Thread: '38 Ford deck lid vs 37 Ford deck lid

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Good stuff there Randy! Knew you could do it!

No really. Good job!

Randy you got started , I wonder how a shrinking disc would help on the marks on the second lid may eliminate them all giving you some good sheet metal patches .

Originally Posted by bluestang67

Randy you got started , I wonder how a shrinking disc would help on the marks on the second lid may eliminate them all giving you some good sheet metal patches .

Hmmmm.....not sure I understand what you mean, Bobby. Which lid are you suggesting I use the shrinking disc on?
The lower section of both lids is kinda the problem. On my original lid, my dad welded the inner structure to the outer skin in such a way that makes it kinda impossible to remove. That's what created all those waves on it.

After removing the skim coat of bondo on the new lid, I discovered all those dents, which I have managed to straighten quite a bit. Some more hammer & dolly work will make it much better. I'll probably still need a skim coat but it will be way thinner than it was.
Once I finish patching the rusty lower corners, I should be able to finish it out to look pretty good. That's what I'm hoping for anyway! Once I get the lid repaired, I'll concentrate on the lower pan and make it fit the lid properly.

Here are some pics of the nasty corner I cut off the lower right side. The left one isn't quite this bad but it will still need some attention.
IMAG0090_1.jpg
IMAG0093_1.jpg

I think I successfully welded up several small holes across the lower section here. Once I get them ground smooth I know for sure.
IMAG0089_1.jpg

Originally Posted by randyr

Hmmmm..... I'll probably still need a skim coat but it will be way thinner than it was. Once I finish patching the rusty lower corners, I should be able to finish it out to look pretty good. The left one isn't quite this bad but it will still need some attention.

The above is good news! And good progress for sure.
Can I ask what you used to make the cut?

Originally Posted by 34_40

The above is good news! And good progress for sure.
Can I ask what you used to make the cut?

I bit it off with my teeth, Mike!! Actually, I used a 4" angle grinder with a cut off disc. For more intricate cuts I often use my Dremel tool with a 1" cutting disc. The Dremel discs are pretty pricey and don't last very long when cutting sheet metal, though

For cutting the new patch, I made the initial cuts with an electric metal shearer. I made the edge bends using a piece of angle iron in my vise and formed the right curves with light hammering on a gently curved dolly.... Yeah, you can go to town with that one! I did some additional trimming with a pair of snips.

Today, I replaced the other lower corner. I still have some repairs to make on the inner framework before I shoot them with epoxy and reassemble.


Here I already formed the new piece and cut off the old. Now clamped together for welding.
IMAG0094_1.jpg

Looks really bumpy and twisted in this pic but it's not. The lighting is just playing tricks to make me look bad.
IMAG0095_1.jpg

Really nice patch, Randy! Going to have that skin looking great in short order!

2nd on Dave's statement , Randy a inspiration to us all who have sheet metal to patch . I went to garage today but as usual ended up picking up . I did how aver hang a lot of the 37 parts up to get them out of the way .

Originally Posted by bluestang67

2nd on Dave's statement , Randy a inspiration to us all who have sheet metal to patch . I went to garage today but as usual ended up picking up . I did how aver hang a lot of the 37 parts up to get them out of the way .

Thanks Bobby! and Dave! I still have tons to learn about this stuff but it's kinda fun when you cut out a bad piece and weld in a new piece that you made with some simple tools and it doesn't look too bad. We'll see how straight I can get the rest of the lid with a hammer & dolly and various other creative solutions. Will keep you guys posted...
I have some ideas brewing on my tail pan but gotta get this deck lid finished first.

Well summer is coming here I turned out to be a doors open and sun shine kinda guy. But it's always summer there , just the winter grumpy neighbors .

Originally Posted by bluestang67

Well summer is coming here I turned out to be a doors open and sun shine kinda guy. But it's always summer there , just the winter grumpy neighbors .

And we were supposed to have a 60's + kinda day but the weather guessers lied as it was a keep the doors closed with the heater on type of day!

You're doin' great Randy! One step at a time and you'll soon be through it!

ps, it does look great so far!

Hey Rich! Good having you back! Got the house all fixed up and back to some Hot Roddin'???

The son inlaw got in over his head with the amount of work he was going to do, I knew it before he started, but I didnot want to step in until he asked for help.....knocking out walls and installing new beams...LOL It took five bodies to set that beam up...now he`s down to paint and hard wod flooring.

Geat Randy, just happened to run across it by accident, thought you might want it or not just another option. Was that frog town...?

Originally Posted by 406Rich

Geat Randy, just happened to run across it by accident, thought you might want it or not just another option. Was that frog town...?

Thanks for looking out, Rich!! It's in Angels Camp. What's frog town?