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Ford Model A Pickup Restoration November 2006

In November I started with my sheet metal work on the front fender.

Restoration November 2006

The fender wells for the spare tire was in a bad, rusty condition with holes and I decided to replace this part but pieces from the fender too. I have used an air chisel which is a very good tool for this kind of work.

Restoration November 2006

The cut is approximately 5 mm wide and there is no distortion of the sheet metal.

Restoration November 2006

This is the shape of the chisel.

Restoration November 2006

After cutting out the main part, I have removed the remaining sheet metal which was spot welded.

Restoration November 2006

The new fender wells will be welded in this position later.

Restoration November 2006

First I have to make a template with paper to prove wether it fits or not.

Restoration November 2006

Then I could cut the sheet metal to the right size. On the open side I have welded a small bar to prevent any distortion when I'll do the work. Also I've made a wooden molding tool for easily bending the sheet metal.

Restoration November 2006

Now I could start to stretch the metal with a hammer. On the picture you can see that the stretching process has already started.

Restoration November 2006

Then, after a while, I have fixed the sheet metal onto the wooden molding tool to bend it over the edge.

Restoration November 2006

Some hours later … it looks like this.

Restoration November 2006

My hammer is not an expensive one, probably I will buy a better quality when I have to do this job more often.

Restoration November 2006

Finally my sheet metal has the right shape!

Restoration November 2006

What I have to do is to cut the border of the inner site to 1".

Restoration November 2006

I'm ready now to fit my new part to the front fender.

Restoration November 2006

For more details just have a look next month.