2011 at the Hammond Barn

[RHClarke]

Not so long ago, we recovered a HUP body from the deep dark woods. Brian Gough put us on to it and even showed us where it resided. Now it graces the back field waiting its turn for restoration. I have a desire to add an ambulance to my project list. The ambulance appeals to me because I have yet to see one - restored or otherwise.

The HUP fenders were rotting away from the moisture, so it was a good idea to remove them and store them in a drier environment for future use. Most of the fender bolt heads twisted off with the rachet and socket set, but others had to be chiseled off. This took about an hour to complete. The fenders were bent somewhat, but this was nothing new. Back at the barn it took about 15 minutes to straighten out the fenders and to bang the metal back roughly into place. I'll finesse the metalwork later this winter.

One fender needs some cosmetic work, but he other needs a good amount of patching. They, along with the other two project trucks will keep me busy this winter.

As is usual this time of year, it gets dark early. So I headed back to the city to get my MLU fix. A good ending to a great day.

Photos:
1 - Fenders - condition as taken off the body
2 - Fenders - side shot
3 - Fenders - post surgery (read hammer and dolly) - showing heavy damage
4 - Fenders - still more work required, but in much better shape

[Stuart Fedak]

Not that I have ever used one, but this seems the sort of reason for getting an English wheel for making fenders........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St0hb6vjfTM

Perhaps BoB can add one to his collection of toys for Christmas......... I wonder if starting with one of the fenders from Princess Auto would speed up the process........

Keep up the good work....... I just tarped up the Iltis in the back... no more work on it until the spring time......

Cheers!
Stuart

[Bob Carriere]

I can always ask......BUT.....

....... who will show me how to use it.....?

.....working on soft aluminum compare to 12 gauge CMP fenders is VERY different......

..... I have seen 3 day course offered in the US for $1000..... and they are beginners courses.......

......... I fear you need some natural instinct..... like an artistic flair..... like a scupture would have......

....tried my hand at body work years ago...... with tons of bondo....finally got one side fender done smooth..... real nice........ but was never able to do a matching reverse curve on the opposite fender.......

....... I will admit to my limitations...... that is why I love working CMPs....sheet metal is thick.... easier to butt weld..... you can use a big hammer and work out your frustrations..... most panels are flat...... original welding is not always neat ..... so easy to surpass in what we do..... most bends are 45 or 90 degrees.....

I actually used a large English wheel at Centennial college in the 80s..... teacher was an old panel beater from England.... tons of sheet metal tools had been donated to the college by a patron ...... the English wheel was a massive cast C shape device that was over 8 feet tall.... in 3 months I did manage to make a boat shaped spare tire wheel well for a 39 Desoto.... from 6 seperate small sheet metal pieces....... not really applicable to CMPs but it was fun.

Ah to be young again......

Bob