1952-59 Ford Frenching headlight door question

I know that 52-53 ford headlight doors are sought after for frenching, but ive been looking around for a while and i just got outbidded on a pair from ebay (went for alot more than i was willing to pay)

I just wanted to know
How do you french a 1954 Ford headlight door since there made out of pot metal? I learned the hard way when i first tried, and ending up melting it. Live and learn....But since 54 headlight doors are more easier to get i just wanted to know.
At car shows ive seen them done, but the owners are never there so i can ask.
Anyone know?
thanks!

 

You can probably salvage your rings. I don't know the brand but there is an auto body adhesive which will allow you to glue the pot metal rings (after you've cleaned up the mess you made ) to the steel fenders.

You can then fill the joint with DuraGl*** and finish the area off with your favorite flavor of bondo.

I have never used this new adhesive material, but I understand it is pretty darn good. Check at your local auto body supply store.

Good luck...and let us know how it works out, okay?

Eric

 

I'm pretty sure 3M make a 2 part epoxy that I've heard is pretty decent. But at my shop we use a company called KENT. Their stuff is awsome. Kustomline54 do you need another headlight door? If so I've got an extra pair so pm me!

Jason

 

You use 52 (maybe 53) ones as they were made of steel (if I remember correctly), not pot metal.

 

I frenched my headlights. Its very tough, you have to be very careful. I did burn throught my headlights once or twice. It was my first time attempting it and I hardly had any experiance. what you have to do is if you do burn through what you could do is hold the welding stick at almost an angle almost side ways and hold it back a little bit. Try to get some copper behind the hole that will absorb some of the heat. zap it not long just a zap. you want to create a bridge. You might have to cut the line from your stick. I then let it cool, give it time cool, feel it with your hand. Once its cool hit it at another angle keep repeating this step until enough material has built up and youll want to grind this area down gently. Be carefull or you wind up doing this over again. This is not a half hour job it took me 2 nights to complete one headlight. Be patient, too much heat it only takes a second to watch the ring go from good to bad. I would also post on the wanted section of the hamb you might find someone willing to get you those rings for a good deal.

 

'54 merc rings should be the same as '52-3 ford as I understand it, I thought they were repopped, but I guess they aren't.