Metallurgy Expertise Needed. Bent emblem.

[Vicleonardo1]

So good news bad news. I have finally scored a 2002 emblem for a 73-76. But, there was a problem with shipping. The emblem is bent in the bars between the numbers. The bend between the first and 2_0 is the largest with the apex heading posterior. The bend between the 0_0 is a little more complex with a slight anterior bend and a slight twist. The bend between the 0_2 has a little posterior apex bend. 

 

I hope the Photos can reveal the problem. 

 

First from the front. 

 

Second photo is from the top. 

 

 

Third seems to show the bends the best. The 2002 is reversed and from the top. 

 

I do have a large vise where the length of the whole emblem would easily fit. There is about an 1/8th of inch clearance between the bottom of the emblem and the middle bottom post. Is that the right approach? Wifey the Arts and Crafter says I should try and flatten it at the bends with a rubber mallet. Or go to a pro like a body shop? Any other methods? 

Or is this emblem completely toast and will break if I try and straighten it out? 

 

Any tips/Guidance would be greatly appreciated. 

 

Thank you. 

 

[halboyles]

That metal is very flexible.  You could straighten it with your hands but the vise approach will probably yield better results.

[Jimmy]

6 minutes ago, halboyles said:

That metal is very flexible.  You could straighten it with your hands but the vise approach will probably yield better results.

 

Yep. I would make sure it's warm, at least 60F, (don't take a torch to it or anything, just make sure it's not ice cold) and gently bend it by hand. If you take a rubber mallet to it you're sure to obliterate it.

[Healey3000]

Do you happen to have access to a woodworker's bar clamp?  The popular one is made by Bessey but there are knockoffs around.  It has a deep, parallel jaw with a plastic exterior face and would be perfect for this.

 

I'm sure you could wander into your local Woodcraft or other woodworker's store and they'll let you do it on the spot.

[Vicleonardo1]

3 minutes ago, Healey3000 said:

Do you happen to have access to a woodworker's bar clamp?  The popular one is made by Bessey but there are knockoffs around.  It has a deep, parallel jaw with a plastic exterior face and would be perfect for this.

 

I'm sure you could wander into your local Woodcraft or other woodworker's store and they'll let you do it on the spot.

I do have some of the Irwin one handed mini bar clamps. Would that work or do I need something more powerful like the woodworker bar clamp?  

[Vicleonardo1]

Started the process by running it under hot water. Then used my hand grip bar clamp. I felt safe starting with that because of the softer plastic grips. It took the major bends down, but still left a residual curve. I then felt that it was safe enough to use my fingers to finish out the rest. It seems striaght enough now not to be noticeable. I will see how it fits on the car in the next few days. 

Follow up questions: Is it safe to polish the emblem? What would be the best and safest method? It does look good enough to put it back on the car, should I just let it be? 

[Cruzr]

The emblem is anodized. It will not polish properly if it's been exposed to the weather.

 

Here's an article on how to polish them.

 

 

http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/665.cfm

Edited March 1, 2019 by Cruzr

[Mike Self]

1 hour ago, Cruzr said:

The emblem is anodized. It will not polish properly if it's been expose to the weather.

If the finish is all cloudy--as the beltline trim is often found after many years exposure to weather--you have a couple of options:

1. Live with it
2. carefully sand the anodizing off with progressively finer wet/dry sandpaper, then buff (a Dremel tool with a llittle buffing wheel works well), and polish.  Finally clear coat with a clear acrylic or epoxy spray.  

If you decide on #2, you'll probably need to re-do the clear coat every few years, depending on how much weather the car is exposed to.  

 

Also be aware that there are two different 2002 rear panel emblems:  the one with the flat back (like yours, apparently) is for roundies, as it fits against a flat panel.  Squarelight emblems have a curved back to fit against their curved panel.  The good news with this one is that it's thicker in cross section and doesn't bend as easily.

 

mike

[Stevenc22]

Anodizing can be chemically removed with some dilute drain cleaner, then polished, then sprayed with clear coat.

[yeewiz]

if you still need to straighten the emblem along the entire length more consistently, place the emblem between 2 pieces of flat wood, drill holes where the pins of the emblem can fit freely, then clamp the wood-emblem-wood sandwich with as many clamps as necessary along the entire length to achieve the straightness you need

[BarrettN]

And if all that fails, pm me - there's an 02 local to me being parted out and the owner has been really reasonable on pricing, I need to go get a few more things off of it so it wouldn't be a problem to add one more to the list. 

[Mark92131]

Here's my blog post on using caustic soda to remove the anodized coating on our trim.  You may find it helpful if you go this route.

 

Mark92131

 

 

[Roverguy]

Charge the shipper for damage?

 

And yes, be sure it's nice and warm when you try and straighten it our if you go that route.

 

my 02 rear emblem was bent down between the #'s I just adjusted it by hand.