Thread: 1931 Model A Coupe

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I'd call that considerable progress, good goin' Rich!

Hey Rich

I am usually just lurking on a few sites, but after seeing this build, well ,it is done so well that I had to comment. The quality of your work and the ideas you have are beautiful. I can see me using some of these. I wasn't going to use seat belts. but after seeing your installation, I think my mind has changed. My coupe will have some of your ideas in it. Keep up the great work. I can't wait for your next installment.

Reyn

reyn:
Thank's so much for the kind words, would love to see some pics of that 28 Coupe. You got a
sweet looking Rag Top there!
Rich

When I found this Coupe it was in pieces jammed into a gravel floor shed. The
drivers side hood top had been walked on, and needed straightened. I roughed
it in when I fabbed hood sides, and set panel gaps. I got to thinking when
I was almost done with it that I could show what a help a slapper can be to get
a better end result. Wish I would have taken better pics.
Here's a pic of the where I had it roughed in:
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Rich

Now I'm just an amatuer since I don't do this every day. Some guy's like smooth
slappers, and I have some. I find the file slappers help me locate the dolly in the proper place with marks from the file. I make my slappers from course bastard
files, usually Nichcolson. I just heat and bend them in the vise. The one in use here
I cracked while bending, and welded it with no problems.
[IMG][/IMG]
Here's the tools used.
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Rich

Here is the roughed in panel with the bluing showing all the low spots,
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Here I have started working the panel.
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Rich

This pic shows the file marks. I start on the outter edge of a low spot working
a circle smaller, and smaller checking progress as I work. Notice the bright
outer marks, and the duller color dots in the center.
[IMG][/IMG]
Making progress here.
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Rich

This is the final pic of the repair.
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The dark areas are from the shrinking disk, and yes my file marks are a little
deep! This area after D. A.ing would look pretty good. I epoxy primed it, followed up
with 2K and finished blocking ready for paint. This panel was a real pain since it
had no substructure To help hold it in place. I had it clamped to a couple saw
horses so I could apply pressure with the dolly.
Maybe this will spur someone to try this. There are a lot of Utube videos to help
show the process better.
Rich

Word of advice, be gentle and check the progress often as one can stretch the panel very quickly too. If you find that you have a high point and need to shrink an area and don't have the disc, ( which I have never used personal ) one can use a nice large flat faced wooden mallet and dolly to shrink a raised spot down with a torch. Heck, I hope you can understand my broken english from downunder.

I agree slow, and gentle is always better when working
metal. I think you would love a shrinking disk if you
tried one Whiplash.
Rich

Looks killer; exceptional body work!

Looks awesome! Can I send you some fenders for my Dad's 47 Dodge truck? I bet you can have them knocked out in no time compared to me. Haha

Thank's guy's! Ryan, I wouldn't want to deprive you of doing something for
your Dad!
I finally got mine done!
[IMG][/IMG]

Rich

I'm using a top kit from Julianos, and wanted to prefit everything before
paint. I'm installing the track just outside of the factory top groove. This
will keep the edgers flat with the roof surface. All holes are drilled in top, and
tracks.
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Rich

Very nice. You'll be glad you stepped aside on the fenders once I post pics of them. I'm probably taking the easy out and sourcing some other fenders.