Thread: PANELBEATING ALUMINIUM

Have you ever thought of writing a book Brian?

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

Have you ever thought of writing a book Brian?

If I did, and told the truth, it would be like walking around with a target on my back. I know too many alleged secrets.

why let the truth interfere?

i tried at school by putting dishwashing liquid on and heating it until it turns brown worked a little but not very good

Another method is to use an acetylene flame only from the oxy and heat till you burn off the soot. Not sure how well it works with birmabright though.

Regards,
Tote

i had heard of that one too i wanted to give it ago

It was all English wheel, hammer, wood formers, and sandbag work, no welding. Heat only used to anneal work hardened metal. He said he did get one crack but in an edge that was trimmed off. His goal is to be able to say there is no bog in the new panels.

These old racers can be quite quick. They are very light. On a number of occasions I have seen one embarass the cheese cutter cap types from the vintage sports car clubs with their pukka gentleman's racers.

My dad is a semi retired panel beater who now specializes in custom body work for classic and historic cars. Most of them are aluminium.

I'll have to get some pictures of the Mark VI Bentley Coupe that he is currently finishing. Some of the other cars he has built or repaired bodies for include:

• Numerous Lotus 7s
• Lotus 11
• Austin Healeys
• MG Midgets (and Bugeye sprites)
• MGAs and Bs
• Austin 7 Boat tail
• Offy speedway cars
• and the list goes on

I've learned many of his techniques but hope to spend some serious time with him soon to make sure the old skills aren't lost.