My friend that used to own my Camaro before me & including me used to just beat the damper back on w/a hammer & piece of wood, many times, (being 17-18 years old @ the time) we did not know any better, but, nothing ever happened to the engine, thrust bearings looked good, crank good, no damage what so-ever.
I later drilled & tapped the crankshaft for a damper bolt for easier installs.
