A shrinker/stretcher is a valuable tool in sheet metal panel fabrication, as well as fitting patch panels and other sheet metal parts. Mark Simpson demonstrates how to use a shrinker stretcher and how it can be a real time saver in the shop.
Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts.
Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts.
Get everything included in Premium plus exclusive Gold Membership benefits.
You mentioned that you fitted your fender skirts with the shrinker /stretcher , I want to fabricate a set of fender skirts for my 50 Buick . Most fender skirts have a oval shape at the top and two 90 degree corners at the bottom . My question after I cut out my shape allowing a 1/2 or so for the flange , What tool do I use to bend the 90 degree flange all the way around the curved shape of my fender skirt ? I see how I can shrink the mettle around a 90 degree corner with making several pie cuts and then welding it back together .
Thank you for your response ,Steve
Good morning Steve,
When fabricating metal it’s best to use a mix of tools and processes to achieve the results you desire. If I were going to build a set of fender skirts from scratch, I would start by hammer forming the upper curved edge on a buck made from plywood. You would get a nice edge on the metal and a shrinker/stretcher could then be used to fine tune the curvature.
Check out all of the hammer forming videos on the site, here is a link to the introduction:
http://www.classiccarrestorationclub.com/video/hammer-forming-an-overview-008758/
Wrench Safe!