1947 Biederman Truck Fender Repairs
Tonight in the shop we started the repair work on the front fenders for the 1947 Biederman Truck, seen here for reference:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%203604.jpg
The fenders are made using 16 gauge steel, so this may be a bit challenging when we get to blocking and wheeling patches for the fenders themselves. In the meantime (while still waiting for the new English wheel) let's get started on the inner fenders. The driver's side is the worst, with so much rotted away that we couldn't get accurate dimensions. The passenger side was in much better condition, but just shy of 70 years has taken its toll in adding some wavy distortion. So we'll remake both sides for a better match.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%203644.jpg
In order to get a more crisp bend on the 16 gauge steel, we used a tipping die in the Lennox to thin the metal at the line of the bend.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204254.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204261.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204265.jpg
Bending in the Baileigh Magnetic Brake..
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204258.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204267.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204268.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204270.jpg
This detail shot shows how the thinning helps get a tighter bend..
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204260.jpg
Next, we needed a profile template for the rear radius, so the kick shrinker is used on a folded 19 gauge strip to add the radius..
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204279.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204278.jpg
A flat folded strip works better than an angle as if you shrink too far in this direction.....
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204280.jpg
......you can simply shrink the back half to reverse the effect without the need for changing to the stretching die..
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204281.jpg
Now with an accurate pattern, we can use the template on the new inner fender..
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204282.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204286.jpg
All trimmed...
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204290.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204291.jpg
With the new clamped to the old, we can see what the years of abuse has done..
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ure%204292.jpg
One down, one to go..