42" Deck not level on 416-8

[v65animal 0]

I sanded the underside of the deck down pretty well tonight. I was using the drill attachment with the round sanding discs, then I started having problems with the disc catching and it would stop spinning. I tightened the chuck as much as I could, but I still couldn't put much pressure on the disc without stopping it, so I mostly used the wire brush/cup attachment on the drill.

It was getting dark by the time I was done, I'll touch it up and see about coating it with something Monday night before putting the deck plate on it Tuesday night.

Thanks!

Sam

[tgranthamfd 29]

From the drawings, the brace should cover all 3 spindles and most of the deck from front to back, when bolted in place it should pull all of the "warp" out of the deck shell. Not sure how it mounts but to me looks as if it would go on the bottom side since all of the pulley area is recessed, but I .

Looked at the drawing again, it shows to go underneath, TT's post also said underside.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

Yes, the reinforcement plate bolts to the underside of the shell - once all spindles have been removed.

Just so you are not expecting a "plug & play" installation, I will tell you that you might have to do a little fitting/trimming to use the plate on older decks.

Try to keep as much of it as intact as possible - especially in the deck carriage mounting area.

I repeat...... it might not be an easy bolt-on installation like on the newer flat-top decks.

If you are concerned about rust developing between the plate and the underside of the shell, you can coat the mating surfaces with roof cement just prior to the final installation of the plate or you can even lay a few beads of silicone caulking around the outer edge and spindle mounting holes.

[can whlvr 994]

i have trued,shimmed,braced,and rebuilt decks and i had one that i straightened,welded it and finally had to weld a whole new top on the deck with 1/4 inch plate,now its the best and smoothest wheelhorse deck ive used,and heard(its really smooth and quiet.

[v65animal 0]

Monday night I bought some KRYLON Rust Convertor in a spray can. I had already sanded/wire brushed it down pretty well, but wanted it to be as clean as possible. I sprayed on a few coats. It said to wait 24 hours before painting it.

I received the deck plate Tuesday, started to disassemble. I found two cracks on the back on the deck where the mounting harness bolts go along the back side. I'm talking about between the rear wheels on the slanted part of the deck. These 2 areas have small metal plates on the inside of the deck and 2 bolts on each one.

I have the mounting harness off, the pulleys, but I haven't pulled the spindels yet. With the cracks and wanting to put some RUSTOLEUM on it before attaching the deck plate, I cut the front yard with the electric 19" push mower, took about an hour.

I have to go out of town Thursday to Sunday and didn't want it left for my wife.

When I get back I'll do some more sanding, painting, then take it to my Dad's for the welding, then try to remember how to put the thing back together again! I took a lot of pictures as I took it apart.

I have one BIG question, what is the proper/easy way to get the deck spring back on the deck? I had a hard time getting it off. I'm talking about the one that puts the tension on the deck belt.

Speaking of deck belt, what does everyone think around here about going to Advance Auto type of place and getting an Automotive belt. It's closer, probably cheaper. Thoughts?

If I get anymore work done Wednesday night, I'll post an update before I go out of town.

Thanks,

Sam

[Shuboxlover 480]

When I had to put my spring back on after i powder coated my deck, I used a pair of vice-grips.....you know, the ones made in NEBRASKA!!!!!!!!!!! make sure the deck is secure, and pull like a mother!!!!!! Actually it wasn't that bad. Just remember not to "clamp" the spring between the two nuts on that bolt, the top nut is just there so the spring doesn't work itself up the bolt.

Good Luck

[Little_Red 0]

When i replaced my idler pully i made a tool out of a piece of 1/2 inch pipe by notching one end . Hooking the spring in the tension bar first and slinding it over the retaining bolt

[tgranthamfd 29]

As far as the belts go, My brother brings Napa belts home all the time for all the wheel horses. No issues yet.