dented jerry can

Manufacturers, production numbers, configurations, etc.
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lester4238
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dented jerry can

Post by lester4238 » Sat Aug 28, 2021 8:09 pm

I was wondering if anyone removes large dents from Jerry cans. I was at the local scrap yard and saw someone had turned in a galvanized Jerry can, I think it was dated 42. It had several large dents and was missing the cap. I put it down and walked away from it. I am wondering if I should have bought it and tried to restore it. Any input? Did I do the right thing?


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Re: dented jerry can

Post by Steve Webb » Mon Aug 30, 2021 11:33 am

I didn't pay much attention to this but if you do get them or any with dents I would go to a body shop they can remove dents from almost anything and probably for a little cash do it for cheap.
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lester4238
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Re: dented jerry can

Post by lester4238 » Mon Aug 30, 2021 7:40 pm

Thanks, I will see if it is still there next time I go to the scrap yard.

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W. Winget
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Re: dented jerry can

Post by W. Winget » Tue Aug 31, 2021 5:32 am

You could always fill it with water, cap it, lay the good side down let it freeze this Winter and go out and tap around the dent edges helping to force the dent out, or make an adapter cap, apply air pressure (low pressure....) and tap around the dents edges letting the pressure push the dent outward.
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lester4238
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Re: dented jerry can

Post by lester4238 » Sun Sep 12, 2021 8:21 am

I picked it up at the scrap yard. Pretty sad shape but not crushed. It is a Wheeling 41. It is missing its cap. So that would be a 2 prong cap and not 4 right? Hopefully I will salvage one before I die from old age.

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Re: dented jerry can

Post by W. Winget » Sun Sep 12, 2021 12:49 pm

I think the two lug models were straight tabbed as well.
Worst case, painted and added to a museum diorama as some background battle damage. Better than destroying a perfect one.
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GPW1263
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Re: dented jerry can

Post by GPW1263 » Mon Sep 13, 2021 8:28 am

Back in the day, we used corn. Yes, CORN.

Dried feed corn placed in a container with water will swell up. It's a slow process. The difficulty is, you have to stay on top of the project because it has a tendency to swell up in all directions at once. Happily, dented areas are usually the first places to surrender to the pressure. So, if you are willing to keep an eye on it, all will be well.

On the other hand, your war-weary can has its own story to tell. Why hide it?

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Re: dented jerry can

Post by W. Winget » Mon Sep 13, 2021 8:33 am

As these were frequently bent up but Wartime critical asset, you can BET there is a TM on straightening Fuel and Water cans out there somewhere. :lol:
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Re: dented jerry can

Post by Hammerhead » Sat Sep 18, 2021 6:09 am

There are the straight, two tab lids for the early Jerry Cans on Ebay all the time! You'll be able to find one pretty easily.
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Re: dented jerry can

Post by Hammerhead » Sat Sep 18, 2021 6:09 am

There are the straight, two tab lids for the early Jerry Cans on Ebay all the time! You'll be able to find one pretty easily.
1943 White M-3 Halftrack, 1944 CCKW 353, 1945 MB, 1944 Bantam T3,
1945 Ben-Hur 1-ton trailer, MVPA 12610, NRA Life Member


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