"Pushed-In_Steps" repair

Post by **paulrace** » Thu Aug 23, 2018 1:01 pm

A reader writes:

I have loved Putz houses since my parents had them back in the 50's, I also belong to the Facebook Group "Nuts4Putz" with Clinton Hoffmann. Ny question is. I have several 50's houses from my parents that need some minor repair. I want to repair them not restore them so actually not changing them at all. I don't care what their value is since to me they are priceless. My question is ~ there is one that Clinton told me (after seeing photos) is a "Step up house." The steps are pushed in a little bit, what would be the best way to take them off, so I can put them back the way they should be with out any damage. Thank You.

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I am posting this here so our repair gurus can post suggestions. Thanks in advance,

Paul

Post by **PutzinVT** » Thu Aug 23, 2018 1:36 pm

Paul:

Can the submitter post some pictures.
They'd help a bunch.

Steve

Clinton · Post by **Clinton** » Fri Aug 24, 2018 5:56 am

Hello Paul! I would love to help. I have just about encountered every kind of repair you could imagine!

Just send me some detailed pics through FB messenger, or post here. I would be more than happy to help you through it my friend.

Post by **paulrace** » Fri Aug 24, 2018 11:12 am

I have asked the original poster to e-mail me photos so I can post them here and get the experts' feedback.

There are folks who haven't responded to this thread yet whose input I value highly.

Taking the conversation private or to another forum, as one poster recommended, would be a disservice to the poster and to the rest of our team.

- Paul

Post by **Howard** » Fri Aug 24, 2018 11:45 am

It sounds like the steps have been crushed and the cardboard behind is still intact more or less. The old step probably needs to be cut off with a sharp xacto knife and a new one made from a length of 1/4” square balsa or craft wood. I say 1/4” square because that is approximately the size That is seen on many little houses. (Wish I could see a photo).

Then the cardboard behind the step area could be straightened and reinforced with a small piece of cardboard. The new step could be glued back on, primed, painted and finished to match the rest of the structure.

This repair would be relatively easy if the house was off the base. Of course separating the house from the base is another issue when it comes to puttin it all back together.

Hope this helps.

My very best regards

Howard

Clinton · Post by **Clinton** » Fri Aug 24, 2018 8:56 pm

Oh! I am so sorry Paul, I thought these were your houses! I didn't read the top part of your thread. My mistake sir.

I wasn't fully awake when I read this. My 3 month old preemie baby does that to ya!

Post by **BrianB** » Sun Aug 26, 2018 11:03 am

Howards, right a sharp xacto! If the base is pushed in and not damaged too badly and you can get to it, you could dampen the area with a little water and try to reshape it.
Hard to say what to do without pics.