Ethan Clarke
John Deere tractor hoods are made of polycarbonate plastic, a rigid material that becomes brittle in cold temperatures and is prone to cracking. To repair a cracked John Deere tractor hood, you can use a plastic welding kit, a fiberglass repair kit, or an epoxy. The first step in the repair process is to clean the surface with a plastic cleaner to remove any tape residue or surface contamination. Then, you can use aluminum tape to align and hold the cracked pieces together while welding or applying an adhesive. For welding, you can use a hot air welder or an airless plastic welder, along with welding rods that match the plastic type and colour. Alternatively, you can use a product like 303 Aerospace Protectant to restore the colour of faded plastic, although this is not a permanent solution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Repair kit | Polyvance's Agricultural Plastic Welding Kit, Fiberglass repair kit, Polyurethane structural adhesive, Plastic epoxy |
| Repair process | Clean the surface, Align the cracks, Tape it together, Weld the backside, Strengthen the repair by welding a "T" at the end |
| Plastic type | Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polypropylene |
| Plastic restorer | 303 Aerospace Protectant |
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What You'll Learn
Use a plastic restorer product
If your John Deere plastic hood is looking a little worse for wear, you can use a plastic restorer product to bring it back to life. This is a great option if you're not keen on the idea of welding or more intensive repairs.
One popular product is 303 Aerospace Protectant, which can be used on a variety of surfaces, including plastic, to restore the original colour and shine. It's important to note that this type of product is not a permanent fix and will need to be reapplied regularly, especially if the hood is exposed to the sun. However, it can last for up to six months and is a quick and easy solution. Simply follow the instructions on the product and you'll be able to improve the appearance of your hood in no time.
Another option is to use a plastic restorer specifically designed for headlights. These products are great for tackling oxidation, which is common on plastic surfaces. After applying the restorer, you can use a spray product to help protect the surface and make the results last longer.
If you're looking for a more permanent solution, you might want to consider a plastic welding kit. Polyvance offers an agricultural plastic welding kit that can be used to repair John Deere tractor hoods made of polycarbonate. This method requires a bit more skill and equipment, but it will provide a stronger and longer-lasting repair.
Before using any plastic restorer or repair product, it's important to clean the surface thoroughly to ensure the best results. Super Prep Plastic Cleaner is a good option to remove any tape residue or surface contamination that may interfere with the restoration process.
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Use a plastic welding kit
Welding plastic is a relatively simple task that can be done at home. You can use a plastic welding kit to restore your John Deere plastic hood. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Prepare the Workspace
Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area to protect yourself from dust and fumes. Working outdoors or under a ventilation system is ideal. If that's not possible, open nearby doors and windows, and use fans to improve airflow. Remember to wear a dust mask and protective polycarbonate glasses for your safety.
Clean the Plastic
Start by cleaning the plastic surface with soap and warm water to remove any debris. Scrub the hood with a sponge soaked in warm water, and if necessary, use mild dish soap or detergent to eliminate dirt, grease, or other contaminants. Dry the surface with a clean, lint-free cloth. For stubborn stains, you can use a liquid solvent like methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Avoid using industrial-strength detergents as they may leave a soapy film that affects the weld.
Identify the Plastic Type
Before welding, it's important to identify the type of plastic you're working with. Look for an identification symbol commonly moulded into the backside of the plastic. In the case of John Deere hoods, it may be "SLX," which stands for "Sabic Lexan," a trade name for polycarbonate. You can also refer to Polyvance's Book of Plastic Repair, which comes with the welding kit, to identify the plastic using a plastic ID table and flowcharts.
Select the Right Welding Rod
Once you've identified the plastic type, select the matching welding rod. The Polyvance 5213 Agricultural Plastic Welding Kit includes 17 different varieties of welding rods, ensuring you can find the right match. For John Deere hoods, the R07 polycarbonate welding rod is recommended, available in clear or green to blend with the hood's colour.
Prepare the Plastic for Welding
Before welding, it's crucial to prepare the plastic properly. If the area you wish to weld has paint on it, remove it with 80-grit sandpaper or an abrasive disc/sanding wheel attached to a drill. Be careful not to scratch the plastic underneath. If the plastic is already bare, ensure it's free of any surface contaminants that may cause adhesion problems during welding.
Weld the Plastic
Now, you're ready to begin welding. Use the high-quality hot air welder included in the Polyvance kit to make fast, strong welds with the provided welding ribbons. For extra reinforcement, the kit also includes a 200-watt airless plastic welder, which allows you to embed stainless steel mesh into the plastic. Follow the instructions provided with your welding kit for specific guidance on using the equipment.
By following these steps and using the Polyvance 5213 Agricultural Plastic Welding Kit, you can effectively restore your John Deere plastic hood, ensuring it looks and functions like new.
