Tricks of the trade.

read somewhere to tack weld half of a washer on the backside of the body panel you're filling in so that the other side is exposed. tack weld the new sheetmetal then finish off the weld. I used this technique and it worked like a charm.

Originally posted by disfiguredS10



A stud welder will put a nice handle on a small filler.(key hole,antenna)

I do that all the time!!

The biggest thing to remember is to work smarter not harder.

I made a bag jig for mocking up airbags.

One side is 3" to the center of the holes for a 2500, or RE6, and the other side is 3.5" from the center of the holes for a 2600 or RE7. Just set up to do slams reallly, but it worked out perfect.

When bending pipe for a xmember or a bridge, instead of working with a really long piece of steel, I use a garden hose to bend to the estimated shape, then measure that length and cut down the tube so I'm not working with a huge stick. I also like to draw a mock up of any complex bridges I build on the ground with chalk. Helps to visualize a little more for us multi-sensory idividuals.

I like using metal shears for cutting out firewall and trans tunnels. I didn't move a wire on my firewall when I cut it out. Didn't cut any wires either. Works better than an airsaw or sawzall. You can get a set of shears at Harbor freight for $40. Works good.

Originally posted by Uneek1



When bending pipe for a xmember or a bridge, instead of working with a really long piece of steel, I use a garden hose to bend to the estimated shape, then measure that length and cut down the tube so I'm not working with a huge stick.

Dam im goint to home depot tomorrow and buying all of their garden hoses.

Originally posted by thacru78



I like using metal shears for cutting out firewall and trans tunnels. I didn't move a wire on my firewall when I cut it out. Didn't cut any wires either. Works better than an airsaw or sawzall. You can get a set of shears at Harbor freight for $40. Works good.

you talking about air shears? What if i don't have a big enough compressor to run them?

Be patient.

Edited: 2/14/2007 10:22:14 PM by IDMINITRUCKER

Originally posted by sdime2372



Originally posted by thacru78





I like using metal shears for cutting out firewall and trans tunnels. I didn't move a wire on my firewall when I cut it out. Didn't cut any wires either. Works better than an airsaw or sawzall. You can get a set of shears at Harbor freight for $40. Works good.

you talking about air shears? What if i don't have a big enough compressor to run them?



they make electric ones also. I got a pair and they work prety good for the price

Do one thing at a time. Dont start to bag it and do body work at the sametime. Unless you have money and everything you need with the body seperated from the frame, in that case i envy you. Shit cost to much and you jump around with to many projects going on at once, just drags on longer then it needs to. If you have a lathe or have one at work, you can make your own 4-link for half the price places sell them for. You just need to buy a left handed tap.