Page 66 - Issue 44

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Tinman Kustoms

Sheet Metal Work: Tinmans Basics
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WORDS AND IMAGES BY LUKE MERRILL (TINMAN 2 KUSTOMS)

heet metal is one of the core materials that each of put “slappers” in this category as they are slightly
us car guys will work with. I defi ne “sheet metal” as hammer-like (but more of an advanced skill).
Sanything 14-26 gauge in thickness and in either steel, » “Dollies”: Any sheet metal will imitate the shape
aluminum, or stainless. Most vehicles are a combination on the other side of the applied force. That’s how
of different thicknesses; Body panels are generally 18-22 dollies work. Any hard object can potentially be
gauge, while structural/heavy stress body areas may be used as a dolly, just consider the shape needed.
thicker. The material used depends on the application, » Free “Dollies” (AKA shaping tools): bricks, wood
however cold rolled steel is the most often used in most blocks, logs/trees, steel wheels, etc. The options
automotive applications because it has the lowest price- are endless.
point. In certain applications stainless and aluminum are
preferred because they will not rust. Tip: For many DIY projects a basic harbor freight
Anyways, this is the fi rst article of a 2 article series on hammer/dolly set will work fi ne. The difference
sheet metal work. This fi rst article focuses on the basics here between the more expensive and cheaper
of forming “mild-steel” sheet metal. The next article will brands is usually the hammer handle quality.
focus on advanced techniques that can separate the Otherwise the steel aspects of hammers & dollies
backyard guy from the semi-professional. The differences are generally pretty universal.
between the two are generally seen in the quality of the
end product, but not the ability to “get the job done”. For Tools needed for measuring, marking and template
example, proper tools can make your fi nished product making:
higher quality and/or stronger because of extra shaping  Sharpies, different size circles/radiuses, tape
techniques that become available with more advanced measure, masking tape & straight edges.
tools. However, for most applications basic are just fi ne; » Mittler Bros and some others make fantastic
rat rods are about the basics, after-all! layout tools, however in a pinch you can always
fi nd something in the shop to use as a template.
Tools needed for basic sheet metal work (explained & For example: Paint cans come in a variety of sizes
sourced): and can be used as stencils for marking radiuses
 Something to cut & grind metal: without a dedicated tool or stencil/template.
» Pneumatic or electric grinder, tin snips, air shear,  Tag Board or cardboard (Used for making
or one of many other cutting/grinding options templates)
 Something to shape metal: » Accurate templates can save an incredible
» The most diverse process of working with metals: amount of time, abrasives and material. It’s easier
There are tons of different ways and tools used to & faster to cut and trim a piece of tagboard to
do similar shaping/forming. exact shape and trace onto your material, than
» “Hammers”: Your bread & butter to basic it is to keep trial fi tting & cutting/grinding your
shaping; nothing can get shaped without. There material to exact fi t.
are many types and each has a specifi c purpose. » Tagboard can be bought at Walmart very cheap.
The most commonly owned is ball-peen. Others Or keep the cardboard that comes in the mail
include pick, cross-chisel, coned, etc. I would also with your parts- you paid for it!

66 RAT ROD MAGAZINE ISSUE FORTY-FOUR

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