Attaching the bottom band back on question

That bottom hinge is now in it's open position.

Not sure why you too the hinge assembly apart, but you need to move so the wide flat part is parallel to the ground.

There really isn't any need to remove the band from the hinge assemble to align the dome.

Use a pair of vise grips if you have them and really clamp down hard. Safety glasses if you got 'em. I have used channel locks and they will work in a pinch too, just a smidge more danger involved.

Kent, if he does it your way, he risks the band coming back up and smacking him in the face....and that's IF he manages to put the hinge in the down position without the dome in the band.

A lot of folks make a big deal about the little plastic pieces or wire ties here to hold the hinge together and I've replaced 3 gaskets by starting with removing the springs. It's not that big a deal; taking them off, or putting them back on.

After I tried scraping and cleaning the gasket surface of the dome with it still in the band and attached to the egg, I decided I could do a much better and thorough job with the dome upside down on the ground. Made spraying on the Super 77 a little less challenging too. Plus, I like takin' sh*t apart an puttin' it back together. :P :laugh:

toasted gasket comes off so easy with a MAPP torch and a putty knife.

The real truth is you like taking stuff apart.. Unless it's a computer, router, switch, firewall or proxy I'll pass.

I have changed the gaskets with the dome on and off. It is easier removing and and reinstalling the new gasket with the dome off.

Using MAPP might very well make removal easier.

Kent

"Apply force to the band risks bending the band."

Forgot to address that point.

I have the bottom band firmly attached to the hinge, around the egg and the band bolt tight but not to the point of bold bend.

At that point I didn't bend the bottom band.

Now for the top band... dome in place. Band more than snug to the hinge. Band bolt loose.

I hold the band about 30 to 40 percent away from the hinge (back half of the dome and lower the band over the dome and over the molded band ridge. Snug up the band bolt so it the hinge won't "flip" the band open.

I then final tighten the top band hinge bolts. Snug the bane up against the dome band ridge and then tighten up the upper band bold.

Check alignment and final tighten the bottom band bolt. Recheck the alignment and then final tighten the upper band bolt.

If the bands are bent (torqued) lay them flat on the cement and carefully twist them back into position. Not a big problem.

I had a real problem with dome alignment and could never seem to get the dome to pass the dollar bill test.

As a last result I used the open hinge method to install the dome and the steps detailed above ended up with a very good seal.

I agree, most people use the hinge restraints or use plastic straps to hold the hinge closed.

Removing the springs was a PITA to say the least. However, using a drum brake spring remover and brake spoon worked well getting the springs off and back on.

For this thread we were working with a hinge that was already open. This is just another way to reach the same goal.

The open hinge method worked out great for my alignment problem.

Kent

When I redo my gaskets, I remove the springs first with the lid open with a helper to hold it open and keep it from falling down. Then I lower the lid and remove the bands, I'll replace the gaskets and put the lid back in position, I will secure both bands tightly. Now my helper will lift the lid and I replace the springs, and were done. This is a good way to correct miss-alignment of the top and bottoms.