I would recommend finding someone with an English Wheel to make the
dent repair, assuming the dent is readily accessible from BOTH sides and
the metal isn't excessively thick. The english wheel is commonly used to
make custom aluminum aircraft parts (wheel pants, cowlings, fairings,
etc). A good entry point for finding someone that 1) has one and 2)
knows how to use it would be the local Experimental Aircraft
Association Chapter. They are not, unfortunately, cheap which may
make finding someone with one nearby difficult. Again the a local EAA
chapter member would be the most likely source. Also, an aircraft
restoration facility may have one if they do extensive metal work.
The wheel is a pair of steel rollers (one of which can be changed based
upon what the desired shape is) on what looks like a giant C Clamp on a
floor pedistal. The pressure on the rollers is varied and the roll pattern
and dies changed dependant upon the desired results. The danger is
having someone trying to do this that has no experience with the wheel.
It is not something that is quickly picked up. Experience is the key.
Aluminum will harden as it is worked, especially so when using hammers
and shot bags or dollies. I had that problem recently while making repairs
to the nosebowl of my J-3 "Cub." As the dent was worked out, the
aluminum hardened to the point it was virtually impossible to totally
smooth it out. Much of this problem is eliminated with the wheel, though it
is not totally eliminated.
I have seen aluminum aircraft parts that were badly dented repaired to
virtually new looking condition using an English wheel. Not being familiar
with the Mity Mite and the thickness of the hood material, the wheel might
not work as well, but with an experienced operator, it should beat using
a hammer (pardon the pun).
Jim Rice
Lawton, Oklahoma
cust3.iamerica.net/jimrice/index.htm
'42 IHC M-3L-4
'43 Ford GPW
'46 Piper J-3 "Cub"
'46 Willys CJ-2A Column Shift (Parts Jeep-Parts for Sale)
'51 Jaques Power Saw Company M100 1/4 Ton Trailer
'67 Ford M151A1
Good Luck.
>>> <INDUSTELE@aol.com> 10/20/98 09:16am >>>
Gentlemen,
I have a fist size dent on the hood of my 1960 M422 Mighty Mite. It is just
crying out to be straightened; however, I have heard horror stories that
the
aluminum is :"hardened" and any attempt to beat back in line will result
with
cracks and tears in the aluminum. Is this true? Your help would be
appreciated.
Tom Campbell - Birmingham, Alabama
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