704 Hood

[multihobbyguy 35]

I was wondering how most people go about fixing a hood like this. My thoughts have been to weld the seam shut on top and just do away with it completely. The other idea is to weld it from the bottom, but I am afraid I that I will still see a crack from the top after it is fixed. I am sure someone has fixed one before and I would love to hear what your thoughts are. Here is a picture. Thanks, Chris.

[MikesRJ 552]

My suggestion, find a good hood. You can weld a piece (a strip) on the bottom side between the two, but you'll definitely see the crack reappear eventually.

Take a look at this page for some ideas:

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/artic...G-TIG-GMAW-GTAW

[sorekiwi 761]

Some ideas in this thread:

http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?...c=24550&hl=weld

[tarcoleo 119]

Chris-

If this were mine, I would fit a metal strip underneath the full width of the hood.

The strip would overlap both sides of the joint and be neatly riveted to both sides

giving it a retro high-tech appearance, though not "stock". But cool!

Tom in RI :hide:

[wallfish 17,105]

Cut the back half off, add a 12 -16 HP motor, change some pulleys, drop the front, hook the hood up like this and let'r rip.

Just kidd'n, this hood was much worse

[chris11 184]

Whats the under side look like? You can repair that, and still make it look like the factory. post a picture of the bottom.

[VinsRJ 723]

Cut the back half off, add a 12 -16 HP motor, change some pulleys, drop the front, hook the hood up like this and let'r rip.

Just kidd'n, this hood was much worse

Now we're talk'n! :WRS:

[n1defan 47]

Sell it to me and find a different one. All kidding aside I would weld it on the back side starting at the top working your way to the bottom. don't use a continuous weld spot it so that you don't burn through. :hide:

[Calebintn 1]

Take your time and tack weld it from the under side let it cool between each tack weld so it doesnt warp. Any crack that shows from top can be hidden with filler or seam sealer then prime and paint. Should look good as new :hide:

[multihobbyguy 35]

Thanks for all the advice. I will try to pull the hood tomorrow and post a picture of the underside. Unfortunately I do not own a MIG welder. I do own a TIG welder but I am terrible at using it (Miller Econo Tig). I can probably weld better with a torch than I can while trying to TIG. If there is anyone in Northern Virginia that would like to teach someone to TIG weld I would be able to compensate you. I will try to get you a picture tomorrow. Thanks again, Chris.

[can whlvr 993]

one thing to remember with welding(im no expert)but do alot of it is to practice on the same thickness and type of weld as you are going to do,dont just start on the hood,try some practice,well,lots of practice and you may surprise yourself

[TT-(Moderator) 1,145]

"Talk" to Kelly, Ray ("Suburban 550"), Doug ("PPGman") or any other knowledgeable body man and ask them what they think about using the 3M panel bonding adhesive.

Perhaps you could do a light tack weld or two on the underside then "glue" a piece of steel in place for reinforcement.

The less heat exposure that area has, the better off it will be.

[chris11 184]

Is it a 2 piece hood spot welded with a flange? Drill out spot welds. weld the step with tig. And tig new spot welds on.

[multihobbyguy 35]

Here is the pictures from the under side of the hood. I imagine I will try to weld it with the TIG welder. Worse case scenario I will have to find a MIG welder to purchase or purchase another hood if I can find one.

[multihobbyguy 35]

I worked on the hood some today and still have a lot more work to do to it. I am still terrible with the TIG so things are slow going. I do have some warpage and a lot of hammer and dolly work left along with some touch up with the welder. I put the hood back on the tractor to make sure it fit ok and I had not changed it to much. Here is some pictures of the progress.

[can whlvr 993]

hey i always say thats what grinding disks are for,and you are doing fine

[massey 118]

I know it's late, but the only advice I could offer is work from the center out to the ends. I have very little time on a TIG and found it takes more practice than I had time for but it looks like you got it.

(now TIG burning, I've got that down)