Footcutter11 23 Report post Posted June 2, 2015 My 69 was obviously hit sometime in the past on the passanger side. After fixing the fender right, I noticed that the potmetal bucket has a sharper curve to it on the fender side so it does not match up well with the fender. I compaired the driver side curvature with it and it is about 3/8" out of alignment. Any options here? Should I just get another bucket? Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rsmach1 71 Report post Posted June 2, 2015 Being that far out I would start shopping for a replacement. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barnett468 418 Report post Posted June 2, 2015 . plan on spending maybe $500.00 or more for one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Raven R code 281 Report post Posted June 2, 2015 Hold on here!! If you can get behind the bad area , you might have a shot. My headlight bucket was out of shape after a front end hit where the bumper pushed in and bent the lower edge of the bucket. It also bent the inner tab where grill mount is. I got a small butane torch and applied VERY light and even heat. I managed to completely straighten the lower edge AND bend the inner tab back in. It is now perfect.....and original ;) I also reshaped the quarter panel scoop flange to fit the dynacorn panel. FYI.....the same gentle heat also removed the chrome from the vent windows. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fordguy69 24 Report post Posted June 3, 2015 Hold on here!! If you can get behind the bad area , you might have a shot. My headlight bucket was out of shape after a front end hit where the bumper pushed in and bent the lower edge of the bucket. It also bent the inner tab where grill mount is. I got a small butane torch and applied VERY light and even heat. I managed to completely straighten the lower edge AND bend the inner tab back in. It is now perfect.....and original ;) I also reshaped the quarter panel scoop flange to fit the dynacorn panel. FYI.....the same gentle heat also removed the chrome from the vent windows. I was also able to straighten a couple of mine with a propane torch and GENTLE persuasion. Slow and careful and the pot metal will move without cracking. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Footcutter11 23 Report post Posted June 3, 2015 I was also able to straighten a couple of mine with a propane torch and GENTLE persuasion. Slow and careful and the pot metal will move without cracking. Hold on here!! If you can get behind the bad area , you might have a shot. My headlight bucket was out of shape after a front end hit where the bumper pushed in and bent the lower edge of the bucket. It also bent the inner tab where grill mount is. I got a small butane torch and applied VERY light and even heat. I managed to completely straighten the lower edge AND bend the inner tab back in. It is now perfect.....and original ;) I also reshaped the quarter panel scoop flange to fit the dynacorn panel. FYI.....the same gentle heat also removed the chrome from the vent windows. Thanks guys! I will give that a try! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RPM 1,190 Report post Posted June 3, 2015 Several folks here have used Steel Stick from JB Weld to build up the pot metal head light buckets. I used it to repair my shaker ring. I'd certainly try repairing it before buying another one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Raven R code 281 Report post Posted June 3, 2015 +1 on the JB Weld. I used it in 1988 to rebuild the threaded "socket" for one of the mounting bolts and it has never split again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
michael2938 24 Report post Posted June 3, 2015 . plan on spending maybe $500.00 or more for one. At the last Columbus Swap Meet, I remember coming across a really cheap pair of buckets. Way less than $500... and I almost bought them just because the price was so low but I just didn't need another pair. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Footcutter11 23 Report post Posted June 3, 2015 At the last Columbus Swap Meet, I remember coming across a really cheap pair of buckets. Way less than $500... and I almost bought them just because the price was so low but I just didn't need another pair. On eBay they run for $125. I need to push it in, and I think the heat should work. I also like 3M 2216 for epoxy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ridge Runner 1,114 Report post Posted June 4, 2015 I have straightened them ,get them as close as possible and file it to fit ,you cant remove a lot but if you get it close a file will finish it off .I have made a wood template of the side that needs to be straightened and very gently hammer it into shape .i have done it with out heat but a spot that needs to be moved a lot ,i would heat up. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Footcutter11 23 Report post Posted June 4, 2015 Thanks for all the advise. Very even heat and a couple of duck bill clamps did the trick! 1 mustangmike6996 reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
