Anyone have exper in this area? the qtr window trim tries to kink when bent, even when notched on the backside. Mine are cut at an angle. The chop is heavy so the radius need to be tight. If my pics were not so freakin huge I would show a pic.
I have a 4 hour long Merc chop video that shows how to do this. The guy heats the metal with a torch, then bends it slightly with his hand, then checks fit. He repeats this, over and over, tapping the heated area lightly with a hammer, using a chunk of aluminum in the channel to keep the wrinkles out. He says GO SLOW, and you won;t get kinks. He doesen't hear it too long, either, no discoloration. Just enough to make the trim more pliable. I'd say 10-20 seconds max.
I used that same video, mercman. I used a regular propane torch and bent mine. Used the piece of metal inside the trim like the video. Bending tighter seemed easier than opening up a bend to a bigger radius. I shaped a piece of metal like a miniature dolly to put inside the stainless. That was when I put a kink in it and had to hammer it back out.
I have heard of this video, some guy named Steadman (sp?). I would like to borrow this tape sometime from anyone who would like to share it. I have a few things on CD (like the complete 49-51 Mercury factory overhaul manual) that I could share in trade....
All I can say is that after watching it, you'll have a newfound appreciation for all those chops out there, and can see why it costs so much to have it done right, and why some of them just look "wrong". It's a homemade video, for sure. Bad lighting and all, but the info is invaluable. I won it on e-bay for $100 bucks...used...I know that's what they go for new (I think $95) from Mr. Merc. Some guy on e-bay (the losing bidder), asked me a few weeks later to copy it for him, explaining that it wasn't copywritten, and he'd gladly pay the auction's start price ($50.00). I told him to get lost. I wasn't going to take money of of that guys pocket, plus, why should I pay full price for something, and then have the guy come up a sore loser, and get it cheaper than me! Some people!
I bought the NightProwlers video for chopping my shoebox Ford. By far the best tool I bought before I started the job. I watched it start to finish several times and he does an excellent job explaining everything, even down to bending stainless.
I've got Gene Winfields how to chop a merc, I like the professor walking you thru three ways to chop 49-51 mercs 49.95 with autograph lol
[ QUOTE ] I have heard of this video, some guy named Steadman (sp?). I would like to borrow this tape sometime from anyone who would like to share it. I have a few things on CD (like the complete 49-51 Mercury factory overhaul manual) that I could share in trade.... [/ QUOTE ] Anyone? I contacted Night Prowlers and asked about the quality of this video, I didn't want to spend $85 on a tape that I couldn't watch. To those of you who have seen this tape, is the video/audio clear enough to see what the guy is doing? I like to watch others doing a job, it sinks in better than reading and looking at a few photos in a book, but if it's grainy and the lighting is poor then I don't want to waste my time and money on it.
Charlie, That tape is mostly done on a tripod, so there's no worry about getting sea sick as in some home made video. I bought my copy over 10 years ago, and that one was fine as far as seeing the images. The tape is no longer in my possession, so I can't consider your offer. ***uming it is the same video I had, I would not hesitate in purchasing it. The content of the video is excellent, and that's what counts.
I agree with Mikes51, the tape is WATCHABLE, it's by Tony Steadman, and he says in it that it is his "second" updated tape. Don't expect a nice clear shot on everything like you would see on HotRod Television or something of that sort. It is a tape shot as recorded in the camera, with NO editing at all. Like what you and me would do if we filmed a chop using a Sony HandyCam we did in our own garage. At one point there is a 30 sec. gap about halfway thru where you can tell he switched tapes. Like I said, the info is invaluable. I haven't seen the others, so I can't speak for their quality. It's good enough to watch. Given their rarity, I think $100 bucks is reasonable for the amount of info that is p***ed along...should you attempt your own chop...
another way to do this is to fill the channel with lead, then you can bend it cold. just don't get in any hurry and realize than some corners will have to be cut/spliced etc.........
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