Thread: Sheet Metal Shrinking Disc

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This months HOT Rod mag has a article on paint and sheet metal prep very good one at that . One thing there discussing is a shrinking disc . From reading the mag this disc looks like the tool for straightning metal without intense heat . Iv'e seen a home made one also on a site i think was called Metal Shapers and it did a fantastic job also . This disc supposedly helps with the non use of plastic . The pick and dolly is still used to bring metal to a close shape then the disc is ran over and picked again .

I have a area on one of my fenders that feels like your rubbing your hand over a dozen eggs . Previous owner was a little to heavy with his tool . I can bring it back alot with some work but i was really interested in this shrinking disc just to see how far it would go . Also to see if no filler would have to be used . They said in Hot Rod that all that would be needed was some good fill and sand .

Anyone here ever use it and what would you guys think of this tool .

Denny that one pic is closer and shows a little better detail. I think this thing will help alot of repairs.

ok, so the point of the shrinking disc is to heat the metal then cool it. Wouldn't a torch work as well? I presume the disc gives more control?

Fire im learning of it here but the control working a small area and less heat is what helps i think.

found this vid gives a little better idea but i sure would like a class or some more detailed .


http://www.wolfesmetalfabrication.com/sdiscdemo.html

you can get in to trouble with any way torch or the weel if you use a pick hammer you can get in to trouble evey time you hit the metal with the pick your moving out the metal then a dolly or hammer with more of a face to it .for very small dents picks are ok. i always put a flat spot on the end of my pick never to a point .hit big spot with a pick makes the metal thinner and more metal till you get a oilcan the best way is to use a slap file i metal finish many metal part the trick is not to over work the metal. you can over shrink to you .can get a low spot that you can not move up . i have done many bump jobs over many years and have not had to shrink very much metal more for my friend when he over works it. i used a somewhat dull sanding disc and cool with water on the new cars that work to

Pat i did mean hammer but the word pick meant just a small area . I know a pick would be allmost like driving it out with a screw driver and hammer . HHMM i do remember doing something like that 35 yrs ago LOL and i do remember it look bad then . I have never used a slapping file and would like a class . I came from body shops that weren't restoring but production repair shops who only looked at the bottom line ..

Originally Posted by bluestang67

Pat i did mean hammer but the word pick meant just a small area . I know a pick would be allmost like driving it out with a screw driver and hammer . HHMM i do remember doing something like that 35 yrs ago LOL and i do remember it look bad then . I have never used a slapping file and would like a class . I came from body shops that weren't restoring but production repair shops who only looked at the bottom line ..

i did work at production shops to but it was faster for me to metal finsh then use filler

Denny im getting a good picture of that in my head . I"ve seen some great sheet metal work since i've gotten deeper in this hobby . That is why i would like to try and save this metal with out filler just to do it i guess . Couple pics of damage on fender .

Pat shops i managed was even before the stud gun which i think is another great tool . Seen many a hole with screw in it pulling dents and metal back to somewhat of a shape.


Denny you had me busting with the pointy things and yes previous went to town on it .

Originally Posted by bluestang67

Pat shops i managed was even before the stud gun which i think is another great tool . Seen many a hole with screw in it pulling dents and metal back to somewhat of a shape.


Denny you had me busting with the pointy things and yes previous went to town on it .

well i was leading and bumping steel back in the mild 70s i have used washer machines with a hook

Denny and Pat i will be giving it a whirl here this summer. I hope to improve my metal work 10 fold and be able to just fill primer this fender worst thing on the car . I have a slight crease about 6 inches long in the quarter also and this metal is so thick .

can not see it very good but i would work it with a slap file and a dolly if you lived around here i would show you some things that better yes a slap file and a dolly

there was ebay sellers selling the disc a while back still have stuff set aside to make on but not a priority 1 yet. Ed

I haven't spent this much time really looking at the fender . I did the sand to bring out the high spots Pat . This fender does look like it went inverted for a bit and was hammered out . After the sand it looks a little better . Talking with you guys i can picture in my mind what the outcome could be with this method for metal work . I will have to get a slapper file to start that process and go from there . I do the know initial work will be slow since i dont have you the masters standing there . I am glad though i can come here and get some guidence in what im going to try .

Hey and if it dont work then i guess the filler will have to be . I do know it is a necessary part of auto repair just thought i'd give this a try with this oppurtunity and metal thickness.

A couple better pics showing fender.

You know that original ole paint is still reflecting on the quarter pretty darn good .