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! 

[Kirk]

Fantastic and it couldn't have happened to a nicer person!  That is a beautiful color and it looks crystal clear.  You'll have to see, but the liquid level looks fine to me -- I probably wouldn't open it.  The dent is easily managed with the back of a metal spoon pressing out from the inside.  My pink giant had several of these dents and thanks to Brad, the spoon technique made them disappear!

CONGRATULATIONS, ERIN!!

[Erin]

Thanks Kirk. :) You're too kind. I intend to run it for awhile and work on the dents before even thinking about opening it up. 

I will try the spoon technique on the dents... I think it was Brad who has MY old Giant base and removed the dents on it. 

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

[Marley's Ghost]

I'm not an expert by any means, and you all know it, but I wouldn't even attempt to open that up to add any fluid.  It's not that low at all, and is so darn clear and has such great flow, I'd be afraid of disturbing it.  It is LOVELY, Erin.  Congrats!!!!   I love it!!     

[Brad]

sweet giant.  congrats!!  yep - i spooned your old giant real good ;)  it works, but you may need a bit of elbow grease and a few curse words.  

Erin said:

Thanks Kirk. :) You're too kind. I intend to run it for awhile and work on the dents before even thinking about opening it up. 

I will try the spoon technique on the dents... I think it was Brad who has MY old Giant base and removed the dents on it. 

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

[Erin]

I will consider. You're right - it's not that low. Thanks Libby. :)

Marley's Ghost said:

I'm not an expert by any means, and you all know it, but I wouldn't even attempt to open that up to add any fluid.  It's not that low at all, and is so darn clear and has such great flow, I'd be afraid of disturbing it.  It is LOVELY, Erin.  Congrats!!!!   I love it!!     

[Erin]

Thanks!

I thought that was you. I couldn't remember. I think I've tried the spoon method before, but maybe I just don't have enough strength to do it. Well, I'll have to give it a shot again!

Brad said:

sweet giant.  congrats!!  yep - i spooned your old giant real good ;)  it works, but you may need a bit of elbow grease and a few curse words.  

[Brad]

yeah it took me some time to do it.  it helps to have a sturdy metal spoon.  you want to press and move the heel of the spoon over the dent inside the base until it's smooth on the outside.

[Erin]

I'll give it a go. It looks like quite the dent from the pic. We'll see. I hope I get it this week!

[Erin]

Ooooh, good tip Critter! Thanks so much! :)

[Keith]

For the record I don't think the fluid level is low either.  Looks like a fine lamp as is.  

Oh, and I tried to post a picture on your status but it wouldn't let me so:

[Marley's Ghost]

I might be getting to be more of an expert than I thought......Yeah...Snort!!!!   But I didn't think the fluid looked low either.

OMG, Keith has "struck" again!!!!!   ROFLOL

[Keith]

Well to be honest Libby, I think Erin posted this pic a couple of years back but it just "fit" lol

Marley's Ghost said:

I might be getting to be more of an expert than I thought......Yeah...Snort!!!!   But I didn't think the fluid looked low either.

OMG, Keith has "struck" again!!!!!   ROFLOL