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7 members (hdgeren, NJC, Wickedbass, Gone, Otto Skorzeny, rfs56trk, Peggy M),
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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,023 Posts1,055,370 Members48,420 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,746 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,746 | Shrinking involves heating and rapidly cooling small areas of the metal where it's been stretched. Formed sheet metal has a "memory"- - - -it wants to go back to its original shape. That's impossible if the metal has been stretched beyond its elastic limits. Start by getting the panel back pretty close to its original shape with a hammer and dolly, working from the outside of the dented area toward the center. Don't overwork it- - -the more you hammer, the bigger the stretched area will get.
Once you identify the area that needs to shrink start heating dime-sized areas red hot, then quench it rapidly with a water-soaked rag. If the metal erupts into a pimple-shape where it's been heated, quickly use a hammer and dolly to flatten the bump, then quench. As the metal shrinks, the panel will get stiffer, with less "oil-can" effect where the metal pops up and down past the desired shape. Metal-finish the panel by scuff-sanding the area with a flat plane-type sanding board or a quick swipe with a rotary sander, and identifying high and low spots that need further work. Good luck! Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
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