Repairing a bent frame tab

[AAAltered]

I rolled the RD200 back into the garage for winter repairs.

I had a tip over and the bike fell hard on the RR turn signal stalk.  Thankfully there was no body damage etc. 

Now I need to bend the turn signal mount back into shape to install a new stalk.

I need to remove the seat and fender to get a good grip on it.  I am planning to heat with a propane flame and attempt to bend back with a pair of vice grips.  It will cost me the frame paint (which can be touched up since it's fairly hidden) but I don't see other options. 

Opinions wanted.  Is propane hot enough to get some pliability on this?

Good side unbent tab:


Bad side:


Replacement parts:


Bad Side looking down:


Mock up to show how much it's off:


Planning to grab with vice grips once the fender is removed:

[bitzz]

Take the light off the other side, and put a piece of threaded rod through both sides. Loch it in place with 4 nuts and washers to use as a "puller"
Put a small amount of tension on the bent side, rap it with a hammer on the bend, rinse and repeat, till the rod is level

[Striker1423]

I like bitzz's approach. Heat works sure, but you'll discolor the frame there. Also, the metal is fairly pliable as-is. I'd just tweak it back with a cloth-wrapped channel lock, or vise grip. But... bitzz has a really good idea.

[dgorms]

I would start with finesse and finish with a BFH.

[sav0r (CL MotoTech)]

I'd use a large crescent wrench. No heat. Just bend it back. It's steel.

[AAAltered]

Thanks for the replies, great suggestions.  I'm probably getting garage time today to start tearing down.

I'll report back...

[m in sc]

this:

"I'd use a large crescent wrench. No heat. Just bend it back. It's steel."

just go slow. it'll be fine. if the return on the front is creased, make sure to use a brass drift and punch it back 'flat' as you bend to keep it from tearing there. I'd skip the heat.

[Milan]

I usually try and clamp 2 pieces of wood to it with a long sturdy ratchet clamp.
contour wood if needed to fit snug

1 on each side for protection, can even put a cloth in there.  Use the handle on the long clamp to then bend back Slooowly.

Hair dryer heat could help as well, and wont ruin paint.

M

[AAAltered]

Mission accomplished.

Using a big adjustable, wood drifts, mallet, and a big C clamp got me 'close enough'. 

Unfortunately the face of the signal mount was just too distorted to get back to flush and straight, but I was able to compensate with a small spacer after I got it as close as I could.

The fender was also damaged by the tail light assembly in the tip over, so the whole light and plate looked visibly tweaked.

I also discovered the worm in my Chinese Freight C clamp was pretty much made of cheese, flexing and bending under big pressure.

In any case, I am satisfied with the results.

Frame repair:






Could not get the face smooth, see the visible light, but it's good enough:



Fender repaired, and just for Dennis I smashed my thumb to a bloody pulp with the mallet:






Bonus:  cleaned up the pot metal signals with spray cleaner and 0000 steel wool, came out good:




Final reassembly:

[dgorms]

Looks good! Sorry bout the thumb.......................D