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Antique Tractor Paint and Bodywork

Best way to paint a tractor

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Christos

10-21-2005 18:44:23




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Hi All, This is my first post on this board and I've got a question for you all: My Massey-Ferguson 135 is almost ready to come home from the shop. I want to repaint it at some point in time either this winter when it sits in the barn or next spring. How should I go about it?

So... Will I have to dissassemble things (obviously the sheet metal that is red and fenders...) but what will I have to take off lets say the engine block, if anything? What would you all recommend for primer - I've used both rustoleum oxide red and John Deere Buff Yellow Primer and Sealer on my FB drill that I am working on too. What paint would you recommend? I know DuPont is a popular one along with PPG - I can't really afford those being a College student and all, but would the stuff that they sell at the Massey Ferguson Dealer work just as well? I had planned on purchasing a paint sprayer from TSC, anyone have any recommondations?

I'd like to thank you all for any advice you can give me.

Christos

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CNKS

10-21-2005 19:46:40




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 Re: Best way to paint a tractor in reply to Christos, 10-21-2005 18:44:23  
61-4010 pretty much said it. I prefer to strip everything to bare metal, that is very time consuming. If the old paint is in good shape, the epoxy will seal it, one problem you may have is that there is likely rust underneath it, which sooner or later will come through -- your choice. If you can't afford PPG/Dupont, etc, then at least use the paint from your MF dealer, it will likely be better than the tractor store stuff. As to what to remove, the distributer, carburetor, air cleaner, oil filter come to mind, along with anything else you can easily remove--I am not familiar with your tractor. The gun is supposed to be held 90 degrees from the surface, you will not be able to paint the back side of anything without removing it, along with not getting coverage of the area behind such parts. You won't be able to properly remove the old paint and crud, either. I don't care for cheap paint guns, if you plan on doing more than one tractor, at least buy an intermediate priced one. But, the inexpensive ones may be ok for occasional use. Since you don't want to spend much money, stay away from hardeners, as they require a supplied air system to protect your health -- will cost $4-500+.

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Christos

10-21-2005 21:31:51




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 Re: Best way to paint a tractor in reply to CNKS, 10-21-2005 19:46:40  
Well, I'd like to state I really don't want to scrimp on this - but I once saw a figure for one lousy gallon of PPG (or DuPont Paint) John Deere Classic Green retail at 115 dollars posted I think on the JD board. Is the MF hued paint price-wise any different because I would use it if it was. I know good paint when I see it - before I was a Political Science major, I wanted to get my Bachelor of Fine Arts. I guess to reclarify my position, I'm open to any suggestions. I've never done anything like this before - for my grain drill's repaint, I scrape the dirt/rust/grease off, then I use ZAP! to go over it again with a copper spongie and prime it with the JD buff and then the JD classic green I can get at the Dealer (in spray cans...)

Thanks again

Christos

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CNKS

10-22-2005 09:04:38




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 Re: Best way to paint a tractor in reply to Christos, 10-21-2005 21:31:51  
The $115 paint was likely from the "economy" line of acrylic urethane, which must have hardener. Acrylic enamel without hardener should be "slightly" cheaper. Bear in mind that red paint is about the most expensive you can buy, compared to other colors. In terms of quality/cost you can rank paints from the lowest to highest as -- alkyd enamel, acrylic modified alkyd enamel, acrylic enamel, acrylic urethane. Although high dollar acrylic enamel such as PPG Delstar or DuPont Centari is better than the economy lines of PPG Omni/DuPont Nason acrylic urethane. Basically, IMO, you need to avoid Alkyd enamel (unless it is acrylic modified) because it fades rapidly, unless you want to keep it waxed. There is likley little difference between the economy versions of acrylic enamel and acrylic modified alkyd enamel; this is speculation on my part as I have never compared them. You might find out exactly what the MF dealer paint is.

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Christos

10-22-2005 10:15:51




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 Re: Best way to paint a tractor in reply to CNKS, 10-22-2005 09:04:38  
I have a quart of Metallic Flint Grey that I had bought last February that's been sitting on my closet shelf back home. I'm going to check when I go home next time and see what it is made out of and post back - probably around next thursday. On a side note, would I actually be better off taking it to a body shop and having it repainted?

