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Is it possible to Straighten pot metal?

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Dan Ford

09-14-2000 09:21:47




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I just purchased a set of lights for my tractor and they have the winged bases. One of the bases is bent. Is it possible to straighten this out without breaking it? They appear to be pot metal.

Thanks.

Dan




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rossow (mn)

09-14-2000 12:41:29




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 Re: Is it possible to Straighten pot metal? in reply to Dan Ford, 09-14-2000 09:21:47  
Straighten pot metal? Maybe, maybe not. Pot metal has always been a rather vexing material for me to work with. I've won some and lost some. Over the years I've worked on a fair amount of pot-metal trim on old cars (e.g., grill trim and taillight/parking light housings on 55-7 Chevies). Sometimes it cracks, sometimes it doesn't. The key thing, I think, is that you can't just start whacking it with a hammer. I've had my best luck by GENTLY using a hydraulic press and starting at the farthest reaches of the dent, then inching my way toward the middle. In other words, think about where the dent probably started at the very instant the damage occurred, and try to get rid of that part of the dent (usually the deepest part) last; work in toward it rather than out away from it. The hydraulic press lets you remove the dent slowly and gingerly. If you do have to use a hammer, go tap-tap-tap rather than BAM! If the wing does crack, you may be able to repair it with those propane "welding" rods you see advertised. I've had limited luck with them on items that can be painted (rather than chromed). Others may have better ideas. At any rate, good luck with it.

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Gaspump

09-14-2000 12:35:28




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 Re: Is it possible to Straighten pot metal? in reply to Dan Ford, 09-14-2000 09:21:47  
Yes it can be straightened if not too badly bent. I use a couple of 2x4" blocks to place either side of the bend and use a rubber mallet to bump gently till straight. Or you can place in a vice between cloth or wood softeners and tap till straight, remember a little at a time till straight. New reproductions are available from many parts sources.



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