TOPIC: How would you do this?

Stripping my Johnson RDS-20 for repaint and all is well except the front door (pull starter access) is slightly bent down. It is aluminum. I'd like to straighten it back up but am afraid to whack it with a dead blow for fear of cracking it or breaking it off. Any tips from you guys??

how about maybe heating it up a little with a propane torch?

I'd probably try large channel locks with a work glove wrapped around it to avoid gouges.

Make a wooden form to match the good side. Trace the good side curve onto a piece of thin cardboard...like what's on the back of a tablet. Transfer that curve to a piece of framing lumber (1-1/2" thick) and cut the curve with a band saw but keep both halves...the "male and female" curves. Make sure that the outside edges of both pieces are flat and parallel to allow even clamping. Then position them on the inside and outside of the bad side and carefully squeeze them together with several clamps. The result will be close but not perfect. Use your hands to "shmooze" it the rest of the way.

If that doesn't work, ride around with a woman who has large breasts. No one will ever notice your slightly bent engine cowl.

Nautilus,

Actually, I recommend both solutions, using clamps & a generously-sized rack.

yours, satx

Agree with Nautilus.

I personally wouldn't take a torch to it, because you will end up annealing the metal. Work with it cold and slow, and you'll be fine.

Sounds like a plan.



Fredric, I'll try the slow but sure method.

Saber I restored one just like that( less dent) it will make a nice motor. let us know how it goes. if all goes bad there is a hood on ebay under ( Johnson super seahorse 35 hood.) Best of luck. Bob

I like the breast idea, But I've been doing that for 39 years and still like it.

Bob, all the basics are done. Rebuilt fuel pump, new coils, new ign wires, new impeller, fresh seals in lower. Just doing cosmetics now. All the plastic badges and chrome emblems are in remarkable condition. Going to put the motor on a '64 Lone Star Mystic.