Sheet Metal problems...

[xraycajun]

I only noticed after grinding that these hood mounting brackets are about to snap off on either side. Is there a best way to weld these back on? How-to's?

[Dale Finch]

I had a friend reweld a pair on one of my cubs. The only way I could figure it out was to install the brackets in place, put the hood in place with all the screws in back installed, and shim the hood so that it was the correct height and the radiator neck was centered. He tack welded it while it was positioned correctly, then removed it to finish the weld. The holes are a tad oblong, to allow for some correction. I can't remember for sure, but I THINK I also had installed the doglegs to make sure they would reach all 4 holes, without being bowed out, and the grill to make sure it fit right.

My job was to grind it back down and make it purdy. Worked just fine!

[tst]

I like putting the hood & doglegs on the cub 1st and brackets bolted in place and grille on to make sure it lines up 1st, once its happy it can be welded in the right position, off the tractor its just a guess that it will line up

[IHCFan1950]

You definitely need to "mock up" before committing to getting the hood on. Use the doglegs in the mock up too. Once loosely on there you can determine how much you will need to correct in areas like the mounting bracket and so forth. At that point you can take it back off and make the corrections, then check again to make sure you really are lining up perfectly everywhere. And don't get so focused up front that you forget about the instrument panel and how it lines up back there. It is just as important. To take the dent out, only thing you need is a body hammer and the appropriate dolly and some time, and you can get that looking as good as new. Keep us updated! Can't wait to see her done!

[Matt Kirsch]

Ideally if you have a MIG welder, set on low, you can just tack-tack-tack, moving around to avoid heat buildup and warping. Keep tacking until the hole is filled in, then sand smooth.

I've done it with a stick welder set on 40A and 1/16" 6013 rods, but it is a lot more tedious because you have to keep cleaning the surface of soot and slag after every few tacks.