cutting body panels
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
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cutting body panels
I'm looking for advice on what tool(s) to use for cutting out damaged sheet metal and patch panels. My primary concern is finding something that will not distort as I cut. I am thinking about a nibbler or an air cut-off tool. Any advice? I've never done sheet metal patch work so this is all new to me. I'm guessing that the nibbler would probably be best but I don't know.
I'll be cutting out rear cab corners and a part of a bedside on a 64 F-100. I have another damaged bed and cab from which I will be cutting the patch panels.
Suggestions or advice are appreciated.
Nate
1964 F-100 Custom Cab 292 V-8 3 spd
1964 F-100 292 V-8 3 spd
1990 F-150 5.8L
http://www.geocities.com/revnate64/Revnate.html
I'll be cutting out rear cab corners and a part of a bedside on a 64 F-100. I have another damaged bed and cab from which I will be cutting the patch panels.
Suggestions or advice are appreciated.
Nate
1964 F-100 Custom Cab 292 V-8 3 spd
1964 F-100 292 V-8 3 spd
1990 F-150 5.8L
http://www.geocities.com/revnate64/Revnate.html
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 18
From: Northern California
cutting body panels
The nibbler would be best, cutting with a cutoff tool will work but a nibbler can be moved around a lot better. I'm thinking of the ones that are round cutters and nip off little semi circles. If it's just a straight cut, either one will do fine but the cut off tool produces much more heat.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
cutting body panels
I have used both. The nibbler will make tighter corners for sure but be certain the one you buy will cut the guage metal you are using. The cheaper models I have used just don't get it done. My 1953 sheet metal laughed at my nibbler so I have used my cutoff tool for this project. The wheel definitely makes more heat but I haven't noticed any distortion at all on the heavy guage metal. Late model vehicles are a different story.
Dewayne
Dewayne
New User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
cutting body panels
i use a air hack saw because it gives a straight flat cut
easier to weld {butt}.the thickness of the blade
leaves anice even gap to weld.
cut off tool for exess and hard to get at spots
plasma cutter if you can afford it or gas axe {oxy}
for salvaging panels.
holeshot..
easier to weld {butt}.the thickness of the blade
leaves anice even gap to weld.
cut off tool for exess and hard to get at spots
plasma cutter if you can afford it or gas axe {oxy}
for salvaging panels.
holeshot..
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