1967 857 Wheel Horse lawn tractor

[Edgee 12]

Trying to keep the patina on my tractor but I'm also looking to keep rust to a minimum. What could l do to make that happen  ?'

[ebinmaine 66,576]

 

 

There are a few ways to do so. 

I'll call in some experts. 

 

@AMC RULES

@953 nut

@pullstart

@D_Mac

 

[Retired Wrencher 5,329]

I just Marvel mystery oil wipe it down let it set for a while wipe of excess. DONE. Brings back the color. I just did this a month ago. 

[953 nut 54,351]

6 hours ago, Edgee said:

keep the patina on my tractor but I'm also looking to keep rust to a minimum

Your 857 will look showroom ready with just a little degreasing, automotive polishing compound and waxing. For the deck I would suggest some steel wool scrubbing with WD-40 and then a good waxing.

[Pullstart 62,188]

As @peter lena says, “feed the paint”

 

 Michigander!  Your tractor looks pretty awesome the way it is, it doesn’t look like it needs too much work to keep it awesome!

 

I have used soapy water for a 600-1000-1500 grit wet sand, or WD-40 and the same papers for the same treatment with great results.  If you use sand paper, stay away from the sharp edges and bends of the body and frame just focus on the flat, smooth stuff.  
 

 

[peter lena 8,460]

pullstart,  agree with you on the wd-40 or similar light lubricant. every time i see a neglected unit the first thing i think of is starting to help this back too life. , the other thing that i have really  picked up on , is that the initial feeding of the pant with lubricant , gets better with time , often allowing the base paint to actually start to shine. glad to see someone else , helping another horse along , pete  

[AMC RULES 37,102]

I most recently discovered this.

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!

Edited August 14, 2020 by AMC RULES

[Skwerl58 681]

AMC rules what method did you use to bring it back ???

[Edgee 12]

2 hours ago, pullstart said:

As @peter lena says, “feed the paint”

 

 Michigander!  Your tractor looks pretty awesome the way it is, it doesn’t look like it needs too much work to keep it awesome!

 

I have used soapy water for a 600-1000-1500 grit wet sand, or WD-40 and the same papers for the same treatment with great results.  If you use sand paper, stay away from the sharp edges and bends of the body and frame just focus on the flat, smooth stuff.  
 

 

Wow ! What a difference 

[Edgee 12]

Would a spray of clear coat work  ?

[Pullstart 62,188]

After a light wet sanding, a clear coat does wonders!  I’d suggest using soapy water as a cutting compound if you plan to spray the clear.  Satin and crystal both look awesome as clear!

 

Here are some pics of soapy water wet sanding and Crystal Clear results.  My “Frank” build for Mrs. Pullstart was very long but super detailed with all this info too 

Edited August 14, 2020 by pullstart
Found some pictures for ya

[tom2p 2,394]

I often use scotchbrite pad and wd-40 to remove light / surface rust and other tough residue from surfaces ... (red and gray scotchbrite pads)

 

easier to get into some areas with scotchbrite pad than fine paper 

 
can't have enough scotchbrite pads and wd-40 in the garage 

 

if I run out of scotchbrite pads - I will sometimes steal a scotchbrite scrub sponge from the kitchen supplies (green/yellow sponge - sponge on one side and scouring pad on other side)

 

Edited August 14, 2020 by tom2p

[AMC RULES 37,102]

1 hour ago, Skwerl58 said:

AMC rules what method did you use to bring it back ???

Follow along, some of the process was documented here.

Starting at post #5914...toggle forward through the pages there.

 

[Pullstart 62,188]

Here is the beginning of Frank...  Click here

beginning to wet sand... Click here

hood work...  Click here

 

everything else getting wet sanded.... Click here

 

final prep, final spraying...  Click here

 

near final assembly, pretty much wrapped up...  You know what to do

 

 

[D_Mac 8,502]

I use a degreaser and spray down the entire machine. Let it sit for a bit then power wash it. I get my old tooth brush out and some steel wool and get all the little nooks and crannys. Use the steel wool on the troubled spots. I use boiled linseed oil and wipe everything down with it. Let it sit in the sun a bit then wipe it all down again. Thats it. I havent found the need to wax it or clear coat after. If left out in the rain the water will just bead right off. Elbow grease and some time and that machine will look fantastic. I always like original patina over new paint. Sometimes painting is the only option or some people like the shiny paint better. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. @AMC RULES does a great job on restoring the patina, I believe he uses a paste wax or a wheel polish. I cant remember.

[wildman 205]

14 hours ago, Edgee said:

Trying to keep the patina on my tractor but I'm also looking to keep rust to a minimum. What could l do to make that happen  ?'

Sell it to me,

[squonk 40,734]

I would clean it up good and use matte (semi-gloss) clear coat instead of the Chrystal Clear (gloss).

[dells68 7,498]

I agree with @D_Mac.  I really like using boiled linseed oil.  Really brings out the color of what might seem to be faded paint.  I usually sand with progressively finer grits of wet and dry paper - 400, 800, 1500 then rub down with the oil.  Let it sit in the sun a little while and wipe down with a dry cloth.  Paint feels smooth as fresh paint!

[D_Mac 8,502]

Yes I agree with everything you said. Add in the part that if it gets left out in some rain the water beads right off it like a windshield treated with RainX.

[12Horse Paladin 1,038]

On 8/14/2020 at 9:06 AM, pullstart said:

After a light wet sanding, a clear coat does wonders!  I’d suggest using soapy water as a cutting compound if you plan to spray the clear.  Satin and crystal both look awesome as clear!

 

Here are some pics of soapy water wet sanding and Crystal Clear results.  My “Frank” build for Mrs. Pullstart was very long but super detailed with all this info too 

Not the best pics, but the method i more or less used on my c160; b4 n after (plus a lil Rustoleum Sunrise Red, applied by hand n rubbed on from the can)...

AFTER: