Metal Finishing Help

[Classic]

Further to my other post i have a section where i welded the 1/4 back on that i don't know how to deal with.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=456206






It's a bit hard to see but i have a section near the compound curve near the fender wheel arch, about the size of my fist that is raised.

How can i get it down, i didn't want to just start hitting it with a hammer and dolly, and hope for the best.

Please be gentle I'm new to this

Tony

[jpnovak]

The only way to flatten this is to shrink the metal. There are two ways.

method 1. Go buy a shrinking disk. I have not used one personally but know someone that has with fantastic results. Think of it as a grinder that does not remove any metal. They are usually a concentric cut stainless disk. You bump low spots out from the back. The disk only touches the high spots. The disk will heat up these peaks of the metal and then you shrink them by rapid cooling, Usually by application of a cold, wet rag.

Do you have an acetylene torch? If so you can do the same thing with method 2. Heat up the stretched area and then shrink. The rapid cooling will cause the metal to contract into its original size and shape. I usually start at the perimeter and shrink toward the middle. For smaller area or more cooling power use a can of spray duster. It comes out very cold, especially if the can is upside down. :0

Take a hammer and bump out some nubs on scrap sheet metal and then have a bit of practice. you will be amazed at the results.

[Classic]

Yeah, thanks again Jamie i was thinking shrinking disk or a shrinking tip for my stud welder.

It's all new to me, but I'm having fun trying

Tony

[calling911]

You dont need acetylene.. hell I did some with a little butane torch.. mapp gas works well and you are less likely to do something very very bad.

I dont mean to conflict with the advice.. maybe I am wrong but it worked fine for me.. the trick is cool it with a wet rag.. Work it with a body hammer kit.. harbor freight sells cheap ones that work fine.. get it as close as possible and roughen it up with 60 grit and use body filler.. Maybe if its really hot out youd need acetelyne..

Again, good advice Im just sayin it worked for me and I do have acetelyne.. just less risk.

[Classic]

Thanks, i got a shrinking tip for my stud welder, apparently this gives you better control over the size of area that you're working.

I spent yesterday making some patterns of the other quarter, so that i know what I'm aiming for.

Wish me luck

Tony