50C Mower Deck

bluesman · #1 06-09-2020, 04:58 PM

I have a 50C deck I'm considering restoring but thought I'd ask some folks who have already done this if they think it's worth the effort and expense. The spindles turn easily and took grease. They don't feel rough. The deck has set outside for years and I'm amazed that it's still as good as it is. There are two po repairs, two holes that will get bigger when it's blasted, and the flange that the hgt. adjusters mount on is bent as you can see in the pictures. Also can I replace the large headed bolt on the belt tensioner with a regular bolt and large washer without an issue? What do you think? Is it worth it?

R Bedell · #2 06-09-2020, 06:37 PM

How handy are you with metal fabrication ?? Do you have a MIG Welder ??

bluesman · #3 06-09-2020, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R Bedell

How handy are you with metal fabrication ?? Do you have a MIG Welder ??

Yes, I do but I'm not a welder. I'd give it go, though.

spndncash · #4 06-09-2020, 08:49 PM

this is a question of semantics.

if you want a "Restoration" of this deck, start with a more sold base. you will have a difficult time getting this to original condition - think show piece

if you want to "Refurbish" this piece and make it useable and presentable then yes break out the welder and sheet metal. that is the great part about metal you can always cut add reweld etc. I would however suggest you media blast this again before you weld or paint or POR - no reason to trap the rust in.

if you want to blast it and leave it outside another year or not paint anytime soon use an epoxy primer -its waterproof. self etching primer will let the water through and rust again if no color coat is applied.

Vrobert · #5 06-09-2020, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluesman

Yes, I do but I'm not a welder. I'd give it go, though.

You must do this!

This is why you got the welder. It will be just challenging enough for you to learn the very important basics of welding. You can spend as little, or as much time as you like perfecting the welds. No matter how bad it looks it won't be any worse than when you started and you can hide any evils with some Almond spray paint. The proper gauge sheet metal for repair patches is available from any good hardware store.

If you need inspiration there are threads on this site illustrating the restoration of similar decks.

Grab the PB Blaster and get busy!

bluesman · #6 06-10-2020, 10:43 AM

Thanks. All good advice and yeah I should have been practicing more with the welder. I was planning on just a refurbish, not a showroom restoration. I want to use it on my 1650.

finsruskw · #7 06-10-2020, 11:17 AM

If that deck is thin to the point of being porous if sandblasted, you will likely wind up blowing it full of holes if you weld those areas.

Trimming back to good metal will be in order to produce decent welds.

john hall · #8 06-14-2020, 07:54 AM

Rebuilt the 50C under my 1811. Put on pretty much everything new. It was severely pitted in places. Wire brushed and I think I treated with a rust converter (can't remember for sure). I'll run it till it falls apart--should be a while. Been using it 2-3 years so far.

cooperino · #9 06-14-2020, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluesman

Thanks. All good advice and yeah I should have been practicing more with the welder. I was planning on just a refurbish, not a showroom restoration. I want to use it on my 1650.

Its great that you have a mig. If you have shielding gas, even better. If your using flux core shielded wire, welding this thin a material will be tougher. Either way. Use like thickness material for patching. As an experienced welder I can tell you that welding 2 different gauge materials is much harder than 2 of the same gauge. Also, fresh clean metal always welds better than old and rusty. Wire speed and amperage settings will be key in welding thin gauge material.

Have fun!

finsruskw · #10 06-14-2020, 09:16 AM

In the end, is always your call on a project like this.
Do you want it for show, sale, or to use.

I, for one, would not hesitate to restore that deck for my own use.
That being said....
Last year I re$tored a 44A for my own use and I'm glad I did as it cut$ near perfect.

On the other hand, when it was fini$hed It would have been, and was for a while, a great attachment to display for/at a show, but....

I really doubt I could have gotten what I spent in parts, paint etc, not to mention my own time, had I wished to sell it.

This hobby or affliction if you may, for many of us really is a labor of love.