #5 Posted September 21 3 hours ago, manahale said: Thanks Lynnmor. Maybe I can rent a sand blaster. Check around, we are lucky in my area since there are Amish that will sandblast for reasonable cost. Check with folks that do memorials (tombstones), sandblasting is part of their process. If you do it yourself be prepared with proper personal protective equipment and rig up some barriers to keep the sand somewhat contained. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,745 #6 Posted September 21 The very BEST way to repair / prevent rust-out is to make a Stainless Steel liner for the deck, like I did for my 1978ish 48" Side deck on my 1972 Bronco 14. I made this liner for my deck in the mid-90s and it will NEVER rust out again---at least while I'm on the green side of the grass. (1) strip the shell naked and make a cardboard template of the top-side of your 37 inch deck shell....to include all the drill holes. (2) use that template to cut out the stainless steel sheet...mine is thinner than a dime (gauge unknown). (3) Test fit the cut out stainless to the bottom side of the deck....temp bolt it in place. (4) measure the OUTSIDE perimeter and trim-to-fit a 3" or 4" strip of stainless steel---doesn't need to be a 'perfect' fit, but close enough to clear the two blades. (5) tack weld that strip. (6)remove the pre-fab liner and make finish welds. (7)bolt that prefab liner to the bottom side of the deck and reattach all the hardware and spindles. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
