OK let me put it this way. I'll put my $$$ where my mouth is, I'll take 3 at $150.00 each as long as the factory hood and side panels will fit like OEM and as long as it looks like the OEM grill. That said consider that most of these tractor are now around 20 years old and are now just getting to the point that the factory plastic is getting tired do you think it's a good investment to redesign them into a metal replacement? Just speaking from my own experience the hoods seem to last pretty well, the pins on the side panels are the next to go but the mounting points on the grill shell seems to be the worst area. Not trying to talk you out of doing this but I'm not sure the market exists to make it financially viable.

This is what you can buy a new plastic grill for today.
http://www.cubcadetpartsnmore.com/m5...8--grille.html

This is the late style grill including the headlight kit.
http://www.cubcadetpartsnmore.com/m5...ssy-rd-hl.html

Until now I had no idea a replacement front grill was still available. I need one for my 2182 because it is broken off where it attaches to the frame and I like the idea of a stronger replacement at a fair price. If one comes available I would buy one. If anyone can come up with something I would be in for one if it was a fair price. The fair price part may be the biggest hurdle to get over.

Just so you guys know what the later style grill looks like here is a pic of one with the round head lights. The kit comes with the grill, head lights, and all the hardware to convert from the halogen bulbs to this setup. Same as on a 2284. all bolt on. You just need to do a little crimping on the furnished wiring connectors. This went on my 1782.

All I can say is that there hasnt been anything about this hobby that is 'financially justifiable'... I quit trying (the wife unit wasnt buying any of it to begin with).

A friend of mine made his own automotive racing transmissions. He didnt like what was out there so he built his own (castings and all) to get the type he wanted (called them shifters but I dont know what that means). Pretty handy fellow. Sold a couple, but were never a positive financial return.

There are worse hobbies to spend money on.

When I told my wife I was buying another Mower (The 1641) this week she didn't say anything. I heard a friend of hers ask why I bought these lawnmowers, spent money on them and never sold any of them. She told her " It's not as bad as drugs or whores". The problem for me is not the initial cost of the mower but the cost of parts to repair them.
Cannon

:Choke: <---- I know that's what my wife wants to do to me sometimes, but much like your wife, my wife has the mentality that I'm home, the kids enjoy them and enjoy going to some of the shows (as long as I don't spend too much time bs'ing) and at the end of the day, it's not a horribly expensive hobby. I have made great money on selling some, lost equally as much on others, and have enjoyed learning about and tinkering with all of them along the way.

I don't know what the differences are because I'm new to these so is there anything better about the later grill vs the earlier grill?

I'll try to remember to take pics of both types tomorrow and get you some more info.

Isn't the only difference the headlight "panel"? As in one has the headlights molded in for the halogen bulbs (or whatever) and the other has the standard 4411's? :bigthink:

I believe the newer "later" grills had more "meat" (plastic in this case)and/or ribbing where it bolts to the frame and maybe where the hood hinge assembly is. Was to strengthen the weak spots of the grill.