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Someone hit our community's mailbox and trying to get it fixed has become a major nightmare. Basically, when it was hit, the aluminum pedestal was snapped off right at the base. I have an idea on how to fix it, but it involves building a wood pedestal with a 4x4, mounting it to a 4x4 bracket, and then mounting that bracket into the concrete. I've tried removing this base, but these nuts are in really good.

Being that I am the HOA president, it's my duty to find a fix for this ASAP, so I am hoping some of you can assist me here.

Edit: BTW, I called the original manufacturer and they do not make replacement parts for this discontinued 1997 model.

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    To remove the base from the concrete, heat the nuts with a torch, let cool, heat again and turn while still warm.
    – Edwin
    Commented Dec 19, 2013 at 17:28
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    What about calling a welder to repair what you've got rather than trying to replace the broken piece?
    – mac
    Commented Dec 19, 2013 at 18:49
  • @mac That's a great idea. I am going to check Angie's List.
    – oscilatingcretin
    Commented Dec 19, 2013 at 18:54
  • Does Angie know any welders? Seems like they might travel in different circles. Good luck.
    – mac
    Commented Dec 19, 2013 at 19:25
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    Absolutely either repair the base or weld up a replacement. Introducing wood will result in a rickety structure. You will need to get the base off somehow or design a replacement base to work around it because it's impractical to field weld aluminum. Any breeze blows away the shield gas, resulting in lousy welds.
    – bcworkz
    Commented Dec 19, 2013 at 23:41

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If you know who hit it, buy a new mailbox, and send them the bill. They are liable.

If you don't know who hit it, there's more incentive to save a buck by fixing this one, since most insurance companies will raise your rates if you file for a hit and run, and the raised rates will cost more than just fixing it.

If you can't get the nuts off, either cut them off (if you use a nut-splitter the studs may still be usable) and haul the whole base in to a welder, or have them make a whole new base (the post is pretty thin and may not weld well) and drill holes for new anchors to park it beside the old one.

nut=splitter

Put anti-seize on the new nuts - someone will thank you (or your ghost) the next time this happens.

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