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PLVMB · 01-14-2014, 01:22 AM

Hi Everyone, I am thinking about buying a 1954 SS Clipper in fair to rough shape. The rear cap has five pieces that will need to be replaced. I am curious how you would cut these shapes? Are the cap pieces shaped(compound curves) I am not sure I can do the cuts. I am fairly confident about attaching and removing the pieces Just not sure how to cut them. Thanks, John Los Angeles, CA

PLVMB · 01-14-2014, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PLVMB

Hi Everyone, I am thinking about buying a 1954 SS Clipper in fair to rough shape. The rear cap has five pieces that will need to be replaced. I am curious how you would cut these shapes? Are the cap pieces shaped(compound curves) I am not sure I can do the cuts. I am fairly confident about attaching and removing the pieces Just not sure how to cut them. Thanks, John Los Angeles, CA

sorry, I am trying to figure out the picture thing. John Los Angeles, CA

truckasaurus · 01-14-2014, 02:11 AM

I'm pretty certain they are flat panels which makes the repair straightforward, cool trailer too :-)

PLVMB · 01-14-2014, 02:17 AM

I was talking with a guy who suggested a nibbler. I would flatten the panels and clamp them to the new material, mark and cut. Clamp the pieces and use a whitney punch to punch the old pattern in the new piece? I am concerned if they are off there will be a high spot. How do you guys do this?

truckasaurus · 01-14-2014, 02:28 AM

Whilst I haven't worked on a panel replacement on a trailer the same as yours I have replaced a bazillion on commercial aircraft. That said I'd suggest cleaning the old panel, laying it on the new skin, weighting it down securely, drilling through the the existing rivet holes (1/8" or #30 drill bit) into the new material inserting Clecos (#30) as I go only then would I scribe around the old panel disassemble and use shears either pneumatic or electric or even snips to cut close to the scribe line. There is a bit more to it than that but that's the gist of it.