The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Hello all

As you can see in my other posts, I have purchased a number of new items for my Dexta. Obviously these will all need painting which will result in bright shiny blue wings etc on a tractor otherwise in her working clothes.

I note in this months F&FA magazine that someone gave their Major a spruce up. I do not have the means to sand blast my tractor, is it possible to apply a fresh coat of paint without having her sandblasted? Obviously I would prime etc first. The magazine article spefically mentioned that the Major was not sandblasted!

I look forward to your input.

Regards,
NCFCDexta

It's not essential to sandblast everything.

A good thread here by one of our distinguished members:
http://www.fordsontractorpages.nl/phpbb ... f=9&t=3211

Clean her down with a wire brush on an angle grinder where you can get, then a hand wire brush and rust remover. Couple of coats of red oxide primer then a coat of sealer before the top coats.

These tractors did not have a perfect finish when new, the castings were always pockmarked. That is why I do not like two pack paints and there are safety hazards with applying some of them, the operator may need full breathing equipment not just a mask.

I painted my other tractor using the method Brian suggests with good results. It takes some time by I did it in sections (much bigger tractor than a Dexta anyway) and brushed on red oxide as each section was completed. Primed and top coat with enamel. Thats 2 years ago and the paint still looks like new.

Peter

Well mate, I am a complete novice,and i took at my dexta 2 years ago. The most important advice i would give is to stop all leaks before you do anything.

Then rub her down using wire brushes either attached to a drill or grinder. (Saves a huge amount of time, and believe me i know).

Once rubbed down, wash with panel wipe and apply red oxide by brush, roller or spray gun. This will prevent surface rust.

I then rubbed her down with wet and dry once the paint was cured between coats.

To date i've applied 2 red oxide coats, grey primer and one coat of blue. I use a single pac enamel paint because it's safer and you do not get the sleek, shiny un original look on the castings a la 2pac.

I've recently been working on the electrics and getting her started, therefore oil has been spilled, nuts and bolts have been chipped etc, when she is up and running I'll be rubbing her down and applying a top coat and clear coat, hopefully this spring! (Weather permitting.)

Take your time, be very patient and do things methodically. Short cuts will do you no favours in the end. Make sure everything is spotless, paint is only as good as what its sticking to.

Hello

Thank you for your informative replies.

This is certainly a relief that I should be able to respray without the need for having her sand blasted. Now that I have the spare parts, it is amazing the difference in colours between suppliers - my Dexta would end up looking like Joseph's coat!!

Thanks again,
NCFCDexta

I am now in a position to start painting. First of all I am going to paint the wings and the rear axle.

Is it ok to apply red oxide primmer in the current temperatures we are experiencing? Or do I need to wait and hope the weather get better (will be sprayed indoors). I am planning to apply 2 coats of primmer and 2 Empire Blues.

Thanks again

Think I would wait until the weather warmed up a bit, the air is also very damp and if you do not have heating then the paint may "bloom" with damp. This is a discolouration that spreads as the paint dries.

Thanks Brian, I thought that would be the case.

Its so frustrating, I want to get her out on the road but cant until the new wings are painted

Bloomin' English weather! Having said that, have a new primer pump, temp gauge and rocker cover gasket to fit in the mean time!

Getting ready for the final top coat. have both the wheels and the body with their respective first coats of colour.

Question. With the Sparex Agricolor paint, would you use a clear coat? Would a clear coat react with the Agricolor? Or can you just use a rubbing compound and polish with the paint after it cures?

I cannot get any info on this. My wheels look nice and shiny without a top coat, however the sheet metal tends to look a bit 'flat'.

Can anyone answer my wee question..............?

The only clear coat that would be most likely not to react would be 2 pack as it has very low concentrations of thinners. You usually only use clear coat on top of base Coats as these are a Matt finish. On the tin work I would lightly flatten with 600 grade wet and dry then apply 2 good coats of the agriclour. If when this dries you're not completely happy with the finish you could flatten with 1500 grade wet wet and dry with soapy water then buff to a high flat gloss finish. I personally would not apply clear coat as there will be a high chance of reactions and then alot of work to do to flatten back and repaint. Hope this helps John.

John Thanks for your advice mate! I wil certainly be following your instructions. Good Stuff