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| | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 402 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 402 | can somebody help me with shrinking metal, i had a tree fall on my roof on my 36 and need to get it back to somewhat normal, is that possible? dan
http://s1055.photobucket.com/user/baldybenny/library/ 1936 1.5 wrecker,1937 gmc coe,1939 Chevrolet coe,1942 4x4 coe, 1942 coe,1946 dump,1947 2 ton dump,another 1947 2 ton dump,1950 coe,1967 c30,1937 cat 22,1936 Chevrolet 5 window foremans coupe, 1914 ford speedster.
| | | | | 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
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| | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 402 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 402 | thanks jerry! i'll give it a try. dan
http://s1055.photobucket.com/user/baldybenny/library/ 1936 1.5 wrecker,1937 gmc coe,1939 Chevrolet coe,1942 4x4 coe, 1942 coe,1946 dump,1947 2 ton dump,another 1947 2 ton dump,1950 coe,1967 c30,1937 cat 22,1936 Chevrolet 5 window foremans coupe, 1914 ford speedster.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 785 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 785 | Do you have any pictures of the affected area? One rule for dent removal is first in, last out. Or, as the dent was formed, where it started should be the final area addressed for removal, where the dent stopped should be where you start with the removal process. Pictures may give someone a better feel for the scope of the work, perhaps more detailed suggestions would result.. | | |
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