Resurrecting this thread. Searched a bit looking for other posts.

I put antifreeze in my 20+ year project for the first time in 20+ years. Leaked like a sieve from the pump. One of the divider plates had "fallen" btwn the pump and timing chain housing. So that's an easy fix....

I got the new steel divider plates but had assembled it before I came across the need to close up the gap btwn the impeller and the plate. So now that its back apart...

Pump is new 8 bolt with cast impeller. Summit Racing: GMB-130-2850 https://www.summitracing.com/parts/gmb-130-2850
Tried to find something at least a little better the local parts store, but not extravagant. If there's a better pump that wont break the bank I'm willing to entertain any suggestions...

It looks like a pretty big gap...over 1/8"

So the question is- Whats the best way to close up the gap without wrecking the plate(s)?

I found two really good youtube videos by scott34956, but he doesn't show HOW he closed the gap!

I'm pretty creative and detail oriented. Good with metal. Not afraid to try it, but thought I would ask here before going at it with a body hammer...my concern was making sure i could maintain the concave shape of the plate so the distance is consistent over the impeller blades from inside diameter to outside. Or at least as much as possible.