chopped my windshield
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
From: Glen burnie MD
Hey Keith good to see you have came up with a new plan of attack! I hope it works out for you man. So will you be using a windshield you have already cut when finishing up or will you have to buy a new one and start from scratch? I just got some fiderglass mat from the store the other day and need to find time to make my molding to find the correct shape like you said. Maybe Ax will let you borrow his jewlers shrinker/stretcher if he's not useing it.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Estevan, Sask. Canada
no, this page is blue... not tan. Sheesh! thought I was on the HAMB for a minute.
keep on keepin on Keith.
here's another rootin for ya
show that chop who's boss!
JML
keep on keepin on Keith.
here's another rootin for ya
show that chop who's boss!
JML
Rick
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
My shrinker/stretcher is the sheet metal fab shop kind, we jewelers do our shrinking and stretching the old fashioned way, with a hammer and anvil. Steel can be done that way as well, but it's a lot of noisy repetitious work. The machines do a quick and controllable job with very little finishing work required. I was amazed at how much metal it can move so easily. In addition to curving against the flat, it can be used to help form bowl shapes like the end of a rolled pan or the cap of a fender. See Ron Covell's excellent video "Basic Techniques for Working with Steel" to see how he uses one in forming the tail cap for a boat tailed Morgan restoration.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 494
Likes: 2
From: AZ
+1 for me too. I love the work you have done.
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Even if I would never do this to my truck, I can appreciate the work that has gone into getting this to work. I love that you have not given up and that you just keep trying things and I know you will figure it out. The craftsmanship it takes to shape metal and get it to look good is fun to watch. The fact that you do it without the extra tools, gives hope to poor guys like myself who hope to do lots with very little.
Thanks for the entertainment, keep it up.
Cbass
Thanks for the entertainment, keep it up.
Cbass
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
I got mine here:
http://www.toolsplus1.com/shrstretch.htm
USA made high quality product good price.
I'd highly recommend getting the two body set (399.00) you will find you often use them in concert on the same job, so changing over jaws is a hassle. I also bought their 50.00 stand that holds both units, worth the money unless you get square tubing for free.
http://www.toolsplus1.com/shrstretch.htm
USA made high quality product good price.
I'd highly recommend getting the two body set (399.00) you will find you often use them in concert on the same job, so changing over jaws is a hassle. I also bought their 50.00 stand that holds both units, worth the money unless you get square tubing for free.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,558
Likes: 8,227
From: northwestern Ontario
Enlarge product image
Item #51088
Only <STRIKE>$ 169.99</STRIKE>
Now Only $ 152.99
The Imported Shrinker/ Stretcher Combo set includes 2 Jaws, 2 Housings and 2 Handles, works up to 18 gauge mild steel and 16 gauge aluminum Includes eavy cast iron frame. Easy to operate. This is the ideal tool for making perfect fit rust repair patches around wheel openings, door jams, windshields and trunk gutters. IMPORTED
__________________________________________________ ________________________________
Eastwood also has this set, although they are imported ones, but who knows they might work fine.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
The jaws are the important parts, they have very fine teeth like a file. Mine came with very detailed use and care instructions. If they are not of quality steel, shaped and hardened correctly they will not last any time at all. If they wear out who do you go to for satisfaction? This is one tool I'd buy USA.
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,558
Likes: 8,227
From: northwestern Ontario
The ones I bought were an American product. I did cheap out when I bought it, the one with the 2 jaws and one body but wish I had the second body as it is a pain changing back and forward. I thought that one day I might pick up this off shore brand for the bodies as they're cheap enough.
New User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Pleasanton
chopped windshield
Hi, just my two cents, measure opening measure
center angle and the difference in the angle is what
needs to be taken off the dog leg on the sides and
remember the more you chop it, the narrower the
windshield gets which means shaving some of the
pince weld away.as the window gets smaller.
Good Luck
center angle and the difference in the angle is what
needs to be taken off the dog leg on the sides and
remember the more you chop it, the narrower the
windshield gets which means shaving some of the
pince weld away.as the window gets smaller.
Good Luck
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
Welcome
Hi, just my two cents, measure opening measure
center angle and the difference in the angle is what
needs to be taken off the dog leg on the sides and
remember the more you chop it, the narrower the
windshield gets which means shaving some of the
pince weld away.as the window gets smaller.
Good Luck
center angle and the difference in the angle is what
needs to be taken off the dog leg on the sides and
remember the more you chop it, the narrower the
windshield gets which means shaving some of the
pince weld away.as the window gets smaller.
Good Luck
WElcome to FTE 
JIM
New User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Pleasanton
forgot too mention you will have to split gasket on sides use urethane as filler. the trick is to spray foamy glass cleaner on uerthane and spray your finger to smooth out keep it wet and it will be workable use high viscosity urethane most glass co. carry it.
I know it sounds unclear but if you have any uncertiney please ask.
I know it sounds unclear but if you have any uncertiney please ask.