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

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Originally Posted by 34_40

And that's exactly what I tell my wife! But.. But.. Honey... I, I "NEEDED" that (insert tool name/type here) tool desperately! And then take her out to her favorite restaurant or ???? (insert other diversions here)...

Works every time! Did I mention I found another old tractor to go with the other 2 that are in line for a restore? My other sickness! ROFL ! I have to create a lot of diversions! HAH!

.....hmmmm, tractor, hmmmmm. I might have another for you if we ever find a smaller home. 1985-6 vintage ISEKI/Bolens 3 cyl diesel with about 700 hours -------- nah, runs too well, all it needs is a seat recovered with something besides duct tape and a good touch up so it wont need restoration.

My non car diversion is the 34 foot 5th wheel RV. I can spend too much on that. And I do need some impact sockets to -----nah ---- well, maybe

Stay with it Randy , wish it was new buy you are dealing the cards now with 2 of them . I know you can work this situation all out . We know its work but form here and looking at mine , I always hollar for Dave S LOL .

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Just do what you're doing Randy, replace/repair one section at a time. Short of making a new outer skin, about the only way to do it!!! With all the compound curves it would take an English wheel and a lot of experience to make a whole new skin for it.... Going to take a lot of time and patience, but it can be done...

Thanks, Dave. I guess my biggest reservation with these repairs to the lower decklid skin is that there is a lot of pitting on the lower back side, which makes for some precarious patching & welding. I've reduced my wire to .023 and adjusted my settings for 20 gauge but it's still very easy to blow a hole in the old metal.

Originally Posted by 34_40

Sorry to say I can offer you no guidance Randy. I'm just not a body guy! But I will say that the small repair you've started looks great and like Dave says, just keep at it! One section at a time.
Do the "easiest" first and that helps you practice for the bigger job(s) coming. You're doing good!~

Thanks for the encouraging words, Mike!! One thing leads to 1000 more!!!

Originally Posted by IC2

I would possibly invest in a shrinker-stretcher if I had too many convoluted bends:

Dang - here I go, helping Randy spend his money --- again 8-}

Yes, Dave, you are good at this!! Too bad you haven't figured out a way to get commissions on your recommendations. What you really need to find for me is a stretching tool that will work on my bank account!

Originally Posted by bluestang67

Stay with it Randy , wish it was new buy you are dealing the cards now with 2 of them . I know you can work this situation all out . We know its work but form here and looking at mine , I always hollar for Dave S LOL .

Yeah, Bobby, maybe I should keep my eyes open for a 3rd deck lid! You can't really have too many "needs a lot of work" parts lying around can you??

randyr,

Is there enough access to the backside of the welds to press some copper up against the weld? It would help to keep from burning through. The copper back up also makes it easier to fill the burn throughs.

Jack.

Originally Posted by Jack F

randyr,

Is there enough access to the backside of the welds to press some copper up against the weld? It would help to keep from burning through. The copper back up also makes it easier to fill the burn throughs.

Jack.

Thanks, Jack. Yes, since I have the outer skin separated from the inner framework, there is plenty of room for a copper plate. I have used this method before and it definitely helps dissipate the heat and doesn't stick to the metal. I'll give it a shot on some of the lesser pitted areas and see if I can weld up a few of the holes before resorting to an excessive amount of patch pieces.