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This is one of the most important metal shaping tools in my shop. A simple shrinker stretcher. In my opinion this is the first metal shaping machine you need ,even before an english wheel and / or planishing machine. |
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Shrink the metal only on the marks. When shrinking like this don't take deep bites, the metal will fight you. Take more small bites, you wont have to work so hard. |
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Now that we have have the step piece fitted , its now time to cut. NOTE: The shrinking procedure will leave some wrinkles where the shrink occured. The easiest fix is to get a piece of round stock (i buy mine from the scrap bin of my local steel supplier) place it in a vice, and with a body hammer gently tap down the wrinkles. Double check your fit
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Take your time and mark it right the first time using you metal patch as a template |
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Cut the flat panel first leaving the radius step as a guide, and tack weld it in. |
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Now it's time to cut out the step panel and tack the new piece in place. |
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Weld in completely using the welding method of your choice. NOTE: Avoid brazing if you can there are 2 problems with brazing .....1) Body filler and brass are not compatible. There is some sort of negative reaction when the two come into contact. This was told to me by a reputable autobody filler manufacturer...2) Brass by its very nature is self lubricating a d even the heat of brazing does not remove these properties....Also ICAR does not approve brazing anymore |
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On all my patch panels i use a metal filled body filler over my weld joints, in this case Metal To Metal brand. This filler is water proof and will resist blistering in the event of a pinhole in the weld. ....HERE'S A LITTLE TRICK TO SEE IF THERE IS TOO MUCH BODY FILLER !!!.......Take a rubber refrigerator magnet and place it on the repair it should stick. These magnets are very low powered and excessive body filler will not allow it to stick. This is a good trick when buying a car and you are uncertain about excessive body filler under the paint. |
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The repair was duplicated on the other side. |
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And on the top side of the rear window as well. |
