Hi All, How would you guys fabricate a radiator shell that has a bead rolled in it at the edge of the front where the front and side meet? (The attached file is two close ups of the shell I'd like to build.) If this information is already out there, just point me to it so you don't have to take the time to re-type it all. I've checked the tech archive, and I found BobBleed's radiator shell thread. Unfortunately, it no longer has any pictures. I also saw NealinCA's radiator shell/wallhanging. The shell is beautiful, but the thread shows how to use an existing leading edge and fabricate areas behind it. Tom Brawner has an album at metalshapers.org that shows him building a Model T radiator shell from scratch, but I'm not sure that technique would work if I need a bead at the edge of the front. Please don't crucify me for asking a stupid question. I honestly have tried to make an effort to find the information on my own and not be a pest.
I think I know what your talking about but could you post some better pics Its kinda hard to tell whats going on in those pictures
You could put a parting line adjacent to the bead, about where I placed the round rod in the buck I built for my chopped Whippett replica shell. Then bead the front and roll it rearward slightly behind the bead to blend into the sides. Piece of cake.
David Gardiner has done a lot of those. He also sells an instructional video you might want to check out. You can see his posts on metalmeet.com under the user name mindover. His web site: http://metalshapingzone.com/ John www.ghiaspecialties.com
Wow, I'm impressed. You are very perceptive about the Austin Heritage. I'm trying to fabricate a replica of a 1932 datsun phaeton. They were nearly the same as a late 1920's Austin 7. I think the bantam was a little later, say around 1935. I set up an account here years ago - before I ever started this project - so that I'd be able to read the technical archive and learn how to build stuff. I try not to post much[*], though, because my project isn't really "traditional". My emphasis is more "how cheaply can I build this and still have it look decent" than in being period correct. I'm not using any original 1930's metal in this project, the frame design is locost-based, the front clip is out of a 1990 dakota, the maxima engine has fuel injection, etc. I'm still working on the frame....it doesn't have motor mounts or a transmission tunnel yet. This is what I have done so far. After people see what I'm doing, they sometimes ask why I'm working on that particular automobile. I've always wanted to build a car, a "Datsun Deuce" sounded amusing, and I already had a 1982 maxima station wagon sitting around that I could use as a donor. I'm not a datsun fanboy, I'm just using what I had on hand to work with when I started the project. Thank you for the advice. I've looked at your ghiaspecialties website before. The stuff you build is amazing....I was reading some stuff last week that you wrote about shrinking disks, and think I may need to try building one. I will be sure to check David's website and posts as well. --- * - the only reason I did now is that there are some REALLY good metal shapers on this board
The Jalopy Journal
