I am planning to fabricate a frame that outlines the windshield opening of a '36 Ford Coupe out of 18 gauge
steel angle. I have watched your Shrinking Magic video in order to learn about using a shrinker
stretcher tool for this fabrication but now I'm wondering if the hammer method would be more effective.
It seems that I would have to make a wood frame (the shape of the inside of the opening) to hammer the
angle around to make the correct shape. The video protrays the shrinker stretcher tool as a very slow
process to get the tightness in the angle that I need.
Maybe my money would be better spent on other tools. I am new to metal fabrication but your video shows the
use of spoons, hammers, and heat as very effective methods of fabricating metal. I plan to primarily
fabricate car parts out of steel or aluminum do you have recommendations for someone just starting out as
to the best tools to begin the learning process. Your recommendations would be greatly appreciated,
Paul
The Tinman Respondeth:
Paul,
Since the "tall" part of the flange shows and the short leg wraps the edge of the glass, I would hot work
the tall flange in the shrinker and help it with the hammer. When sections are done, ie. lower half and
upper, and back and front, then it is time to tack them, adjust, and then weld up complete.
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