Having to remove this shield for repairs you notice a lot of trapped grass in this area .
Lots going on in here to get seized up or rusted away . Posted on Twitter and seen this fab job done on one . This is my take on it .
I used 3.5" door hinges and knocked the pin out to flip one end
Makes for the hinge to sit better on install
Just lay hinge flat where you want it . I left the screws in plate till after installing .Drilling a starter hole made for a clean spot weld with mig welder
Turned out great
Remove the plate screws and a little paint and your done .
Pretty easy and great daily access to cleaning and servicing now .
This is a must do . machines are coming in cleaner .