New guy from Iowa
 

I'm pretty new to metal shaping, so I'm trying to learn as much as I can. I started a chop of my 1951 Plymouth club coupe, but wasn't happy, so I cut it out and decided to learn more. The sail panels did not have enough crown so I've been investing in some tools and educational materials to prepare myself to get back to the chop.

Welcome Robert.

Got any photos of your chop? We like pictures...:D

There are several folks within a couple hours of you and there are also metal shaping gatherings fairly close from time to time.

Robert, welcome to the site. Thanks for joining us, if you get a chance post some pictures of you project.

Welcome from your neighbor to the north!!!!

There is a metal meet going on the weekend of April 23-25. It's a great time and you get to play with all the cool tools :D

http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13640

welcome aboard

Welcome Robert. I was from Iowa in my younger days.

Welcome aboard Robert from the your neighbors to the north west in South Dakota. Like CARS said come on up to the meet in MN in april you will learn a lot.

It is sometimes easier for a beginner to add, or reduce the shape of an existing welded in panel, than to make a panel from scratch that fits perfectly. To add shape, you can stretch with a ballpeen hammer, then smooth with a hammer and dolly. To reduce shape, you can use a shrinking disc or a torch. Since the existing panel is restrained, the edges cannot go wild on you... one of the hard to control things when you start out.

John www.ghiaspecialties.com

It is often much easier for ANYONE to perfect a imperfect replacement patch panel than to make your own. Not just for beginners :lol:

I added some pictures for anyone who wants to look. The sail panel didn't have enough crown in the transition from the top to the side. I also wasn't feeling the rear window. I bought a 41-48 Ford back glass that I am planning to build a window frame for, much like the Chevy hardtop chop that was on the MetalMeet site except I don't have a Pullmax. http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/showt...t=12958&page=3