Top Tips - Painting

Paint - Subject of Controversy

Ultimately this is your tractor and it depends on your available finance, what you want to use for your tractor and your personal taste. Essentially there are two types of paint commonly used. Synthetic paint sures at room temperature. This is similar to the original cellulose based paints used by tractor manufacturers and is preferred by show judges. Two pack paint - this has a chemical accelerator added to the base paint and then the painted piece is baked in an oven to speed up the process. This type of paint is highly durable and is used by car manufacturers. With wet sanding and polishing a high gloss finish can be achieved. Some people hate this as it is not the way tractors came out of the factory. It is entirely a personal choice as the manufacturers probably envisaged their tractorss workers rather than going to shows.

Fuel Injectors

Have the fuel injector pump serviced by a professional before you repaint. It is worth getting the fuel injectors overhauled.

Surface Preparation

Surface preparation for painting can be laborious and wasted if you don't do it right. We invested in the services of a professional metal cleaner. Soda blasting was used as it does not damage the substrate however like any form of airborne cleaning you must take proper time to ensure all ports are completely sealed with duct tape, ply baffles or heavy ragging.

Beware of armchair experts

Beware of armchair experts. They will suck the life out of you with dire warnings of incorrect paint, decals and tyres. This is your restoration and you should be clear in your own mind what level you want to go to. It is easy for these miserable people to criticise your effortd but they never seem to offer you practical solutions. Use the internet to research your specific model, buy an original brochure and use that to base your restoration on. If you are going for concourse then you will have to ensure that all the original details are authentic.