Hey everybody!! New guy from buffalo. Ny

Gator glider · #1 09-11-2015, 07:15 PM

My name is Matt and I live in Buffalo, NY. I am new to metal shaping and have 1960 Bel Air that I want make into a mild custom. Hope to learn more about how to make the panels I will need for my project. Also want to see how others make their panel and the tools they use.

JPMOSS · #2 09-11-2015, 07:25 PM

Welcome aboard, I'm glad your here. Johnny

idickers · #3 09-12-2015, 09:49 AM

Welcome, Matt! There are a fair number of members here from upstate NY.

Jere · #4 09-12-2015, 12:25 PM

Hello Matt and welcome to the site.

I restored a 60 Chevy Impala several years back. It was a complete rust bucket.

Lets see some photos as you get into your project.

Jere

Gator glider · #5 09-12-2015, 06:49 PM

I'm starting realize that there a lot car lovers here in western New York. I've gone to some local shows here in buffalo. I've also gone to Syracuse Nationals the past 4 out of 5 years. One of that main reasons to go there is to see and meet Gene Winfield. I heard that he was teaching a metal shaping class at a local shop during the week of nationals. But I found out about the class to late.
Actually last weekend I was 1 of 26 guys to attend his class. Over in Grand Island. 10 minutes away from my house. This class was incredible!!!! Can't say enough wonderful about Mr. Winfield from his metal shaping skills to his chase at bonnaville. Crazy deadlines with cars he build for the Bladerunner. He was explaining the process of bubble tops. At 1 o'clock in the morning He was pulling a piece of plexi out of the oven and dropped it on the floor. Picked it up quickly and placed it on the form and inflated it. Then was sanding and polishing it for the next three hours. The car need to at the studio by 9 am. Crazy story.

During the class, Gene was talking about bead rollers. He mentioned that a Jere Kirkpatrick had build him a Harbor Freight powered bead roller. That he loves. Raved about how the shafts being able to move horizontally. I have seen the video on YouTube about 6-8 months ago. Video was incredible. So if this is the same cat is one in the same. Sir it's an honor to meet you. As far as pics?

Only have a few recent ones. It just passed inspection last month so she is on the road, after five years. Funny story. After a week on the road had taking a buddy out for a ride and between our fat asses put the seat through the floor boards. Ha!!! So just trying to enjoy some seat time before the snow rolls in.

Gator glider · #6 09-12-2015, 07:21 PM

Hopefully, these pics go through.

image.jpg

Gator glider · #7 09-12-2015, 07:29 PM

Still trying to figure how to upload or even copy and paste pics.

image.jpg

Kerry Pinkerton · #8 09-12-2015, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gator glider

Still trying to figure how to upload or even copy and paste pics.

Read this: http://allmetalshaping.com/showthread.php?t=115

Don't see many cars from 59-60-61. Not Detroit's best years for rust proofing. I'm pretty amazed to see one up in NY that the rust worm hasn't eaten up.

Jere · #9 09-12-2015, 08:00 PM

Matt are you saying the car is now finished?

If you are still working on it I can help you through some of the hard parts, such as door hinge mounts accessed through the foot well, and making a new trunk support under the fuel filler recess.

Yes I am the same cat Gene was talking about.

Jere

Gator glider · #10 09-12-2015, 09:40 PM

I would really appreciate any help you could offer. It's far from done. I Upgraded suspension tubular control arm up front and tubular rear lower control arms. The upper I just plated around the bushings and the top. Replaced bushings. Lower springs on the rear. Upgraded to power disc brakes. Lowered spindles. Stock springs. Replaced brake lines and rear cables and rear brakes. Gas lines and tank. Now it's the sheet metal work is next. I have some replacement panels. Dog-legs for both sides and I have another set of front fenders but they only need a patch panel for right above the eyebrows.
I replaced the floor boards, inner rocker and floor support under the front seat and rear floor pans all from scratch. I had a sheet of 18 gauge and figuered "what the hell". They came out pretty good for my first time. I might have a pic or two.
I asked Gene how to make a panel around the rear quarter panel at the wheel well openings. As well as the trunk. One of the body mounts at the wheel well tubs is gone. I have a replacement piece. Actually the trunk area is probably the worse area. There's some weird dent on top of the passenger rear fender near the back window. I think it was hit in the rear at sometime ago. Bumper is pushed in and actually cut the trim piece under the tail lights. I have a feeling that the trunk floor was rusted out when it got hit.