Technical Dented Banjo Tube Fixable?

I just picked up this banjo rear end (looks like a 37 or 38 based on the wide five drums and mechanical brakes) but it has a pretty good dent in one of the housings. Fixable? What do you guys think? I will certainly check for straightness as well once I get it apart back home. Just curious if anyone has tackled a fix like this before

 

Even if that tube wasn't dented it has so many deep rust pits that I wouldn't use it.

 

I'd probably weld a bolt there and use a strong back to pull the dent.

 

Yeah, it has seen better days, but are you speaking from just a cosmetic standpoint? It seems plenty solid to use to me, but I appreciate the opinions of others with more experience. Are you saying this pitting would cause a safety concern for you?

 

Depends what caused the dent. If it was a point loading such as dropping of a jack then may not be an issue but it its a sign the axle was buckled by some other incident it may mask other more serious problems.

If its a simple dent it can be fixed using a pipe expander thats used to make exhaust systems

 

Pretty decent rust pits on the housing by the spring perch ,and the backing plate nuts appear to be rusted off . Find out what the bearing lands are like, if you can get the drums off even. Personally after spending time sandblasting etc ,i would continue shopping.

 

If this rear banjo was mine, I would first be removing the brake drum and backing plate, to make sure the banjo bearing surface is in good useable condition. A lot of times that bearing surface is badly pitted and rusted or deep scarring from a bad bearing. Personally I would look for another banjo bell. The 1937-41 banjo bells are not all that difficult to find.

 

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I will see what I find when I tear this apart later.

 

Got it all apart last night. Passenger side housing looks useable. The top side of the bearing surface on the housing with the dent looked ok (first picture) but the bottom side has some gouges. I don’t think they are sent related as it seems the bottom half of these surfaces typically has more wear since that is where the weight is resting. both axles look good and straight with good key ways and seal surfaces.






Again, I appreciate the feedback. I will keep looking for another rear as this dented housing will need too much work to be worth it I think.

 

Time for another Quickchange?

 

I’ve kicked myself so many times for selling that my butt hurts! I think this is going to be more of a budget build, but if I get the funds, I am definitely in for another one!

 

That bearing surface needs to be sleeved to be usable. The amount of rust on that thing would make me look for a better one. It would be to your advantage to plan on sleeving those bearing races. The biggest problem with that is finding a machine shop that can, or will, do it. Those races are case hardened. The Hotrod Shop in Idaho is the best at fixing these and usually has a couple in stock already done and ready to ship.

 

If you are determined to use it , anything can be repaired . Blast the thing spotless clean , Weld the heavy rust and grind it clean . If me look for another . There is a ‘46 truck (open driveshaft ) banjo resting 2 blocks from me . The guy says , I’ll call you when ready to scrap it . I check once every spring , nothing moving yet . It will be total junk soon .

 

It's always time for another quickchange.

 

I'm with QuickchangeV8 in that a decent tube shouldn't be all that hard to find nor that spendy.