Giant on the way - dented base and slightly low fluid - need help

[Erin]

I have a lovely Giant on the way from eBay. The base has a dent in it and the fluid is a tad low. 

I'm looking for help getting that dent out of the base, as it looks to be significant.

Also, and I'm not real keen on opening up a Giant, but the fluid is a little low, and I'd like to top it off. I know these were made in 1996/1997 and I am willing to find and sacrifice a globe to top this off. I'm always scared of using distilled in case it ruins the flow.

If anyone has any advice on either of these issues, please share! :)

Thanks in advance! 

[Aladdin 2 Lava]

That's a shame Erin, what a come down after all the excitement. :(

 

Still, it may improve after a few more runs.

 

Some you win, some you lose eh !

[Erin]

I'm hoping the flow will improve, too. We'll see. I'm used to lava disappointment... just hate to see it when I pay that much for a lamp!

[Marley's Ghost]

I am so sorry, Erin, since your excitement was contagious!   My Grande is acting like your Giant.  A huge blob hovering in the middle.  UGH    I am trying everything, and hopefully both will improve soon.

[Erin]

It's frustrating, but oh well. Not much I can do but wait. 

[Marley's Ghost]

It is very frustrating, but we'll see what happens I guess.   I honestly thought about dumping this Grande and filling it with glitter.  I'd have to have a "lot" of donor bottles though.

[Erin]

I've dumped a Grande glitter before... the China Lava Lite glitter is so boring. 

[Autumn]

Just be patient. Both of my giants get that way sometimes. They both have amazing flow, but it seems they don't always want to.

[Erin]

I already threw the lamp out.

Kidding. ;) 

Thanks Autumn. 

[Erin]

GAH! That's gorgeous! That's what my old giant (*sniff* - the one I sold to Trevor) did. 

Fingers crossed...

[Marley's Ghost]

Trev, you have your Opal, now you need to send Erin back her "ex" Giant.  :-)

[Metallica Man Trevor]

Doing any better ?

[Erin]

Nope. I've only ran it 3-4 times though. It just does that giant blob of meh after it's warmed up.