metal working tools
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 480
From: Kemptville, ON,
metal working tools
I am thinking of buying a set of shrinker/stretcher tools and a punch and flange tool. Both are on sale now at Princess Auto. I know I want to rework/widen my rear fenders and possibly make my own running boards. I would also like to cover over the side grills of the cab and fill in where the gas inlet used to be. But beyond that not sure. I don't want to spend my nickels foolishly either if there are other ways around things but if it is one of those things that once you have them you find other things to do then if may be a good investment. Looking for your opinions for those that have them or have worked with them in the past please.
Marten
Marten
Welder User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 50
From: northwest MT
Both are very handy. The shrinker stretcher is almost a must to make complex panels. I have a budget model that works fine.....I made it foot operated which is so much easier to operate.
Also a break and a beadroller are some tools that every metal worker should have.
I have a hand held punch flange tool that works great.
Also a break and a beadroller are some tools that every metal worker should have.
I have a hand held punch flange tool that works great.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 883
Likes: 235
From: NWPA
I am not a body man. My tools are limited. I do have a set of harbor freight hammers and dollies. I think any tool is a good investment. Good luck with your body work. Post pictures. I find the body work very interesting. I am just not real good at it. If you can afford them and need them get them you probably wont regret it. As you mentioned there are work arounds and other low cost or improvised tooling. I would like to learn about shrinking and stretching!
Here is a example of a grill that had some issues:
First round of straightening, wood block, 3/8 drive extension, ball peen hammer.
Used tools that fit the job just from the tool box, tubing fit the size and went over the tabs.
Better
Whittled out a new rib. and Mig welded it and the broken ribs back in place.
Through a dip in the Electrolysis tank.
These type of items for tractors dont have to be at the same level as you guys are finishing your trucks,
Didn't mean to hijack your thread, Sorry. Looking forward to seeing some of your work.
Regards,
Chris
Here is a example of a grill that had some issues:
First round of straightening, wood block, 3/8 drive extension, ball peen hammer.
Used tools that fit the job just from the tool box, tubing fit the size and went over the tabs.
Better
Whittled out a new rib. and Mig welded it and the broken ribs back in place.
Through a dip in the Electrolysis tank.
These type of items for tractors dont have to be at the same level as you guys are finishing your trucks,
Didn't mean to hijack your thread, Sorry. Looking forward to seeing some of your work.
Regards,
Chris
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 24
From: Maryland
I bought a few tools from Harbor freight to get started and one was the shrinker stretcher. I found it cant handle the 18 gauge metal like it claims. Unfortunately there is little you can do to beef it up like the other tools.( I welded a brace bar to the english wheel with good results. The brake worked on 16 ga. metal as did the hole punch flanger. ) Since then i have replaced My shear, brake,bead roller, and slip roll with better old professional stuff..I would look for old stuff of better quality in auctions and sales if i was you.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
The last gas filler fill panel I made/installed was cut from a cab corner repair panel...no sense reinventing the wheel if you can get a repair section with the proper curvature "off-the-shelf". As for the fenders and running boards I would have to say that those are pretty ambitious for someone who has not done a lot of metal fab work already. I don't want to discourage you but as you say, you don't want to spend nickels foolishly. I hope that you have a TIG welder and the skills to use it...getting metal cut and bent to shape is just the start, joining it all together is in itself another challenge. Good luck...
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 480
From: Kemptville, ON,
Effies 56 that is very impressive to do.
I am very slowly working at the truck although in the last 1 1/2 years I have not done a thing. We moved and had big problems with both the new house and the old one we were trying to sell. And if that was not enough work has been crazy busy for a long time now. In Ontario Canada it is almost impossible to find anyone available to work in the skilled trades right now. I am a self employed carpenter and could not find the help I needed so ended up working a lot more then I wanted to keep up. If you go to this thread you can see what I have done .https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rtens-box.html I have ordered up the wheels and tires that I wanted and once they are installed I am hoping to play with the rear fenders and perhaps new running boards. Some ideas in my head, will see what I can do.
I am very slowly working at the truck although in the last 1 1/2 years I have not done a thing. We moved and had big problems with both the new house and the old one we were trying to sell. And if that was not enough work has been crazy busy for a long time now. In Ontario Canada it is almost impossible to find anyone available to work in the skilled trades right now. I am a self employed carpenter and could not find the help I needed so ended up working a lot more then I wanted to keep up. If you go to this thread you can see what I have done .https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rtens-box.html I have ordered up the wheels and tires that I wanted and once they are installed I am hoping to play with the rear fenders and perhaps new running boards. Some ideas in my head, will see what I can do.
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