Thread: Questions about floor / rocker repairs. Tools required

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Soon I will be starting on the next phase of my 35 Plymouth build. That is the rockers and floor repair / replacement. Also since the rear or the frame has been narrowed modifications need to be done to the trunk / wheel houses.
Some stuff I may buy from the Plymouth Dr. (ie rockers) but would like to try my hand at making / installing the rest of the metal. Never having done this wondering what tools / equipment you recomemend. Also where do you guys buy the metal?
I have a plazma cutter and a mig welder. Any thoughts or suggestions would be great.

Well, to do it right it takes a bunch of tools!!! To start your list you'll need an air shear, left, right, and straight sheet metal shears, cleco set, quality hammers and dollies, and a flanging tool. Too do a really nice job, you could add a bead roller, slip roller, and then it would be on to the expensive stuff!!!! You should have a local source for sheet metal, you'll probably use 20ga, I buy mine in 4' X 10' sheets---so you either buy that locally or pay exorbitant freight rates to get it trucked in.

Fabbing up an entire floor and a set of mini tubs isn't that tough a deal for an experienced sheet metal worker, but are you sure you would want to tackle something like this for your first project???

The only thing I would get different then what Dave told you is get an electric sheet metal cutter, not air. I had an air shear and it sucked. Went to home cheapo and got a Miluakee electric one, what a difference.
You may also want to get a shrinker/stretcher cause you will need to make bends and stuff.
But I do agree with Dave on the job you are tackling is not for a novice. Best bet is to at least have a buddy who has some knowledge in this area to be there to point you in the right direction.

This link is a forum that will teach you the skills for metal working.

All MetalShaping - Powered by vBulletin

Thank you for the list of tools and the link to AllMetalShaping (I'm now a new member).
I'm sure you guys are right that this is not the best project for my first. I do have some friends who will help as much as needed but I like to learn as much as I can frist. Thank you for the help.