travisg84 1 #1 Posted July 21, 2009 I just got an older 42" side discharge deck, mows quiet and straight. Its very pitted though (wasn't cleaned much or ever ). Is there any good way to fix the pitting or is it just best to clean, paint and keep an eye on it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tarcoleo 119 #2 Posted July 21, 2009 There is just so much metal there. If you try to level the surfaces, you will of necessity be removing good metal for purposes of cosmetics. I don't know if some might fill the cleaned pitted surfaces to improve appearance- that would be owner's choice. Depends on degree of restoration being sought. swamp yankee Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
travisg84 1 #3 Posted July 21, 2009 The top side is fairly straight just surface rust, the underside is the pitted portion. None of the pits have gone to holes yet. I was wondering about filling the pits myself, I don't know if there is anything out there for that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tarcoleo 119 #4 Posted July 21, 2009 Now that you mention it, it would be useful to know what to do with a pitted underside. Wonder if anyone has experience with coatings, e.g., those used to protect pickup body flooring. swamp yankee Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
travisg84 1 #5 Posted July 21, 2009 I had thought about truck bed coating, but if its textured I' not sure how it will be with clean up with things sticking to it and such. That might be my only choice though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duvall 0 #6 Posted July 21, 2009 I saw that someone had used POR-15 under their deck before. Seems like it would work great because it has such a high build. http://www.por15.com/POR-15-Rust-Preventiv...int/products/1/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
travisg84 1 #7 Posted July 21, 2009 I might check that out I wonder how it would stand up to abuse under the deck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Raider12 13 #8 Posted July 21, 2009 What I have done in the past was to have the shell sand blasted and then I took it and had it powder coated. It's been 5 years now and still looking good. It did not fill the pits, but it will keep it from rusting any further. If I wanted it to look nice and smooth without the pits I would fill with lead. I have worked with lead in the body shop. But this is something that is a bit tricky to do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 991 #9 Posted July 22, 2009 I used epoxy on mine,put several coats on the underside and it is holding up great and cleans up very nice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tarcoleo 119 #10 Posted July 22, 2009 Was wondering if much really needs to be done to extend life of decks. I have a deck that is in its 15th year of personal usage, and it was old (15 years or more) when I got it. Its in very good shape, corrosion-wise, and I have never done anything to treat its underside other than to keep it indoors when not in use. I have cleaned it barely once or twice a year and, like the battery rabbit, it keeps on going and going. Perhaps the key is indoor storage on a concrete floor (garage). swamp yankee Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
travisg84 1 #11 Posted July 22, 2009 I am currently using the 42" sd that came with my dad's 310 back in 1987. I got it after he upgraded to a 48". It's been cleaned and washed after every mow since brand new its got a few scrapes and paint chips but other than that its brand new. thats how I learned so thats what I do also. That's why I've been a little anal over getting this new(old) deck in shape. I would have looked for one in better shape but this one was only about 5 miles from my house and came with a second seized deck for $100. If i can get that one spinning it will probably get E-bayed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tarcoleo 119 #12 Posted July 22, 2009 Travis- You, sir, are a Wheel Horse whisperer! Your Dad must be proud. swamp yankee Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sarge 3,462 #13 Posted July 24, 2009 I just finished repairing a badly rusted 48", using the POR-15 is a good idea as it fills the pits in pretty well . 2 coats and most of the smaller ones were gone . Stuff is expensive but well worth the price compared to trying to find a good shell these days . Sarge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites