Straightening WC52 bumpers?

[PareosWC]

Gents- what is the tool of choice for straightening the front bumper(ettes) on a WC52? Not sure if a 20T press can keep this thick metal from springing back to the bent state. Looked like the previous owner liked to just use the bottom portions of both of them to move logs around .

Plan of action is to heat them red hot and use a 5lb hammer to 'work them' back into shape?

[Ray Edsall]

G,day mate . i think you are on the right track . Probably a combination of both methods .If one fails try the next .May be a bigger {Sludge} hammer would not go astray . Ray

[motto]

It depends how good you want them to look. In my opinion once bent out of shape they are nigh on impossible to make 'like new' again. The bumpers being at the extremity of the vehicle have a great effect on overall appearance and if appearance is important then you would be better off buying a set of repro bumpers from Midwest Military. I'm very happy with them on my trucks.

David

[PareosWC]

The one thing I am thankful for, is that both are almost identically bent in the same direction, and the same amount when you look at them head on...

[dashtp40]

I had my WC-3 front bumper straightened at a machine shop on a press,don't know what size the press was. It is straight but has some minor waves and wrinkles, but for my truck it adds some more character. I also think if you want it to look new a new one might be the way to go as I think it would be very difficult to get it worked smooth.
Steve

[PareosWC]

Steve- any idea what gauge thickness these bumpers are?

[dashtp40]

I will measure it tomorrow and let you know.
Steve

[GG]

I had a small 10 ton press, 20 pound hammer, and torches, it still looked beat up when I got done, but I'm not a body man for sure.
I ended up buying repro from John
Looked better than new.
GG

[dashtp40]

Pareos,
The thickness of my WC-3 bumper measures .175 in. thick.I hope this helps.
Steve

[Lang]

No help for bent 3/4 bumper but I just replaced the bumper on the WC12 I am rebuilding. Went to the local steel place and there was a perfect replacement as a standard section. It was rolled so it has round edges like original and probably about 1mm thicker . Height and width correct. Took about 10 minutes to put the crank handle hole and all for $50.

Lang

[Kaegi]

they will move easy in a press. they are not cold rolled steel. hot rolled bends easier. I think they made them this way on purpose. The frames are very strong and heat treated. the bumperettes will bend before the frame does. I say thats a good engineering idea. I would try press first

[PareosWC]

Thanks! Once I get back to the house, I'll try it and advise you guys on the result..