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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Chilly Willy on September 07, 2006, 10:03:25 PM

Title: Straightening the Metal Speedometer Bracket
Post by: Chilly Willy on September 07, 2006, 10:03:25 PM
Hi All,

I've sanded away most of the rust and will use a Dremmel to grind away the rough edges, but as you can see, my speedometer bracket is somewhat bent out of shape.
(http://static.flickr.com/80/237411113_9c59ed2261.jpg)

(http://static.flickr.com/82/237411111_bec69f9d73.jpg)

How do I straighten it out?  What tools should I use?  I am going to re-paint it, however, I don't want to make the damage worse.  A new one costs $70-90 :o  = quite a bit of cash for a small plate of metal.  I'm replacing the plastic cover (as soon as the new one arrives in the mail), and want to make sure the bracket fits more securely on the new one.

Thanks!

El Noobo
Title: Re: Straightening the Metal Speedometer Bracket
Post by: dgyver on September 08, 2006, 05:12:54 AM
A hammer and different sizes of blocks of wood worked for the last one I straightened. The wood does not damage the metal surface. Clamping in vise may be helpful.
Title: Re: Straightening the Metal Speedometer Bracket
Post by: Chilly Willy on September 08, 2006, 07:36:17 AM
Thanks!  Your suggestion about using a wooden surface makes sense.  I don't have a vise yet, so I'll try the hammer approach first.

El Noobo
Title: Re: Straightening the Metal Speedometer Bracket
Post by: Chilly Willy on September 08, 2006, 11:27:09 AM
Um, quick Noob question:

What type of hammer?  Like the kind I use to hang up pictures or do I need something different?  Man, I'm a total noob at all of this. :oops:

El Noobo
Title: Re: Straightening the Metal Speedometer Bracket
Post by: dgyver on September 08, 2006, 11:38:25 AM
Any type hammer, mallet or sledge will work. But it will need some weight to it.