42 Pilot Model HUP Project

[RHClarke]

The focus this summer was not on barn activities; much to my chagrin. But I did get a chance lately to do some work on the Pilot Model. The front mud guards came off with some considerable effort with the air ratchet. The nuts came off only after a lot of penetrating fluid was used or the bolt twisted off completely. It was an even split between recovered nuts and broken bolts.

I have come to realize the power of rust. It can separate a 1/4 inch steel plate from a substantial piece of angle iron to which it was welded. The gap was widened enough to remove all of the rust and to clean the metal where it joined.

The photos show the power of rust, but in the end, once the rust was removed, the plate was coaxed back into postion with the help of the press and a little diligent hammering. A few zaps of weld later and it looked like new (well, better than before).

Photos:
1 - 73 years of rust.
2 - Opening the gap.
3 - Closed gap.