Doris the Dexta renovation

[brewdexta]

A tail of 3 pairs of Dexta wings - Part 1, original wings

While the link box epoxy is hardening, I thought I would get back onto the rest of the tinwork. First up the wings.

These are the original wings that came with the tractor, well and truly rusty.

This is the inside bottom of the wings was before I removed them, about 15 years ago,

The previous owner had put a separate centre strengthener on both wings as the had rusted out at the bottom

as you can see, the ribs of the wigs are foobar.

But I didn't throw them away, I could replace the ribs, secondly, I wanted the "Enfo" embossed bits, plus I still have the handbrake ratchet attached,

Continued.....

 

[brewdexta]

A tail of 3 pairs of Dexta wings - Part 2, replacement pattern parts

Originally, I thought it would be simply a matter of buying some new pattern parts. These can be bought from Agriline and many other places. So I did.

However, I went to an agricultural show and there were two dextas next to each other, one had original wings, one had pattern parts.

They were very different, I think this shows the difference, an old wing on the left, obviously

Functionally, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the pattern parts, so if all you want is a tractor to scrape your yard then these are fine, however I am looking for a degree of originality.

My first thought was to take off the ribs from the pattern parts, and try and graft them onto the old wings. But then ebay came to the rescue.

Continued.....

 

[brewdexta]

A tail of 3 pairs of Dexta wings - Part 3, second hand wings

I didn't think I would find any decent second hand wings, I thought they would all suffer from the same issues. But some did come up locally on ebay so I bought them, this is probably 10 or 12 years ago,

They aren't perfect, the seller had attempted welding the grotty bits with with OA.

This is the worst one.

There was a patch at the bottom so the "Enfo" had gone, hence why the original wings may come in handy. The repaired ribs are not the correct size, I'm not sure how much that bothers me, yet.

The patch on the top hasn't been dressed back so not sure how good it is yet but its not the end of the world.

The other wing is a little better, no plate at the bottom so the "Enfo" embossment is still there.

Bit this area will need a patch.

So, it looks like I will get these wings stripped, maybe sandblasted then fix the welding, and cut out the best "Enfo" from the old wings.

I'll probably stick the pattern parts on ebay once I have these sorted.

 

[Robotstar5]

<snip>

So, it looks like I will get these wings stripped, maybe sandblasted then fix the welding, and cut out the best "Enfo" from the old wings.

I'll probably stick the pattern parts on ebay once I have these sorted.

Sand blasting may be too aggressive, try for a softer medium like walnut shell or soda.

 

[Welderpaul]

Remember pressing up those rib parts @Hitch

 

[Hitch]

Remember pressing up those rib parts @Hitch

That was a good while ago! Must be 9/10 years ago