Auto body metal stretching and shrinking

More of an art than a science - discuss metalworking and welding here.



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Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Apr 28, 2004 2:04 pm
PostPosted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 2:13 pm
I have a 66 Mustang fastback that I am going to start a restoration on. I have two major problems with the body. The first is that the roof was caved in when my brother and I sat on it twenty years ago. It is close to the original shape but it has a ridge around it from the metal stretching. Is there any way to repair this? I also replaced both of the rear quarter panels ten years ago and now the trunk is about ½ inch too long. Can this problem be rectified? It is time to start a full restoration on this car and I would like to do most of the work my self but I am at a loss concerning these problems. Any help would be appreciated.
Rich



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Posts: 2
Joined: Mon May 03, 2004 2:05 pm
Location: Texas (Near San Antonio)
PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 5:33 pm
I have had some luck on my Datsun truck project with ridges of stretched metal. i heated up a dime sized spot to cherry-red, and with a hammer and heel-dolly was able to get the ridge down. These were not particularly long, about four inches, and it took two or three turns at heating and dollying to bring it down. It's not perfect. but it is much better :o
Marc
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- Mark Twain (1835-1910)

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