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Dent-Fixing Tool Restores Deere Grill Screens
Nothing is easier to dent and harder to repair than a grill screen on an older tractor. Now owners of many older and late model Deere field and lawn and garden tractors have another option besides replacement. They can take the dents out in just a few minutes with a new punch and die set.
"Our customers include m
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Dent-Fixing Tool Restores Deere Grill Screens FARM SHOP Tools 29-4-36 Nothing is easier to dent and harder to repair than a grill screen on an older tractor. Now owners of many older and late model Deere field and lawn and garden tractors have another option besides replacement. They can take the dents out in just a few minutes with a new punch and die set.
"Our customers include mechanics and farmers who want to keep their tractors in good shape as well as tractor restorers," says Dick Sunsdahl, a former VoTech engineering and quality control instructor. "The tool pays for itself in one use."
He discovered the need for the tool when he began restoring antique Deere tractors. Working with his son, who is also a toolmaker, Sunsdahl designed punch and die sets that fit the two basic grill screens produced for Deere tractors between 1949 and 1990. Last spring he also introduced a set for 1963 to 1987 lawn and garden tractors. His sets have also been used on Minneapolis Molines with similar style screens.
The heat-treated aluminum alloy tools are available in 6-in. lengths for $26 to $32, depending on tractor series, plus $5 shipping.
"The grill screen often doesn't even have to be removed from the hood," says Sunsdahl. "Simply lay the hood with screen in place over the die. Place the punch on top of the dent and drive it snug against the die. Often the paint doesn't even get damaged."
Severely damaged grill screens may have to be removed from the hood to be worked on. Sometimes they may need to be pried apart before the punch and die can be used. Sunsdahl provides instructions and tips for use. A demonstration video is also available showing Sunsdahl's young grandchildren repairing a dented screen with the tools.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Dick Sunsdahl, Sunsdahls' Restoration Tooling, 1703 Greenwood Place, Faribault, Minn. 55021 (ph 507 334-8966; email: info@sunsdahltooling.com; website: www.sunsdahltooling.com).
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