@bmoran4 posted:
The "correctable farmers fix": Oval out the lamp socket hole(s). Use a normal machine screw through the shell and through the hole and into a matching nut.
I don't understand... How is he going to hold the nut in place while tightening the screw with the shell on? I wouldn't try to modify the lamp sockets, because if you get it wrong replacing them will be difficult; they are riveted in place. Same consideration with installing new ones. Mr. Moran, not everyone has your skills, arbor press, tools, etc.
The shell isn't really in that great of condition, especially if it's warped. Even if this piece were 100% original it's table-grade excellent at best, and only the rarest Postwar is really valuable at this point. My guess would be that he's dealing with a Postwar shell on a late MPC or Williams frame that's been repainted.
I do agree that with the shell off , he should tighten the screws more of the way into the lamp sockets. This will open the holes a little and force back some of the sharp-edged flashing visible around the hole in one of the photos. Don't overdo it, because you still want the screw to have some bite when you put the shell on. Good luck, whatever you decide!
