Model A Sheet metal Question

Bbhf

Bbhf

Member
Greetings: I have a question about wheel house panels: i am posting a few pics of my coupe: it has the typical rotted sheet metal in the wheel well and parts of the sub frame: i have started to cut away the worst parts of the well: i have replacement panels: here is my question: does anyone make a repair panel with additional metal added to the panel to help fill the space between the repair panel and the body: it would really aid in the restoration of the wells: the drivers side is a little worse off: if the panel was formed with the extra metal it would make a nicer transition like the original: i hope i have described it ok: skip
 

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To answer your question: Sort of. You can get the repair panel from any of the vendors. I get mine from Bert's Model A Store.

This will give you the piece which fills in the flat section with the ribs. Having done this job, I can tell you that it is easier to cut all the way up and around the ribs and weld around them than it is to try to match and blend the old ribs with the new.

After that, then you will simply need to add in whatever minor pieces are needed to fill in whatever holes are left.

I think I may have some pictures of when I did this the last time somewhere and will post them if I can find them.
 
Next time when you go to restore bad metal, get the new piece before you cut out the old. Make sure you cut the old and new pieces with something besides a torch. Heat deforms metal.
 
28ACoupe: thanks: i have the panels: should i cut the arc leaving about an inch? i figured that i would have to cut a bunch of patch pieces to fill in the space between the panel and the body: i was hoping that a one piece repair panel would be available: skip
 
Gunmetal blue2: i cut away the worst with my plasma cutter: i did not want to cut to much off at first:i am going ease into it: skip
 
Bob C: thanks for the link: on page 3 it looks like what i was trying to say in my first post: i had the pleasure to speak with him awhile back: very help full: i wish i was closer to Pittsburgh: thanks: skip
 
I guess I have some metal work to do. I am reminded the the light at the end of the tunnel may be a train. Thanks for your thoughts on this, skip
 
If you are getting up really high, you could do as the late fordbarner Splike did, and get a junk rear fender. Cut out the curved part of the fender where it attaches to the body and graft it into the body. It's about the same radius curve.
 
The big thing is to take your time. Don't rush it and you will be fine.

Bbhf said:
I guess I have some metal work to do. I am reminded the the light at the end of the tunnel may be a train. Thanks for your thoughts on this, skip
Click to expand...
 
How true, i am a welder/fabricator but used to heavy welding. Sheet metal does take patience. Skip
 
find someone with a radius bar for their break . check out your local sheetmetal shop or hvac place. then you will have to shrink that break .
 
I have talked to Brookville Roadster about making them and I think if there was enough interest shown they would. Contact them they may make you a set or have some bad quarters they can cut them out of.
 
No6: great idea. I would think there would be a huge interest since a lot of cars rust out in that area. Thanks, skip
 
Beware of any replacement parts made by Howells. Ask the supplier you buy from who made them. Howells is notorious for selling crap.
 
Chris, thanks. I have seen in the catalogs where it is stated that this or that piece is the better one. Thanks again, skip
 
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