Metal gurus. I have a pair of fender skirts that need some work. One of them needs some shrinking along the bottom edge. Problem is I don't have a shrinker available to me. Is there a way to shrink without a shrinker?
gday, check Peter Tommasini site out www.handbuilt.net.au if theres no help on there email peter tommasini or ring him his from Australia but is one of the best and will give you great advice. i work for him so if you do talk to him say you spock to Joel Sims
You can tuck shrink. There are two parts to my tuck shrinking videos on youtube below. And this album: http://allshops.org/cgi-bin/community/communityalbums.cgi?action=openalbum&albumid=9980191607382 You could also use a mallet and a stump or tuck puck: www.tuckpuck.com John www.ghiaspecialties.com
Hey, How is it you've desided that a shrink is what's needed to repair the problem? Shrinking metal on a panel that is really just displaced metal, that is to say metal that's above the normal surface of the panel, and held there by surrounding damage ( a.k.a. a false stretch ) , will cause more damage than good! Always be sure that all of the high metal has been driven down, and the low metal driven up BEFORE you deside that a shrink is what's needed. Also, watch out for hidden damage benith the paint from an old repair. Filler, be it polyester, gl***fibre or lead can put pressure or tension on a surrounding area of the new damage, and cause all brands of grief! Torch shrinking isn't too hard to master, especially on a small flange or semi crowned area. In a worst case, slitting and rewelding the stretched area will work, or even a cold shrink, one performed by ''picking'' down the high area with the tip of a picking hammer, whyle supporting the surrounding area with a dolly, and filling over the area- this last method is also known as "butchery" ! " Your head would look good on a pike "
Tuck shrinking works great if you master the knack! John shows a good way to do it....I haven't quite got it down pat yet, but Ron, in my shop, seems to have a better grasp of it than I do...give it a try!
great information read The Key To Metal Bumping you can get it from Martin tool, If your going to hit sheetmetal with a hammer you ought to read this book
AHHHHHHH just be careful, a little bit of shirking equates to a whole lot of stretching...... The tuck method works great if you take your time and work slowly as does the heat method.......both can and will harden the metal significantly if you overdo it. Practice on something else first....your first several tries will be mistakes.. All of the metal shaping books, videos are great knowledge. I'm partial to John Glover's videos personally most of those are available at www.metalcrafttools.com
After looking at some of the sites that you guys gave me I think the tuck method will work. I'll definitly practice it first. Hate to ruin a skirt. So it will be a lot of practice. Thanks guys.
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