Shaping metal is easy, as Holden202T has stated to get awesome finish is the timely process. Peter is a great teacher and the knowledge he has will be lost one day. Some of this is practise. so get out there and practise people. Peter used to be on Gasolene TV show some time ago, you do not need much to start shaping metal at all, no real specialised tooling. Infact Peter and many others I have spoken to have recommended that you start with basic tooling. Because if you start this way you will then understand how metal moves and thus when you step up to the bigger tools you can thus use them more effectively.immortality wrote:Some of those old school techiques are fast been lost which is a real shame. Tip my hat to anyone who can do that stuff.
I have a friend that created EHLIMO. This was created from a wagon (front) and sedan (rear). He is a panel beater and is my age (40ish). He is now working with Austin Healeys fabricating new panels for them. That centre section is all hand formed from flat sheet and the floor while covered with carpet is absolutely gorgeous artwork.
The reasons for this is that there will be a point were you either work on a car that is not supported by rare spares or sections whihc you wish to modify that is out of the realm of normal. For me this is a Bedford (windscreen and outer guards) as well as my Hillman californian whihc i hope to finish off once i am retired. Not my car but is my colour and gives you the idea...... If you truly want to learn take the opportunity before it is too late. Guys with these knowledge are unfortunately slowly dieing, if we do not as the younger generation take the time to learn this stuff it will become lost. Most of this was born from the war when the skills were used to build planes. It is not cheap but well worth it and hugely rewarding.
Regards
oldn64