for Allenlook

[George Willer]

Allen,

In answer to your question about straightening sheel metal...

Here's the replacement hood for Rambo. Actually it's his original I retreived from the scrap. It seemed beyond hope, but I needed the one he was wearing so Barney would have one.

This hood had earned its' place of the scrap pile for the following reasons:
1. The radiator neck hole had been cut out to make room for the neck.
2. The front was severely bashed in.
3. There were 10 holes drilled in the hood for various unknown reasons.
4. The support brackets were missing.
5. The hole for the exhaust had been crudely closed with a patch pop-riveted in place.
6. There were various cracks around the light bracket mounts.
7. Several of the threaded mounting points were missing.
8. The tank itself had 10 dents... thankfully most were small.

So... the secret is time, patience, and determination... and a well equipped shop helps. All the repairs were properly welded, and a golf ball sized wad of Bondo finished it off.

I think I spent more time on this hood than it takes Ralph to do a complete makeover.

[Patbretagne]

That's a great encouragement to us, how much time do you think you spent on this project George, Hats off to you
Pat

[TOOLMAN]

George
What A Master Craftmans you really are
Us younger Tractor Owners should all work a day with you to see how a true Craftman performs his crafts.
Tony

Beautiful Work Here as well as all your projects i have seen

[beaconlight]

Beautiful George. Back in my younger days i was on a Stock car racing team. Things happen but Artiie Nelson wuold have everything straight and beautiful for the next race. I was only a grunt but learned a lot from him. He was an artist with a hammer and dolly ans well as with a torch just as you are.

bill

[Don McCombs]

Great job, George.

[allenlook]

Wow!

I've been thinking about the hood, and the more I think about it, the more I can envision myself banging on it so much that it will stretch to twice it's size

I think for now, I'm just going to leave it alone - I know my limitations and I just don't have the time (nor especially the patience) to turn out a masterwork like THAT.

[meandmydeere]

Now there is a project for George. Two Cub engines, side by side coupled into one rear end and one front end. With the hood that Allen straightened and made twice as wide.
Mark

[Rudi]

Guys:

Ellie's hood and Granny's are almost in the same shape..

I should take some closeups to show just how bad it is and get recommendations.

I am assuming that with time and patience and a lot of help from y'all that it could be repaired. The tank itself is in too good a shape to toss, and it has been Red-Koted too.. Just has one ding in it that needs to be straightened and with the right tool I think I can do it without too much damage to the sealer. I even have a mock up for the tool in me cranium.

It has to be a dolly that will fit through the neck, have a somewhat moldable handle, be hard yet soft enough not to damage the inside whilst I somehow manage to pop the ding.

Anyways, this is another good article, and I would appreciate any documentation on how to do this... I know it gets difficult... as I find the same for the projects I work on... and remembering to bring the camera is also a biggie.

But ifn y'all could it would be something.. truly would be..

I can put it all together if I get the pics and narratives..

Thanks y'all

[George Willer]

Rudi,

I have the tool you describe. It's a trailer hitch ball with a slender rod welded to it. The rod can be shaped however necessary to work on the dents it can reach. Unfortunately, most dents seem to show up behind the baffle.

[Joey]

Mr. George:

What type of welding machine do you use to do sheetmetal repair? Sheesh! Just by looking at the picture, I would swear that the hood is a brand new one!

[George Willer]

Mr. George:

What type of welding machine do you use to do sheetmetal repair? Sheesh! Just by looking at the picture, I would swear that the hood is a brand new one!

Joey,

For most welds I prefer a delicate aircraft torch that I've used for OA welding light metal for many years. I feel it gives the most precise control. The disadvantage of the torch is the certain warpage that must be dealt with using hammers and dollies.

For some minor things, such as filling drilled holes, I use a mig welder against a copper backing. The mig doesn't create as much warpage for these very small welds.

[Rudi]

George:

Perchance my friend do you have a picture Please

It never dawned on me that a trailer hitch ball would work...... And I think I am lucky.. this ding is in front of the baffle... I hope anyways.... will take a few pics and get your opinion...

Thanks as usual