I managed to weld the bottom and side panels together and I think the next step is to attach the two compound curves to the side panels but that's a problem. The side panels curve inward from side to side and the compound curve panels curve inward from top to bottom with no curvature sideways. For a final fit, I think the safest option is to cut the side panels where they meet the upper compound curve panels. If I'm wrong, it will be easy to replace the side panels.
But if I first cut into the two compound curves just across the top of each, it would allow me to bend them slightly inward to accommodate the side to side curve of the side panels toward the center at the front. The last photo shows how the compound curve panels curve over the sides and curve downward toward the front but also show how there is no curve from side to side toward the front center like the side panels. So I think the next step demands I do a pie cut or a few straight cuts across the top of the compound curves to allow them to curve in toward the front center. Then I can tack the sides to the compound curves without meeting so much resistance. Any suggestions would be appreciated before I bungle this.
-- Edited by Cuddles on Thursday 13th of May 2021 06:51:48 AM
-- Edited by Cuddles on Thursday 13th of May 2021 07:06:59 AM
Thank you both. If I don't hear from someone with the nohow I think I'll just dive in and see what happens. I think I can do it but it would be nice to have someone with experience guide me just so I don't ruin what I've already done. I've managed to stay with the original dimensions planned so I must be doing something right.
Thank you Sniper. I tried contacting him by e-mail and had no reply yet and I did attend his workshop last year & the year before. That's how I got this far. I was hoping I might catch him here but I imagine he is just busy. Sooner or later Pugsy or someone else with the skills will be able to set me straight. I'll wait a while and then forge ahead alone if I must. I think the hardest part would have been the compound curves. He sure knows his metal.
Hi 123. I was getting concerned. Glad to hear that you are safe & well. I rely on e-mails so I know I don't disturb anyone dining or entertaining or watching a movie but I'll call if you
prefer.
I will put everything on the buck tomorrow and snap a photo. I want to make a Bristol board pattern around the radiator so I can put a back panel on the shell but Dollar stores can't
sell them during the lock down. I'll just have to wait. Other than that, I think it is going ok (but I thought that before and was wrong). I spent the day tacking and grinding. Should
I don't want to drill holes in my shell for Cleco fasteners (personal choice) so I thought I'd buy some of the old style butterfly butt weld fasteners but nobody here sells them so I started fabricating some yesterday. Should finish the first 3 today. Then I'll make 3 more. Other than that, the shell is progressing fine. Pictures to follow soon. --- I made 7 so far but I think that should be enough for the radiator shell. Fun to make. They hold the scraps in the photo just fine. Hope this works. --- 7 turned out to be just right for now.
-- Edited by Cuddles on Friday 21st of May 2021 07:22:58 AM
-- Edited by Cuddles on Friday 21st of May 2021 07:23:42 AM
-- Edited by Cuddles on Friday 21st of May 2021 07:24:51 AM
-- Edited by Cuddles on Tuesday 25th of May 2021 05:00:08 AM
I don't want to drill holes in my shell for Cleco fasteners (personal choice) so I thought I'd buy some of the old style butterfly butt weld fasteners but nobody here sells them so I started fabricating some yesterday. Should finish the first 3 today. Then I'll make 3 more. Other than that, the shell is progressing fine. Pictures to follow soon. --- I made 7 so far but I think that should be enough for the radiator shell. Fun to make. They hold the scraps in the photo just fine. Hope this works. --- 7 turned out to be just right for now.
-- Edited by Cuddles on Friday 21st of May 2021 07:22:58 AM
-- Edited by Cuddles on Friday 21st of May 2021 07:23:42 AM
-- Edited by Cuddles on Friday 21st of May 2021 07:24:51 AM
-- Edited by Cuddles on Tuesday 25th of May 2021 05:00:08 AM
I don't remember seeing this post. Nice clamps.
Any more progress?
I've been working on a couple panels for my roof and they are taking forever to get right. Couldn't get them exactly so I just started welding anyways.
A few pics. I'm having a hard time getting the patch crowned properly after welding. (because it wasn't crowned properly before welding). I didn't have a buck to make my panel from so I screwed it up. It now needs to be stretched on the car with a slapper and dolly. Well, to the point of no more than a sixteenth of Bondo. Don't let the pics fool you. It's quite bad.
I never said I was an expert, I just like holding meets where guys can share and have some laughs.
So if you find yourself having difficulties, it's absolutely normal. I've got a bit of experience and I'm having a heck of a time.
I took 2" out of the A pillars and dropped it back down. Now I need to make pieces down both sides and around the whole back.
I've never tried to free hand pieces without a buck before, so this should be interesting.
-- Edited by 123pugsy on Sunday 22nd of August 2021 03:26:42 PM
All I can recommend is that you contact Chris Stapely. I think he has done this type of work a lot. I don't know if he is as precise as you but I get the impression he might be. If he can't help, the only other person to get great results --- is you !
