Restoration Radiator Cap

[30ccpickup]

In the restoration of a radiator cap, is there a method used to separate the stainless cover from the rest of the cap in order to remove dents?

[sugarmaker]

30cc,
Robert (rockfla) should be along to talk about a process he suggested to me.
Will be interesting to see as my cap has a lot of dents.
Regards,
Chris

[deuce lover]

If its anything like a '32 truck rad cap it will have to be put in a lathe to cut it open from the inside then remove the dings and reassemble.Not a simple process.I know of 1 person who has done that and won't do anymore.

[rockfla]

I have not seen OR even tried a radiator cap.....given the "Hen's teeth" status of the 32 commercial cap, I'm not sure I would even want or commit to even trying for fear it may not work out. Just thinking, idea wise..... I wonder IF the dents could be "tig-ed" filled, filed and sanded and polished??? Would be the only other way I could think of. NOT sure IF there would be color differences in the SS filler rod and the SS of the cap and would cause spots. I have extended a 35 SS Hood strip...BUT that was a Drake reproduction strip SO would imagine it was "matched" SS so to speak!!!

[deuce lover]

If the OP is referring to an orig 30-31 rad or gas cap they are easily found in nice condition.Now the '32 commercial rad cap is another story.

[DavidG]

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Good luck taking one of these apart.

[John Gibson]

Depending on how deep the dents are a jewelers laser welder could either fill them or attach a stainless wire to pull the dent out. No need to disassemble it at all.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by DavidG

Good luck taking one of these apart.

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by John Gibson

Depending on how deep the dents are a jewelers laser welder could either fill them or attach a stainless wire to pull the dent out. No need to disassemble it at all.

John


I would be afraid that trying to pull the dent would also pull the surrounding area of the dent too......It is swagged (if you will) cap, SO It is only held tight and firm around the edges.......The main surface area is not fastened or adhered to anything!!!!! In my mind. either getting the SS cap free from the inner structure and tapping the dent from the back side or "filling" them would be the only way!!! I my mind (pee sized as it is) PLUS they are SO hard to find I wouldn't want to chance that way either!!!