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Thanks Arran, I do make a small patch panel where I
had to cut out a hand sized piece of the left lower quarter. It was pretty
straight forward. I used the english wheel just because I wanted an
exchuse to use it.
A couple weeks back there was a thread about the
price of replacement parts. Someone was upset that some NOS or junkyard
panels were 200 bucks or so. Based on the emails I get, most people have
no idea the level of effort required or the specialized machinery needed.
In the past year, I have built or purchased an english wheel, sandbag
stand, air hammer frame with huge air hammer, planishing hammer,
shrinker/stretcher, tucking tools, pullmax machine, and a bunch of other
stuff. I did this primarily so I could make patch panels for old Chrysler
C bodies and the like, ie, those that are not available anywhere else. I'd
like to help my IML friends but I'd also like to make a little money to fund my
habit. In other words, I ain't gonna do it for free.
The hardest part of making a patch panel is having
something to use as a reference part. People want to know what a rear
quarter for a xyz would cost.
I've made a few whole panels from fender lip to
bottom but by far the easiest to install are the inner panels.. That is if
the 'frame' of the panel is solid, replace the inside and use the existing
frame. That way you are sure that everything will still fit and line
up. Plus welding in the panel is easier regardless of your welding skill
level.
I think what I'm going to do is build a web site
(saga) showing the tools, what they do, and describing how to build
something. Perhaps a rear quarter for a 61 since I'll need some for the
GeeA project and have the cars to use as templates. It should be
interesting and educational for everyone interested in the process.
KerryP
Patch panels fabricated Imperials -- 50 Limo, 57 roadster, 61's, 64, 68 Convert, 73, a 66 300 and a bunch of lesser marques
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