Another New Guy
 

Hi,

Johnny Arial suggested I come this way from the H.A.M.B. to learn how to shape metal. A little background on me is that I have a fair amount of fab experience when it comes to mig welding, mill and lathe work. But I have never pounded a dent or created a curved surface like a fender.

I'm just starting on a 31 Model A sedan from the ground up. I need to make a floor, tunnel, mod my firewall, make a valance, basically re create the two back top corners of the cab, fill a few bullet holes (I like most of them but somebody shot the hell out of this car and I need to fill a few), along with a hand full of other things I need to do as far as the body is concerned.

I'm here to make friends and learn a new skill that will help my build. My first question is what sort of hand tools I should start looking around for. What will get me going, the basics I guess.

Thanks!

Cliff

Welcome aboard.

Take some pictures of what you are trying to make and we will do are best to walk you through it.

There are some basic tools you will need,but you can make most of them.

Cool, Thanks a lot. You said there are some basic tools. What are they? And how should I go about making them.

welcome aboard

Your going to need away to shrink metal.I use a stump primarily for shrinking,a cheap hammer you can make is a baseball bat hammer.A sandbag for streching can be made from an old purse.Some post dollys can be made from some odd shaped pieces of metal.

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This was my first set of tools

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You can make a slapper from a old leaf spring
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post dollys can be made from scrap you have laying around.
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here is a baseball bat hammer
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This is my stump learn how to use it you can really shrink a panel.

There are methods we use for welding,patterns are also important.Try to read up them.

Hi (sorry you didnt put your first mane on your profile) Welcome to allmetalshaping from another H.A.M.B.er Johny and I had some good disscusions about metalshaping on the hamb before He started this with some others.

David

You might want to buy Davids Video.It will give you a huge jump start on metal shaping.Check out his you tube videos.

Good luck and ask any questions you might have.When asking questions,I found it helpful to add pictures so everyone can see what you are trying to achieve.

Alright,

Thanks for all of the info. I'll start looking around for stuff to make these tools out of. I'm out of town working for a few weeks so If I don't get back on here with pics or questions it's just because I'm a couple thousand miles from my car and my garage. Thanks!

Cliff

tips and tools
 

You can get by with cheap dollys after you belt sand and polish them. buy good hammers. I've had mine 35 years, cost doesnt mean much when you can use them forever. Check out the archieves. Their is a lot of great info,waiting for you. Your background is a lot like mine. I never had time to get serious with s.m. until I retired. Good luck

Hi David,

Your work is great! Is it possible to buy your DVD from an American location?