Shrinking painted sheet metal

[zkling]

A few weeks or months back, I picked up a super cheap KR637/657 top bottom combo at a garage sale for $50. Of course at that price point it wansn't exactly in mint condition. I've been slowly working on cleaning it up and moveing my tools over from my old box. My old 27" wide bottom box is now my cart and the old top went to a friend. Anyway, I've got the bottom KR657 all cleaned up. No real issues, a few strategically placed hits here and there and all drawers are straight and slide great.

The top, KR637, on the other hand has a few more challenging issues. One of which is the top most drawer (only friction slide drawer) has quite a bit of a dish or stretch to it. I guess from being overloaded for a long time, the slides for that drawer are in good shape though

Which brings me to my question. How can I remove the dish/shrink the drawer so it becomes flat again? I'm familiar with shrinking disks and the torch method, but since the paint is in great condition, I would like to use a method that does not harm the paint. The drawers are made of pretty thick metal. I flipped it over supported on 2x4's and a towel, stood on it and not a damn thing changed.

Any suggestions? Also did the KR637's have any dividers in the main 5 drawers? I know the KR537's had a bunch of dividers, but wasn't sure about the 637's. Maybe I should weld one in to take care of the dish as well as prevent future problems? I plan on keeping this box for a very long time so I'm not real worried about collector value.

Thanks in advance,

zkling--> A sheet metal novice.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I'm familiar with shrinking disks and the torch method, but since the paint is in great condition, I would like to use a method that does not harm the paint.

Boiling water and dry ice.

 

[zkling]

Boiling water and dry ice.

Seriously, that works? Dude, that is ingenious.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I haven't done it in a while, though the nearest grocery store carries it.

My experience with it is takes the majority out of a hail dent; more effectively than R134a freezing spray. In theory, using a thin cloth that prevents the d.i. from sticking to the paint helps prevent damage. I doubt you're worried about it if you're working from the underside of a box drawer.

Look up paintless dent removal for further tips on the skill.

 

[zkling]

Thanks, yea I've seen it used on hail dents and the like, just wasn't sure if it would work on a large area like a drawer, and much thicker metal at that. Our local grocery stores don't carry dry ice. I think that must be a regional thing. There are a few specialty stores that do sell it in my area.

Any other suggestions that wouldn't require dry ice?

 

[A_Pmech]

LN2.