Mower decks (was: RE: (ET) POR-15)

["Chris Tromley" <chris_t microtrac com>]

David Roden wrote:

> The last time I reworked my E15 mower deck, like you, I 
> wanted to have the 
> bottom coated with truck bedliner material.  Not the rubbery 
> DIY stuff you can 
> buy at K-Mart, but the real epoxy-based material that the 
> franchise dealers 
> apply.

Hi All,

Being fairly new to this ET stuff, I was a bit distressed when I removed my
mid-mounted deck and scraped some of the dried-on grass goo off.  Darned if
there wasn't a fair amount of rust under there.  So I have another little
job to do before mowing this year.

Remember the discussions about what we'd do for parts when Bill Gunn
retired?  I'm thinking once more that a fiberglass deck would be a Good
Thing.  I seem to remember that the bare deck stamping is the same for all
large frame tractors.  I could take a mold from one and add exterior metal
reinforcement where needed, and attachment points for front- and mid-mount.
Hmmm, maybe I could even make just one deck that's convertible into either
front or mid.

Anyway, I'm seriously considering doing this.  How many decks were there?  
I
think I'd have to make it accommodate both the large and small diameter
motors.  Any other permutations?  Most importantly, how much would a well
made, durable, rust-free replacement deck (without motors) be worth to
ETers?  Kinda determines whether it's worth my time.  For example, how much
did Bill get for a new one?  How much does a good used one go for?  Or is
the availability of used decks good enough for now?

Chris