Atlas Tank Badges

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Oct 28, 2009
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I just got my tank back from the painter and am about to mount the stock long Atlas badges.
The badge on one side fits the tank perfectly. The fit of the other badge is a bit off, as in there is 1/8" space between the tank and the badge in one spot. I think it's the badge, not the tank.
Any thoughts on whether it is possible to tweak/bend the badge a bit?
Or am I just courting disaster and the whole thing will snap like a twig?

Stephen Hill
 
I would be apprehensive myself. What options do you have? As I see it, you either have to make it fit, or buy a new set. If you have to buy new, Madass (Don Pender) has them ... use the search function.

I would apply some heat and try to gently move the badge the way it needs to go.

Is the gap at one end, or middle? If at one end, clamp the good end, apply heat and hang a barbell weight on the end that needs to move. The barbell weight will limit the bending force, and hopefully keep you away from the fracture limit.

Good luck with it.

Slick
 
Thanks for the ideas Slick. I read on the web that the material will move over time if is loaded. And that heat can help.
Fortunately it is not so bad that it is a disaster. It just doesn't sit as well as I hoped. I might even try relieving the back edges of the badge to close the gap.
Stephen
 
I had a similar problem recently. The left side had a large gap (about 5/16"). I had to use longer screws than standard but it does pull in close to the tank. I was surprised how much flex there is in the badge.

 
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