Howdy

[tperazzo]

Another online forum friend recommend that I check out a few threads on here. I live in Huntington Beach, Ca and I'm currently restoring a 356 Porsche. Up to now I've learned how to weld reproduction patch panels in, but I've found that they need to be heavily modified to fit anyway. I'm hoping to learn some new metal shaping techniques here.
Here's a funny story.....One day I needed to form a small depression in an interior panel near the battery box for my car. Various scrap sheet metal was welded together to make a simple hammer form and I headed to the beach with a few hammers.
So there I was amongst surfers, walkers, and everyday beach goers and a I found a spot away from the crowds to plop my parts down in the sand. Wet sand and dry sand is totally different, so I found my sweet spot.
I began hammering away and I didn't anticipate so much sand would fly everywhere. A towel or chunk of leather would have worked great, but I didn't feel like packing up so soon. My part took shape rather quickly and it was nice not chasing the rig all over the workbench, plus the views were amazing.
People would walk by starring at me, wondering what I was doing. A few asked what I was doing and my reply, "Pounding sand!". Good conversation was had that day with many and each time I open the trunk lid on my car and see that part, it makes me smile.
Cheers!

[HEATNBEAT]

Hi Tom and welcome!
I did a lot of surfing at Huntington and Bolsachica beach,back in the 70's.