Technical Metal working question.

Stupid question for the talented metal workers here. My Fargo fenders have a bunch of high spots from rocks hitting the inside, is a slapper better for smoothing this kind of stuff than a body hammer? Is there a better way? I’m a rank amateur compared to most on here but stubborn enough to fumble my way through it!

Rear fenders are the victims here.


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A shrinking disk would probably be your best bet.

 

I'm assuming these are little dings the size of a dime, and maybe humped as thick as the dime.

I'd find a nice very low crown body hammer and a dolly that fits the inside of the fender's crown closely. With the dolly held gently under the bump you can tap straight down on the bump gently. Not hammering like a nail, but like you are quietly knocking on a door with your knuckles. You can always do more taps, but once you've gone too far you are doing harm. Easy does it, in circles on the ding. If you are making a solid clang sound you are done.

Sometimes it's easier to do work like this with the nice paint still on the surface. You can wet it down to see the sheen and check your progress. Run your open palm over the area. I've found for some reason my left hand can feel dents best, even though I'm right handed.

 

I've done body work for 45 years and never found the need for a shrinking disk.

 

Here's a post I did a while back on the magic of the shrinking disc.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...read-darth-walter.275112/page-51#post-9578870

 

A shrinking disc is perfect for that kind of stuff.

Rich

 

I would think a bullseye pick is just the ticket.

 

I heat the spot dull red and hit it with the water hose. It will shrink back flat.

 

Not even the size of a dime, just multiple little peaks, I’ll see if I can get some pictures later when I’m home


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As already recommended, the shrinking disc is the way to go. Check out Wray Schellin's Pro Shaper diss. The large one is easiest to use. Check out his videos on YouTube for instruction.

A bullseye pick would be for "innies", these are "outies", so the shrinking disc is the right tool.

 

Ok, I may have to give it a shot.


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Glad to see everyone in agreement for a change........

 

I think I always assumed that a shrinking disc was more for oil canning type stuff not the kind of sharp little points I have, as I said though I just fumble my way through this stuff!!


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The shrinking discs only heats the high spot, and it does so pretty quickly. Once hot, you pull the disc away, and the bump disappears.

 

Hmmmm
I like to gently tap those down.
Then finish with a disc.
If no disc, then tap with a hammer. Use a paint stick with sand paper to monitor progress.
This doesn’t remove metal like a file and will show highs and lows. Once you are satisfied, finish with a file. Then DA.
Shouldn’t require any filler.

 

Yep, gentle little taps. Check after you do that and let us know if it needs anything else.

 

Eastwood has a bunch of great videos that might give some pointers too.


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I have zero expectations of having no filler! I’m not opposed to using a little here and there where necessary, always open to learn more.

I had fully planned on gentle taps, didn’t know if there was a tool better than a body hammer to administer those taps.

The chaos will be documented on my thread for my Fargo.


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I've said this before and I'll say it again... body hammers should really be called body tappers.

 

If they're small, a shrinking disc is my first choice. But being more 'old school' I'd grab a slapper file, or planisher, and a dolly that fits the final contour, if they are large.

 

Metal "bumping". An ancient manual is still available.

https://www.eastwood.com/key-to-met...MIzo2Mk7aU8AIVO25vBB0iKAyeEAQYASABEgKuZPD_BwE

 

These are cool