Some 25 years ago I bought a short pick hammer and a combination dollie from Canadian Tire.They were cheep and sence then I have own a number of dollies and hammers but I still use these two tools the most.Yes there are better tools but sometimes you get a feel for something and it just works good. I always tell the younger guys that tools don`t make the man.The man makes the tools!
This is the guy to talk to. James Chapman, pager 1-800-731-8496. He knows to most of any guy I ever talked to about body working handtools. He sells Martin Tools and ya' can also get a copy of METAL BUMPING by Frank Sargent from him. Must reading for a beginner. I see him every year at the Turkey Rod Run Swap. Didn't get to talk to him this year, but I saw him. He is not just a salesman, he knows how to work metal. He'll tell ya' exactly what ya' need to start with and what to get from there as you can afford to progress. He won't over sell to ya' and you'll have some good quality tools that will last a lifetime. He turned me on to the fiberglass handled Martin hammers. Previously I only used Martin with wood handles and was reluctant to change. WHAT a difference. Worth the little bit of extra $dough$. Everything James tells ya' and everything in the book mirrors what my dad taught me. (I shoulda' paid more attention) Dad did body work before WWII. Back when ya' actually straightened stuff out, hammer weld, heat and shrink panels and use lead. No R&R back then. I'm glad I retained some of the knowledge he passed on to me.
I too use the same hammer and dolly most of the time...for the last 30 years! I've had the hammer since I was 19 and only had to change the head once and the handle twice.
I've actually had good success with a Harbor Freight set with my AV8... I was amazed how well the damaged areas came out when I was done. The set I have actually do have a convex face, although the first time I used them my technique sucked so I marred up the metal a bit (still gotta fix that somehow, dammit...). I looked at their site, but didn't see my set anymore; it was fairly cheap and has 4 dollys and 3 hammers. I use one hammer/dolly for most things, but I've used all of them for specific repairs, and was glad I had them on hand. They're pretty well balanced, easy to control just hammering with my wrist, and the dollys are good and heavy. Avoid the square end of the hammer... Thats how I caused my grief at first. I can use them now pretty well in the right situation, but at first I left some nice lines that now I have to go back an fix somehow (which sucks if I decide to just lay a clearcoat of the bare steel instead of painting it). I figured I'd suck at hammer/dolly work, but was pleasantly surprised with how well I was able to work it, even with "cheap junk".
keep in mind when you buy your tools, that metal on metal will stretch it to an extent, I use a small wooden mallet to bang out a lot of stuff, you may want to think about picking one of these up too.
I've found a lot of older, and good bumpers and dingers on Ebay. Like stated, you need a good heel dolly, a good pick, and a decent bumper. I have a book from 1947, Automotive Body and Fender Repairs, by C.E. Packer that I have read over and over. If I ever get stuck, I go back to it. They hand-hammered flanges to reskin roofs! It's very informative in helping to clearly explain what is happening to the metal, and how to control it. Another one, Automotive Body and Frame Service by Guy F. Wetzel from 1951 is a good read also.
This is some great advise as I was about to order some tools from Eastwood while they have a 10% off sale with free shipping. They have Martins with wood and fiberglass handles at $29.99 and 32.99 for the fiberglass. The catalog shows only one Martin dolly at $64.99. While on the subject of Eastwood body tools has anyone tried their lead free body solder? I was thinking of giving it a try. Any opinions? -Erik
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