Wheel Horse touch-up paint ('92 312-8)

[Indy443 30]

Hi guys,

 

This week one of my projects is to touch up a few spots that have grown rusty on my '92 312-8. Mostly around the floor board pads and other edges. I stopped into my local Toro dealer and they did not have any specific Toro red touch-up paint on hand.

 

There must be some brand of rust proof spray paint that matches closely? Have you used any that you would vouch for?

 

Also, my plan is to use a fine steel wool to first clean the rusty areas, then tape off the floor mats before spraying. I've never done this before so I'm not drawing on any past experience. Just want to prevent any more rust from developing and make the Horse look as good as possible. Any hints or tips you are willing to share?

 

What about exhaust paint? The exhaust can has also sprouted some rust too...

 

Thanks!

 

Jesse

[rmaynard 16,301]

Unless you get rid of ALL of the rust in the area, including any that may be under the mats, you will never solve your problem by just using steel wool and paint. A temporary cosmetic fix will last maybe a year before the rust will appear again.

 

If you use the search engine and look for Wheel Horse red paint, you will find many posts and threads on the subject, all with the same results. There is no color that will match your tractor. Since you have a 1992, it has had 20 years to fade in the sun and change colors from what was original. Only trial and error will find something close to what the color is now.

 

Check out this thread,

[Tankman 3,523]

"Unless you get rid of ALL of the rust in the area, including any that may be under the mats, you will never solve your problem by just using steel wool and paint. A temporary cosmetic fix will last maybe a year before the rust will appear again."

Exactly. For touch up, I've had good results with Rustoleum Regal Red. That'll show as a different color against the rest of the horse. Oh well.

Muffler is a different story, I tarp off the tractor other than the muffler. Then use VHT (Very High Temperature) black for the exhaust. 'Course any muffler specific paint'll work; i.e.: black barbecue, auto parts muffler paint, whatever.

I would remove both foot rests, the rubber pads, and the belt guards. Paint these four pieces and reinstall using new hardware and Never-Seez® on the threads. New stair tread rubber for the foot rests.

While waiting for the freshly painted sheetmetal to dry, clean and lube all the dirty "stuff" you can see. :smile:

[546cowboy 302]

Steel wool will not do the job of removing the rust. Sandpaper and elbow grease or sand blasting is best. You will have to remove the foot rest pads as stated above. I have been using that rustoleum rust converter paint like a primer on those rusted pieces. It is supposed to keep rust from returning and so far it has. You can get it at Wal-mart, Auto Zone or any auto parts store.For the paint I have heard that Ace hardware regal red in the spray can matches pretty close to original but not their quart cans.

 

If it is a worker you can get by just doing the foot rests but I have never been able to stop there myself,   it's the affliction you know.   I just keep on until I have done the whole tractor to my satisfaction. That will mean Van Sickle IH red for the whole thing and that way I know I will have paint to match.

[AMC RULES 37,196]

From my experience Jesse, there are many different ways to successfully remove serious rust...

if you have success with the steel wool idea, share with us some tips on how you did it.    

Edited June 16, 2013 by amcrules00