Tractor Fender Repair

[Don52]

My friend and customer Rick’s fender on his tractor cracked on both sides in the rear. On the left side the sharp cracked edges protruded from the fender, so they were a cut hazard. The first picture shows the entire fender.

1. Fender


I like to weld bright shiny metal so I cleaned up around the crack on the top and bottom using 1” stainless steel brushes in my Foredom shaft grinder.

2. Removing paint with wire wheel


I used up about 4 wire wheels, because the bristles bend over and eventually break off the wheel as shown below. The edges of the cut didn’t line up and surface was compound so the smaller wheel was able reach all areas.

3. Stainless steel wire wheels – worn and new


I bought several bags containing 25 wire wheels from eBay for $6 per bag.

4. Bag of brushes


Because of the compound surface I taped some Aluminum foil to the back side to trap the shielding gas.

5. Aluminum foil taped to back side

[Don52]

The next step was to us a picking hammer and a dolly to straighten out the cracked metal. Then I used a small c-clamp to force the edges of the crack into alignment. The last step was to spot MIG weld the edges together. I used my LE 31 MP with .025” wire to minimize burn through on the .048” thick fender.

6. Cracked fender tack welded


Next, I completely welded out the crack. Rick asked me to leave the weld reinforcement in the hopes that it would last longer before cracking.

7. Left top welded out


8. Bottom left cleaned up


9. Bottom view all done


Last but not least I primed the area that I welded to prevent rust.

10. Top primed

[Lis2323]

Nicely done!

[duramax-rob]

nice job! is that from a cub cadet?

[Don52]

nice job! is that from a cub cadet?

It is a 1970 Sears Suburban.

-Don

[moose]

Those look like mig welds. and a steel fender so why the backer? Just curious?

[ronsii]

Those look like mig welds. and a steel fender so why the backer? Just curious?

I believe the backer was to cut down on backside oxidation from lack of shielding gas...

[Don52]

Those look like mig welds. and a steel fender so why the backer? Just curious?

I believe the backer was to cut down on backside oxidation from lack of shielding gas...

Yep

-Don

[a2lute]

Did you drill holes after the cracks? That really helps stop propagation of the cracks.

[Don52]

Did you drill holes after the cracks? That really helps stop propagation of the cracks.

Not this time, I just welded past the end of each crack.

-Don

[farmersammm]

The welds look good for FAST welds on thin stuff. Thin stuff usually requires a fast travel speed. Your stuff looks good.

I can't do this kind of thing anymore. My left eye focuses good at a short distance, and my right eye focuses at about infinity (long distance). Can't get to an eye doctor with this pandemic thing going on, so I've just given up on wire welding that can look good. Simply can't do it anymore, till I get some good glasses.

[farmersammm]

The almost blind deal in the left eye makes it a total PITA to even walk. Can't focus on the ground.

[Don52]

The almost blind deal in the left eye makes it a total PITA to even walk. Can't focus on the ground.

Sorry to hear about your eyes.
I had excellent vision and didn’t require glasses at all, until my 40’s.
Now As I approach 70 in addition to glasses, I require a really good quality welding hood to see the joint, while MIG welding with thin wire at low current. It’s a 8itch getting old!

-Don