1950 Flying Cloud panel "lip"

FC7039 · 01-11-2007, 02:28 PM

I am replacing some front panels on my FC and the originals have a 1/4 inch for lack of a better term 'lip'. This lip is on the down side of the panel. If the edges of the of the panels were striaght I could use a brake. How do I get the bend? Thanks. Gene

Aerowood · 01-13-2007, 09:54 AM

I,m not sure I follow you but I'll try to answer your question. If I reacll the panels (as you stated above) have about a .250 "lip" bent at about 10 degrees or so along the bottom edge. This amount of bend will give you no problems as you wrap the panel around the contour of the trailer, just a tad more resistence on the broke side. I think that these are straight panels but I'm not sure. If they are not straight but have a large radius, you will need a flange roller. I'm not sure if a portable version is commercially avalible, but I have a homemade handheld one the I would be willing to draw up plans for.

Royce · 01-13-2007, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aerowood

I,m not sure I follow you but I'll try to answer your question. If I reacll the panels (as you stated above) have about a .250 "lip" bent at about 10 degrees or so along the bottom edge. This amount of bend will give you no problems as you wrap the panel around the contour of the trailer, just a tad more resistence on the broke side. I think that these are straight panels but I'm not sure. If they are not straight but have a large radius, you will need a flange roller. I'm not sure if a portable version is commercially avalible, but I have a homemade handheld one the I would be willing to draw up plans for.

Aerowood,

Plans would be great! Or least a photo or two.

65GT · 01-13-2007, 10:40 AM

I saw this yesterday and had to go look at mine. I think those panels are straight -- aren't they? I think a break would do the trick. If there's any kind of a radius on these it must be very slight -- they sure look straight.

I think the edge bend is kind of neat. I don't know if the under panel has an opposing bend but I would think so, no?

__

Aerowood · 01-13-2007, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Royce

Aerowood,

Plans would be great! Or least a photo or two.

I will take a couple of pictures of it when I go back to work next Wed. It currently resides in my work toolbox.

Kip

Aerowood · 01-14-2007, 10:27 AM

I got called into work today so here's the pictures. The bearing width is the size of the flange. The spacing between the bearing is the same as the sheet thickness to be flanged. Diameter of the bearings is not important.

NorCal Bambi · 01-14-2007, 10:30 AM

Great tool, great technique. This is what the forum is all about.
Don

Aerowood · 01-14-2007, 10:36 AM

I did find this one at www.aircraft-tools.com for $12.95. P/N FT100

Royce · 01-14-2007, 11:55 AM

Kip,

Thanks for the photo post. That really helps!!

FC7039 · 01-15-2007, 12:38 PM

Aero,

Thanks for the reply. This is what I was needing. I could not find anything on the link you provided. The part number did not show up in a search. I did not know what jet to choose.

The side are not straight. I am adding a few pictures (I hope). I guess I may try and make my own.

Aerowood · 01-15-2007, 01:33 PM

Sorry about the incorrect web site, I did not check. here is the correct link

Aircraft Tool Supply Company

type in "ft100" on the search eng.

FC7039 · 01-15-2007, 02:16 PM

Aero,

Can you give a brief explination on how to use the tool. Do I have to hold the tool at the desired angle as I draw it along the length of the panel? This tool list "Flanges from 1" and up.....Adjustable from 0 to .050". This seems to contradict itself. The panels on my 1950 flying cloud have a 1/2 flange at a slight angle on the top side which is covered by the overlapping panels. This I figured I could skip. The bottom has the 1/4 flange at a slightly greater (tighter) angle. To keep this consistent along the entire edge by pulling the hand tool appears that it may take much practice. I don't know how much aluminum I can spare. I hope I can learn fast or it is not that hard. Thanks again. Gene

Aerowood · 01-15-2007, 06:07 PM

Well I,m not sure how the commercail version works as I,ve never used one. I made mine about 30 years ago when you could not buy one. An "old timer" showed me how to make, and use one, and now I guess I'm the "old timer" myself. The tools in the picture are made of Boeing 727 flap track carrage bearings with the stud built into the bearing, but any .250 wide bearings will work for a .250 flange, you will just need to bolt them on. Make sure the handle is made of some materail that won't bend, like a piece of square steel, solid, or tube stock, just as long as its ridgid. The ones in the photo are made from rectangle aluminum tubing. Make sure that the sheet stock fits snuggly between the two bearings, and against the handle. Holding the tool a few degrees past your desired bend just pull it along the edge of the stock. Do not make very many passes or the materail will work harden and crack. It only takes a couple of trys to get the feel for it and you can become the "old timer" yourself. Good Luck

Kip

FC7039 · 01-16-2007, 06:45 PM

Well I made a tool. I used bearings from some roller blade wheels. I think they are a little larger than I need. I couple of test runs and I was getting better. Now to get the nerve up to do it to the new cut panels. Thanks for your help.