Grille casting cleanup

[Mudrig150]

So, planning on cleaning up my grille casting, and I noticed one glaring problem, it is about as smooth as the surface of the moon. So, I was wondering, should I just fill in the craters with body filler and paint over it? Also, do you think semi gloss or gloss clear coat would match the stock shine?

[R Bedell]

As you should know, castings by nature, are not smooth surfaces. You either (A) Accept the "casting patina", or (B) you don't. IF you don't, then do as YOU see fit.

We have members here that are professional painters all the way to people that "brush or roller" on paint. Most people use the Cub Cadet paint and spray it on. It is your tractor, your time, your money and you can paint it as you see fit.

[cooperino]

100% Agree with Roland.

If you do decide to "smooth" it out. I would not suggest bondo. I think i would likely use gorilla hair. If you have never used this before. Its like bondo but with fiberglass in it. Its much stronger than bondo and less likely to crack.

[Mudrig150]

Originally Posted by R Bedell

As you should know, castings by nature, are not smooth surfaces. You either (A) Accept the "casting patina", or (B) you don't. IF you don't, then do as YOU see fit.

We have members here that are professional painters all the way to people that "brush or roller" on paint. Most people use the Cub Cadet paint and spray it on. It is your tractor, your time, your money and you can paint it as you see fit.

I think it's a combination of rust with paint on it and the casting roughness.

[DieselDoctor]

Plenty of parts tractors out there, yours is a common model. You could look for a casting in better condition.

[Mudrig150]

It's really a problem of common tractor, rare part out. They usually sell em junk for way too much.

[Bamafan]

Mud, why not clean up the one you have, If yours is cracked or unserviceable by all means get another, remove the paint and rust, a wire brush on an angle grinder works wanders. Once cleaned prime and paint. Just takes time and you might learn something.

[Mudrig150]

Originally Posted by Bamafan

Mud, why not clean up the one you have, If yours is cracked or unserviceable by all means get another, remove the paint and rust, a wire brush on an angle grinder works wanders. Once cleaned prime and paint. Just takes time and you might learn something.

I think he removed the rust but not the pitting. It looks like the surface of the moon. I might fill in the pits with something and repaint it.

[Leadslingingdaddy]

So you gave up on the Burns??? Or the trailer???

[Mudrig150]

Haven't been able to find an engine for the burns, it's been slim pickings with people buying motors for leaf vacs and log splitters.

The trailer I haven't ordered the parts for yet.