front deflectors

[barry5of9]

the curved water deflectors on the "bow" of my pontoons have taken a beating, and are now curved more up than down. any ideas on how to "bang em" back into shape? How pliable are they?

 

[Cycleman07]

Re: front deflectors

the curved water deflectors on the "bow" of my pontoons have taken a beating, and are now curved more up than down. any ideas on how to "bang em" back into shape? How pliable are they?

It is risky and here is why...they are welded to the tubes and when "banging" on them you run the risky of cracking the tube along the weld. The best option is to heat them up enough to bend them. I would highly recommend not banging on them with a hammer etc.

 

[barry5of9]

Re: front deflectors

Thanks. I really didn't intend on hitting them. Any help on heating? I'm picturing a propane torch, feathering the flame close to where I want to bend, and slowly pulling the metal down. I honestly don't believe it'll be pretty, but still, way better than how they look right now.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: front deflectors

Show Pics of deflectors.

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: front deflectors

Ya know if you find a pretty reasonable welder near your area I would just have him cut the old ones off and install new ones. That way your starting fresh and your aluminum is as strong as it could be. Re-heating and bending usually only lasts so long till it's bent again and even worse next time.

 

[barry5of9]

Re: front deflectors

I'll take pics and post this weekend. The cut off and weld idea intrigues me. I'll ask around about that. Thanks for your time, folks.:joyous:

 

[crb478]

Re: front deflectors

I have to agree with cubbyblue, a good welder can reinforce the area and possibly add some gussets to the top side so it will be stronger than before and may never happen again.

 

[5150abf]

Re: front deflectors

Cut off and weld may be your best option, even with heat I don't know that you are going to move it, aluminum is pretty tough and you run the risk of cracking a weld and worse case making the tube leak, aluminum doesn't like to bend more than once or twice and heating it will anneal it and make it soft.

Off the top of my head I would take a decent length 2x4 and cut a slot in the end big enough to fit over the splash guard and work it down to where it should be, real slow maybe 6-8 passes back and forth but find a welder first in case it does crack, unless they are super welded on the weld will probably just crack and it won't take out the tube but better safe than sorry.

 

[barry5of9]

Re: front deflectors

I hope the pics "took". The "outside" deflector might need to be replaced, but the "inside" one could maybe get by with a little tappin.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: front deflectors

need a GOOD alum welder. cut them off and reweld