36 grill

[darlyn]

Does anyone have a trade secret to straightening the fins in a grill? I picked one up at Hershey that is bent in about 1\2 inch or so in the center and a little bigger than a softball right at the lower support just above the crank hole. Any ideas would be a great help. Thanks in advance.
Darrell

 

[alanwoodieman]

create something to fit in the reverse of the grill slat and work it in from above or below, I have done this with a piece of hardwood, but I believe a flat metal piece would work better for a 36 grill

 

[Juergen]

I use a duck bill vice grip, one with a 3 inch flat. If the fin is bent sideways, it will straighten it out right away. If the fin is bent in, the vice grip will hold the fin straight while you hammer the fin (fin bent in) or the vice grip on the end where the fin is bent out.

 

[rich b]

^^^
I also like to put a piece of sheet metal inside the fin to prevent crushing while gripping with a vise grip. If you do have some crushed fins, a putty knife is a better tool to open them than a narrow blade screw driver. The main idea is to spread your straightening forces over a wide area to prevent kinking and further damage. Sometimes a drill press and wood blocks can be an effective tool when fixing grilles and trim, easy to "feel" and control the force being applied.

 

[darlyn]

never thought about a drill press, that's a great idea Thanks guys

 

[RalphM]

Good info, I've been thinking of fixing my 35 grille and using it vs finding another.

 

[Barn Junk]

Don't forget about HEAT SHRINKING Initially the damage caused metal streching Many times the straightening/repairing process involves expanding the metal further, causing bowing that will not come out or just moves around. Heating and rapidly water cooling the correct spot can can really move the fins into rigid positions. Takes some practice but can work wonders with some careful experience.