I had a little run in with a transformer.

As well as having to replace my headlight/corner lights and bumper, the bumper mounts are kind of mangled, as well as sitting a little too low. If I go to Home Depot and buy one of these



with some refills of course, and a BFH do you think I could heat the mounts up enough to pound them back into shape?

Also, what is the best method for applying the heat (distance from target, torch settings, etc)?

 

mapp gas is your best bet. the yellow colored can. burns a few hundred degrees hotter than propane. then go to town. you wont get it cherry red at all...just so you know. you need a real torch(oxy/acetelyne) to do bend work.

 

Use mapp gas. depending on how thick the metal is (not sure on brackets) you can get it pretty hot.
I get 16gage (.063in thick) red hot in about a minute or so. Flame close to the metal. you might lose paint though if it matters.

 

Think I can get it at least rosy? Or at least enough to do the work?

 

Sweet, thanks!

If I was to temporarily set up a piece of sheet metal on the underside of the hood near the paint think it might help with the risk of peeling/burning? Acting like protective armor?

 

take pic so we can see what your working for can you hook the bumper to a tree and gently back up and have someone stand out ther till it straight thats what i id with my rear bumper i. i hooked my tow strap to my hitch around a tree adn to the corner of my bumper put my truck in 4L and slowly let the clutch out and then let the weight of the truck do the work

 

My camera is broken right now. Will borrow neighbor's for tomorrow!

My bumper is completely eff'd. You'll see. I think I'm going to go with a tube-bumper once I get the brackets back into shape.

Also, does anyone have a set of stock corner-lights for a 1998?

 

Yeah the propane won't turn the metal cherry, I have it. MAPP gas or oxy

 

The most important thing here is, was the transformer okay?? (sorry, my power engineering side coming out)

Yeah, i would have to see a pic, but it wouldn't hurt to put some sort of heat shield up if the flame is near paint. If the paint is behind the bumper or not too visible, then don't worry too much about it. will wait for the pic!

 

Acetelyne isnt needed. I've seen people bend pretty thick tubing with Mapp gas.

 

Brackets are like $18/each from Ford. At least the Explorer rear bumper 90*s were.

It sometimes pays to go to the dealer, even if they have to order them.

 

I know...but I really want to use the BFH!