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Apply aluminium tape
To restore a John Deere plastic hood, you will need to apply aluminium tape to the front side of the damaged area. This will help to align the cracks and hold everything together while the part is welded on the back side. Polyvance's aluminium tape is about three times thicker than common HVAC tapes, so they hold the damaged parts more securely in place.
Before applying the aluminium tape, you will need to clean the surface with 1000 Super Prep plastic cleaner and wipe it off. This will remove any surface contamination that may cause adhesion problems later.
Once the surface is clean, you can begin applying the aluminium tape. Make sure to cover the entire damaged area, smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles as you go. Apply firm pressure to ensure the tape adheres securely to the plastic.
After the welding process is complete and the weld has cooled, you can carefully remove the aluminium tape from the front side. You may need to use a solvent or adhesive remover to dissolve any remaining adhesive residue.
Overall, the use of aluminium tape in the restoration process helps to ensure a strong and secure repair to the John Deere plastic hood.
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Sand and grind the plastic
Sanding and grinding plastic can help restore its appearance and is a necessary step before painting or applying a polish. Here is a step-by-step guide to sanding and grinding the plastic John Deere hood:
Preparation
Before you begin sanding, ensure the plastic is clean and free of dirt and grime. You can use a detergent solution or, for extensively pitted plastic, a solution of equal parts water and vinegar with a gentle cloth.
Sanding
When sanding plastic, it is best to use wet sandpaper to prevent scratches. Fine-grit sandpaper, with a grit between 180 and 600, is recommended for plastic. Immerse the sandpaper in water and gently rub the plastic using irregular circular motions. Keep the paper and plastic wet at all times to avoid a buildup of plastic on the paper, which could then scratch the surface.
Start with 220-grit wet sanding and make additional passes with progressively finer paper until you achieve the desired smoothness. Work on the deeper scratches first, then move to the nicer parts. You can use a foam block to support the sandpaper when sanding curved surfaces.
Grinding
Once you have sanded the plastic, you can move on to grinding. Using a die grinder, grind a V-groove along the cracks about halfway through the plastic. If there are cracks next to a mounting boss, grind around the base so you can fillet weld around it. Remember to always wear a dust mask and goggles when grinding.
Finishing
After grinding, wipe down the plastic with a detergent solution and dry it. You may want to finish by covering the plastic with a clear polish or applying paint.
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Use a fibreglass repair kit
While John Deere plastic hoods are made of Xenoy, a type of polycarbonate, they can be repaired with a fibreglass repair kit. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a fibreglass repair kit to restore a John Deere plastic hood:
Prepare the Repair Area
First, ensure you are wearing protective clothing, including long sleeves, long trousers, gloves, and goggles. Next, remove all paint from the repair area. Use an old paintbrush to brush away dust from the repair area, and then use a dust mask to blow out any remaining dust.
Clean the Surface
Clean the surface of the hood with a plastic cleaner, such as 1000 Super Prep, and wipe it off. This step removes surface contaminants that may cause adhesion problems later.
Tape and Grind
Apply aluminium tape to the front side of the damaged area to hold everything together while you weld on the backside. Polyvance's aluminium tape is recommended as it is thicker and holds damaged parts more securely in place. Next, use a die grinder to grind a V-groove along the cracks halfway through the plastic. If the hood is cracked next to a mounting boss, grind around the base so you can fillet weld around it.
Mix and Apply the Fibreglass
Follow the instructions on your fibreglass repair kit to correctly mix the fibreglass. Remember to taper the repaired area and mix the fibreglass correctly. Use standard fibreglass matting for strength and do not use regular auto-body plastic.
Sand and Prime
Once the fibreglass has been applied, sand any areas where the resin has been applied. Then, apply primer, glazing putty, and more sanding before applying the final colour coat.
Additional Tips
It is recommended to install a reinforcement strip at the back of the repair area, inside the hood, as the original hood is not reinforced. Additionally, ensure you have matched the correct welding rod with the type of plastic you are repairing. In the case of John Deere hoods, the symbol "SLX" is commonly moulded into the backside, which stands for "Sabic Lexan" or polycarbonate.
Remember to always follow safety precautions and instructions on your repair kit, and you will be able to successfully restore your John Deere plastic hood.
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Frequently asked questions
You can restore your John Deere plastic hood using a plastic restorer product, such as 303 Aerospace Protectant, or a plastic repair kit. If your hood is cracked, you can use Polyvance's Agricultural Plastic Welding Kit, which includes a hot air welder and welding ribbons.
First, clean the surface with a plastic cleaner, such as 1000 Super Prep plastic cleaner, to remove any tape residue or surface contamination. Then, align the cracks and hold the pieces together with aluminium tape. Use a die grinder to grind a v-groove along the cracks. Finally, weld the backside of the hood.
Yes, you can use a fiberglass repair kit, which typically involves sanding, grinding, and patching the damaged area. You can also try using a plastic epoxy or a product like SPEEDGRIP urethane structural adhesive, which is used for bonding and repairing plastic panels in cars.
