[osage orange]

I'm Steve Porter - osage orange as a screen name because that's what we've got a lot of here in Western Missouri. I'm 64 and have been working on a '29 AA Ford truck since I bought it in 1974. Although I'm hotrodding it now, with a 351 Windsor and AOD using a 1960 F-350 brakes, wheels, spindles and rear axle, I had a stock '29 Model A coupe in college in '69-72. I'm just now trying to learn metal shaping. I've got a couple of front fenders to repair, and I want to make an express bed for this big truck. The skill level of accomplished shapers just amazes me, and I would love to start learning as much as possible before I retire around February 2015.

Joining this forum is kinda a retirement present to myself. I hope you don't mind if I gather as much knowledge from you members as I can handle. I'm old enough to be a good listener first, and ask questions only if I can't find what I'm looking for after lots of reading.