Yep, drill out what's left and glue a stud or a piece of 3/8" threaded rod in place . 3M structural adhesive, I got it from Summit Racing.

The tabs are missing from my 682 grill. Is this adhesive better than JB weld for attaching new ones ?

If the pin is sheared off, drill the base in the side cover and use structural adhesive to hold in a short piece of 1/4" wooden dowel. When the glue sets, slide a piece of rubber fuel hose over the dowel and call it fixed.

Some hose is larger O/D than others, You may have to dress it down to get it to slip into the grill hole.

If things are really a wreck up there, I have used a cross panel spring like the QL's used to hold things together. Can't tell it on the outside.

Thanks so much for the pointers!

I have been looking, without any luck, for a plastic RH side panel for my 2086. I was wondering if anybody has modified a plain panel with a muffler cutout and the extra cooling slots. The one I have is missing pieces, not just easily repairable pins or tabs. The large muffler cutout is a simple rectangle and shouldn't be too tough, the series of cooling slots might not be as easy. I bought a set of panels for a 2182 but the Kubota engine models have a different muffler cutout than the Kawasaki.:bigthink:

I have several of these panels at the wet jet. Our shop is just very busy right now and of course my little plastic panels take a back seat to making real money. But once the program is written and I run a couple panels, I wanted to offer everyone the service of blasting out those vent holes. And you cut out your own exhaust depending on the model you have. I will keep everyone posted but I would love to hear feedback if anyone is interested. I would have to charge some $ or I may be fired. I thought about ordering blanks and you guys but them from me. Or send me your blank. Let me know. Pm or whatever. Oh and patience would be expected.

Put me down for a set. Hope you understand what your getting into. I wouldn't be surprised that you'll be getting plenty of orders from the 1782, 2182 and 2086 guys. New side panels and a new grill and your good for another 20 years or more considering the guys here on OCC probably won't be running into stuff with them like most of the PO's did to bust them in the first place. :beerchug:

Gimme a link where I can buy the panels the cheapest and I'll get a few sets. If I accumulate a big enough stack then maybe the GM will be guilted in setting up production.

Sent it to your e-mail address

I would definitely be interested in a set for a 2086. The lack of a good set of side panels for my 2086 model has stalled it's restoration , it's a same because I think it is an under-rated machine. Remember the 2086 panels don't share the same muffler and cooling slot cut-out pattern as the 2182 or 1782, same idea, but a different program. Sam is right though, not sure you know what you are getting yourself into! It has been a shame that so many of these machines were scrapped or parted out because MTD has chosen discontinue so many parts for this series of tractors.
:IH Trusted Hand: