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Post by bigbill on Aug 21, 2013 19:42:58 GMT -8
Larry a shrinker/strecher is the standard way to form panels. Your measurements have to be correct but once you learn how to use one it will do the job better, easier, and faster. They are starting to come down in price but still costly. I still form alum with a hammer and dolly but complex steel panels I borrow the use of a fiends machine as it will do curves and leave no metal stress to make waves or dimples.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 21, 2013 19:47:08 GMT -8
Oh wow Bill. I would love to see a video of the process.
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flyingham
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Post by flyingham on Aug 22, 2013 16:32:11 GMT -8
Mobiltec, I actually placed the panels on the camper, took a sharpie to the back of them where they met the "walls" to determine where to make the bends. The shrinker makes the radius TOO easy. Like wadding tin foil. Worked out great, just a lot of work. But not really that bad. The hard part is handling the large roof section.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 22, 2013 16:43:41 GMT -8
Mobiltec, I actually placed the panels on the camper, took a sharpie to the back of them where they met the "walls" to determine where to make the bends. The shrinker makes the radius TOO easy. Like wadding tin foil. Worked out great, just a lot of work. But not really that bad. The hard part is handling the large roof section. I WANT ONE!!!!!!!! What do they cost, and where do I get one?
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 22, 2013 17:09:14 GMT -8
I build a frame out of 2x2s that 2 or 4 people can carry the thing around without hurting it. Very simple frame that just screws together and can be built in a half hour. Then set the whole thing up on the roof, the frame holds it up about 3 inches off the top. Then you just start unscrewing the frame and pull it out from under the skin on stick at a time. Works great. I do this while the top is still on but all unfastened to get the top off in the first place if I am going to re-use the same top. Then you can just set it on top of two saw horses with the ends hanging at each end. Two pieces of the frame work underneath extend out and are cut with a curve to support the ends and keep it in it's originsal shape so it doesn't kink from the weight. I posted photos of the Forester that I did in Colorado somewhere in here.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 22, 2013 18:00:38 GMT -8
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Post by bigbill on Aug 22, 2013 19:28:07 GMT -8
That is the lowest priced one I know of but I don't know how well it works.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 22, 2013 19:55:43 GMT -8
I wonder if it comes with instructions. I have no idea how to work it LOL... I'm going to at least look at it next time I go there which will be soon. I think I'll look at the more expensive models too if I can find them. This one seems kinda small compared to what I saw in the photos. Don't know if that's a good thing or bad thing.
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flyingham
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Post by flyingham on Aug 23, 2013 6:16:40 GMT -8
That is absolutely it. I made handles so I could use it as shown!
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 23, 2013 6:49:23 GMT -8
Cool. I'm getting one. I have to put a whole new top on a 59 Shasta soon. Of course I'll make a video.
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Post by bigbill on Aug 23, 2013 14:06:17 GMT -8
practice on some scrap.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 23, 2013 17:46:43 GMT -8
practice on some scrap. I always practice on scrap with a new tool. Not going to ruin a $600 top playing around. I'm also going to make sure I can return if if I don't like the results.
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HOTRODPRIMER
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Post by HOTRODPRIMER on Mar 23, 2014 14:03:28 GMT -8
Late to the party but I didn't have very good luck with the harbor freight shrinker - strechers,,the second time I used mine the casting snapped,,luck was with me my warranty had yet to expire. I use this tool a lot so I stepped up and bought a Baileigh unit. Danny www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgjz-ZFlCwk&feature=player_embedded
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Mar 23, 2014 20:35:50 GMT -8
What are you making with it?
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Post by HOTRODPRIMER on Mar 24, 2014 5:34:07 GMT -8
What are you making with it? First I will apologize to the OP for posting off topic photos that have nothing to do with this post but these are the only ones I have on the computer that show what I do with this tool,not inexpensive but absolutely necessary in shaping sheet metal. Anything that needs a curve , convex and concave with a lip or no lip. The top couture in the photo below I used the shrieker & stretcher to get the shape with individual pieces and then welded everything together. The new metal body couture was stretched and shrunk after the bead was roller. Basically anytime you need to shape metal to follow a couture,,I'm thinking a straight length of something like the J rail would be something this could be used for or needing to form metal around the bottom that follows the wheel wells. Danny
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