Christos



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CNKS

10-22-2005 18:37:49




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 Re: Best way to paint a tractor in reply to Christos, 10-22-2005 10:15:51  
The body shop is up to you, it will be simpler but much more expensive. If you so it yourself, allow about 3 times the amount of time you think you will spend.



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Christos

10-22-2005 20:00:15




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 Re: Best way to paint a tractor in reply to CNKS, 10-22-2005 18:37:49  
Well, I was thinking about it while I was at work today - I am going to look into both the MF/AGCO paint and the PPG or at least the stuff you can get at NAPA. I'm used to working with Artist Acrylics not Acrylic Enamels so this is going to be something of a transitioing of skills. I re-read your first response and was curious, for an intermediatly priced spray-gun, which one would you recommend and where would you get it? I do have an air compressor, a large one at that, I just don't have the rest of the stuff i'd need yet.

And again, thank you for your expertise,

Christos

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CNKS

10-23-2005 09:02:22




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 Re: Best way to paint a tractor in reply to Christos, 10-22-2005 20:00:15  
There are many brands of spray guns, I have Sharp, they come in several price ranges. Some take 10-13 cfm, some less, you need to match the gun to the output of your compressor. As to guns, some of the no-name brands may be ok for occasional use. Others may disagree, but I don't think you get much for $40-$50. My topcoat gun is a reconditioned Sharp Platinum, cost about $180, new maybe $350. Sharp Cobalt primer gun about $130, touchup gun, a "no-name" for $100, a Sharpe for $165. There are many choices, I'm only familiar with the ones I use.

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Danny Tabor

10-25-2005 10:45:39




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 Re: Best way to paint a tractor in reply to CNKS, 10-23-2005 09:02:22  
I'm one who uses the $40-50 gravity feed guns Harbor Freight and others sell. I've never had a problem with 'em but then again I've never used the high dollar stuff to know any different. Make certain you have an air dryer or water catcher in line between the compressor and spray gun. This maybe even more important than the type gun you buy!
Danny Tabor



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CEB

10-26-2005 08:53:26




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 Re: Best way to paint a tractor in reply to Danny Tabor, 10-25-2005 10:45:39  
What happens if you don't have an air dryer? Can you drain it out the bottom of your air tank?



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CNKS

10-27-2005 17:20:14




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 Re: Best way to paint a tractor in reply to CEB, 10-26-2005 08:53:26  
You MUST have a water trap at the end of your line, the compressor produces water, with no water trap, the water comes out of whatever tool you are using. Drain the tank and preferably the lines after each use.



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61-4010

10-21-2005 19:28:51




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 Re: Best way to paint a tractor in reply to Christos, 10-21-2005 18:44:23  
Sounds like a good project! The quality and durability of your paint has a direct correlation to the amount of prep work you put forth. The best paint jobs start with detailed prep work including a thorough degreasing/cleaning, scraping/removing of loose paint, scuffing up old paint real well and using a wax/grease remover. The more you can scuff and/or remove the old paint, rust, etc the better. Removing fenders, shrouds, etc makes it easier for hitting hard to reach places and really depends upon how particular you want to be. But again, prep working is paramount! When all that work is done, I like to shoot an Epoxy Primer, let cure and then top coat with the respective color(s). I"m biased towards PPG products but have used manufacturer brand paints with good success too.

Good luck and enjoy the journey/work!

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61-4010

10-21-2005 19:25:13




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 Re: Best way to paint a tractor in reply to Christos, 10-21-2005 18:44:23  
Sounds like a good project! The quality and durability of your paint has a direct correlation to the amount of prep work you put forth. The best paint jobs start with detailed prep work including a thorough degreasing/cleaning, scraping/removing of loose paint, scuffing up old paint real well and using a wax/grease remover. The more you can scuff and/or remove the old paint, rust, etc the better. Removing fenders, shrouds, etc makes it easier for hitting hard to reach places and really depends upon how particular you want to be. But again, prep working is paramount! When all that work is done, I like to shoot an Epoxy Primer, let cure and then top coat with the respective color(s). I"m biased towards PPG products but have used manufacturer brand paints with good success too.

Good luck and enjoy the journey/work!

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