55 FC The Whole ball of wax

[FC7039]

Originally Posted by NorCal Bambi

FC7039, I know you are right. My wife says I have a problem. I'm sure she is correct.
Don

If wifes knew what was right, would we be married?

Let me add that there is nothing wrong in taking on a challange, both mentally and physically. The easy way out may not be the fun (expanded definition here) way.

[NorCal Bambi]

I can only respect a man who speaks the truth. You have my respect.
Don

Originally Posted by FC7039

If wifes knew what was right, would we be married?

[VIKING]

Originally Posted by FC7039

If wifes knew what was right, would we be married?

I have nothing to add, I just wanted to see this come up again, in case anyone missed it!

[Aerowood]

Don, I removed a 18" crease on one of my panel segments using the roller tool shown below. I also used lead shot bags as a backup while using spoons and dollys. I had to shrink some areas that were stretched using the same method as used on steel. I did some practice shrinking on some scrap aluminum first. Although not perfect you really have to look to see the repair. Most people don't even notice that the panel had a nasty sharp crease. I made this tool.

Kip

[NorCal Bambi]

Aerowood, great to hear that there is someone else out there who had attacked Aluminum Body work. The tool looks great. I had wondered about using a method of this sort. Is you tool make from parts you built on a lathe or are some of them found? Did you buy a shot bag or make it? I'd be interested in more details.
Don

Originally Posted by Aerowood

Don, I removed a 18" crease on one of my panel segments using the roller tool shown below. I also used lead shot bags as a backup while using spoons and dollys. I had to shrink some areas that were stretched using the same method as used on steel. I did some practice shrinking on some scrap aluminum first. Although not perfect you really have to look to see the repair. Most people don't even notice that the panel had a nasty sharp crease. I made this tool.

Kip

[NorCal Bambi]

Sometimes it's best to say yes, and move on. Water finds it way best to flow around a rock.
Don

Originally Posted by VIKING

I have nothing to add, I just wanted to see this come up again, in case anyone missed it!

[Aerowood]

I made the roller on a lathe. It was a piece of 1.5" round stock that I turned a contour on both sides and drilled a hole through the center. The bracket is also aluminum (.125 6060-T6) but steel would work fine too. Handle is also .750 AL round stock but anything would work. I got the lead shot at a gun store, I think it's #9. I had the leather bag for it sewn up at a shoe repair shop. I've had this shot bag for many, many years as I used to use it in hand forming aircraft repair parts before heat treating.

I've also used wooden dowels and customs formed pieces of wood to achieve my goals.

I straighten the one segment because I did not want to buy new. I could have replaced it with segmented pieces like your 55 but then I would have had to do the other side in order to achieve a balanced look. Besides I was told that I needed to replace it because you can't straighten those panels. Game on.

Kip

[NorCal Bambi]

"Game on", You are the Man! It's real interesting how others can influence you and never really know it. When I was in high school the "Counselor" told me and my parents that I was not college material. I could go on and on about how she was wrong. But instead I'd like to take this moment to thank her.
Don

Originally Posted by Aerowood

I made the roller on a lathe. It was a piece of 1.5" round stock that I turned a contour on both sides and drilled a hole through the center. The bracket is also aluminum (.125 6060-T6) but steel would work fine too. Handle is also .750 AL round stock but anything would work. I got the lead shot at a gun store, I think it's #9. I had the leather bag for it sewn up at a shoe repair shop. I've had this shot bag for many, many years as I used to use it in hand forming aircraft repair parts before heat treating.

I've also used wooden dowels and customs formed pieces of wood to achieve my goals.

I straighten the one segment because I did not want to buy new. I could have replaced it with segmented pieces like your 55 but then I would have had to do the other side in order to achieve a balanced look. Besides I was told that I needed to replace it because you can't straighten those panels. Game on.

Kip

[easyride]

I have been doing the search,but coming up empty on the alloy and thickness of the shin,I need to find a patch piece.Thanks,Dave

[Xbob2]

Originally Posted by NorCal Bambi

Our Online Shop
This is his website. Learn the Art of Traditional Sheet metal Work.
Bodywork Restoration Tutorial
I'd like to know what you think after looking at the web site.
Don

I was intrigued and bought the DVD ... was marvelous watching him work. As he said "Practice!"
Bob

[Xbob2]

Originally Posted by Aerowood

Don, I removed a 18" crease on one of my panel segments using the roller tool shown below. I also used lead shot bags as a backup while using spoons and dollys. I had to shrink some areas that were stretched using the same method as used on steel. I did some practice shrinking on some scrap aluminum first. Although not perfect you really have to look to see the repair. Most people don't even notice that the panel had a nasty sharp crease. I made this tool.

Kip

This is kind of like 1/2 of an english wheel ... cool beans!
Bob

[FC7039]

I was looking at my laminate roller today and wondered it it would work as a tool to smooth out the wrinkles. Its hard rubber, has a grip so that you can apply a good amount of pressure.

[NorCal Bambi]

I've been working on making a tool like the one Aerowood made. Also I'm looking for someone new to work on the inside as I roll the outside. Also the Airstream Design with SketchUp has been taking up a lot of time right now. Also winter decided to return for a while.
Don

[rumrunner]

I'm also doing the full resto on a 55 FC really enjoy following along. just wondering if anything new has happened.
Love the whale tail!