Chris727 Posted June 24, 2019 Posted June 24, 2019 (edited) I've had this Landlord DLX for a number of years now. Took it out of commission a few months ago as the hydro was making more noise, found some moisture in the expansion tank, anyway it had and still has issues that need to be addressed. Have wanted to detail it ever since I got it but never find the time. I have kept it garaged but a previous owner left it outside. Since I had it out of the shed and it was too wet to work in the yard I decided to try cleaning up the powder coat. Here are a few shots of the faded hood. I had read about using 2000 grit sandpaper and wet sanding it. It took a long time to cut through the faded paint. This felt like it was taking forever. Not sure if 1500 would be better. Didn't want to take too much paint off or leave deep scratches. The work paid off. Didn't look too great just yet. Add some 1000 grit compound and a power buffer. Now we're talking. Its so shiny it looks like its wet. Its kind of hard to see it in the evening light in these pictures but its a night and day difference. I had tried just using the buffer and compound first but it made no difference in color so I had to resort to using the sandpaper. The challenge to finish this will be getting around the Simplicity lettering and decals. They almost need to be removed and new ones installed to do it correctly. Will also separate the upper hood from the sides to get the edges. Also have a better headlight bezel and lens to install. Edited June 24, 2019 by Chris727 9 1
Jonnysac Posted June 24, 2019 Posted June 24, 2019 Very nice! I can respect the time you have put into it. 1 1
fishnwiz Posted June 25, 2019 Posted June 25, 2019 I am surprised the powder coating didn't just peel off in large sheets like I experienced in the past. Finished product looks AWESOME. Nice work. 1
Chris727 Posted June 25, 2019 Author Posted June 25, 2019 2 hours ago, fishnwiz said: I am surprised the powder coating didn't just peel off in large sheets like I experienced in the past. Finished product looks AWESOME. Nice work. Luckily the paint appeared to have a good bond on most of this tractor. There is a little bubbling from rust at the bottom of the cowl and the lower front edge of the fender pan. Will have to be careful with that. I considered buying a new lower dash for around $40. Just have so much into this thing I'm not sure I want to throw more at it. Just found out it will need steering gears too. 1
PhanDad Posted June 25, 2019 Posted June 25, 2019 Looks great Chris. Good luck with the rest of it. And did you resolve the hydro issue(s)? And I echo @fishnwiz 's comments about Simplicity powder coat - lots of bubbling/peeling paint in my experience (2 75ths, and a Sov18).
Chris727 Posted June 25, 2019 Author Posted June 25, 2019 Thank You Bill @PhanDad. Yes the mower decks seem to suffer the worst fate. Yes the gray on some parts of the75th chassis was peeling. As for the hydro issue it seems better. Had about 140 hrs since the last fluid/filter change (5W-50 synthetic). It's a tuff torq K71.
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