Do I Keep Going or Back Off?

[svandante]

I would make a press, to press apart. Start with three struts. Think 1” iron pipe a few inches shorter than the distance between the flanges. Insert all-thread of suitable diameter (3/4?) with appropriate lubed washers and nuts. Then apply pressure to the flange by rotating the nuts. Will take a little ingenuity to secure the ends so they don’t slide off the flanges. Apply even pressure and some heat to the flange.