Metalshapers: Anyone try making rain gutters?

This idea is inspired by the Packards of the early/mid 30s. The drip rail area was flared out above the doors and windows. There wasn't a visible channel like most, not intended to be a gutter rather a way to control the drip. I'd think this could be done with round tubing and some solder work. I don't have a way to draw it out and no detailed pics of it. That said, imagine the part in plan view or looking at it from the back as a cut-out. Flow the sheetmetal down, than at the regular drip rail location flare it out some, about 3/8, then return back flat to the door opening. That look from front to back would be very "coach built" in final apppearence. Ok, fuck it, I'm going to sketch it and scan it. Film at 11:00...

 

I hope it's readable and makes sense. BTW, just an opinion. ["opinions expressed on the HAMB may in no way be considered those of the management, members, their families, heirs, friends, wives, mistresses, etc."]

 

That's not such a bad idea and in fact, if I can remember off the top of my head, I'm pretty sure my 35 coupe is like that. No gutters. Didn't they start that in 32 (for Fords)? That would be really different indeed. Not sure how it would flow with the front visor area. Looks great on a curvy car for sure. I may play around with that idea.

In the mean time.... TIM! Where are you???

 

uni-strut its shelving stuff

 

So it looks like one of these?



http://www.unistrut.com/Browse/cat_pg.php?P=S10_channel

 

AHHH!! Okay! I know unistrut! I just didn't know they made that small! Cool. I'll look for it.

 

As Tim said they make different varieties of uni strut and some are idenicle to the gutters your looking for,buy one piece and get 2 gutters.Tim you better post a tech on it these guys must not read your posts.

 

I'm with you guys. No worries! I would like to see some pics of how it turned out though. Sounds like the way to go for sure!

 

Uh, yeah! I think that we HAVE read Tim's posts but since Tim couldn't remember the exact name of the product he used, it left things a little unclear as to what this stuff looked like. I can tell you that after searching my local Hoe Depot yestrday, that store does NOT carry it. They carry something like it but it doesn't have the same return lip and wouldn't look quite as good as the Unistrut would. Now that Tim has let us in on the exact name of the product, it will be easier for those of us who's Hoe Depot doesn't carry it, to look for it elswhere know exactly what it looks like.

No tech necessary at this point.

 

i think he was referancing previous posts on this same subject were i did remember the specific name and ect, not this specific post.

ill see if ive got some pix on my computer when i get home and through them up, other wise ill shoot some by this weekend.

like rocky said, its preety dead on

tim

 

Thanks tim! Can't wait to see them!

 

Ah, gotcha. I have not seen those posts.

 

I know this thread is ancient, but I'm back to thinking about this. I have to make some of these soon.

Any new ideas out there? My latest think has been to get some square tubing, contour it to the body like I want it and then cut the top off.

 

Do you have a bead roller?

 

call Luke over at Savage Speed, he makes them for model A's and they are bitchin. I'll PM you his number.

 

I don't. What's cha' got up your sleeve Richard??

 

I do. NA NA NA NA NA NA! Haven't used it on anything but scrap so far.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=236592&highlight=smokin

 

Just cut a sheet down to 2" x whatever lenght. Then put it in a box & pan bend your flange or joggle, and then shrink or stretch your bends. Do some tweaking to get shapes down. Then run an edge through crimper/ beader ( which you can use different dies to get a more custom look). Check your fit, and tack it.

 

SUUUURRREEE... rub it in! *shaking head*

Rain gutters seem to be too small to get a shrinker/stretcher into and the tail of the gutter has a pretty sharp curve to it as it flows around the quarter window.

 

I know there are alot of good ideas on here, but if you want something that will look 100% correct for a model A I would suggest these:

I guy in Northern California is making exact reproductions. They come in straight lengths only, so you have to use a stretcher/shrinker to get the bend. They look perfect once installed. You can see the patch I made because the previous owner was too lazy to drill out the spot welds and hacked 6 inched out of the roof.

He is on the Ford Barn , but unfortunately I lost his contact info.

I bought both sides for $80 shipped.

 

Then bead it, knotch it out at your bend points work it around and tack it.

 

Thanks man!! I'll see what he's got. Authenticity is key for me. Any closer profile shots of the gutter cross-section itself?

 

Any more info on 30-31 gutters,whos making the best out there???

 

Have you thought of hammer-forming? You could make some forms from 3/8" or 1/2" solid square stock bent to shape and reinforced for clamping and hammering the metal over. You could make the exact contours you want this way. There is a little of this in my youtube videos below. See Custom Metal Bodywork part 7.

John www.ghiaspecialties.com

 

I ended up making some out of 5/8" square tubing. Bent them to shape, welded them in place, and then cut the top middle out. Worked great and actually looks pretty good. I was skeptical until I saw the end product. They don't look like the 32 gutters that the vickys and deluxe town sedans had, but look very similar to the other Model A's. I still have to do a little finish work on them like round the corners and I may shape the outside face a little, but for now this is how they look.

 

nice work,thanks,did you use a spot weld cutter to get the old off,i have a cutter but was thinking of buying one that dosent cut thru both panels

 

Actually, I made a really sharp chisel type tool and just sheared each spot weld. Was a pain and had to hammer the gutter bed flat again after getting what was left of the old gutters off, but it was better than filling holes.

 

YES! I've seen Luke's rails! Bitchin! Only reason I didn't inquire about them myself was because my body is so mofied. Would have had to be made from scratch.

But yes! If you need really authentic gutters Luke is really good at making them. Wish I had some pictures. Kevin, do you have pics of his rails???

 

550 is alot of dough for em,i think i will have my local sheetmetal/fab shop bend them and i will put the curve in them.
Have you used a spot weld cutter that leaves the back panel intact?how do they work?