[68_RS]

I want to weld in some new metal for the windshield channel along the pillars and roof of my 68.

I've read that this needs to be fabbed up. Anyone done this that can point me in the right direction?

Thanks

[RealSS396]

Eastwood used to sell 3/4 x 3/4 90 degree pre-bent strips of sheetmetal (L-shaped) with one side notched so you could form bends and contour it. I looked on their site & couldn't find it ... probably discontinued.

To create patchs, all you really need is the 18-20 gauge sheetmetal, a simple brake (vise) & tin snips for trimming & notching. As with any patch, you can create preliminary templates for test fitting using construction paper or poster board.

You can get fancy & get a shrinker/stretcher like Eastwoods to create complex bends.

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?i...rID=459&KICKER

Hope this helps ... Mark

[68_RS]

thanks. too bad they discontinued that. Maybe I'll look for another source.

[68_RS]

anyone else know where I could find something like that?

[alanrw]

You could try calling a local sheet metal fabrication shop. If they have the steel, they can make it up in about 5 minutes. You can notch it with a 4" grinder and a cut off wheel.

alan

[firstgenaddict]

This area was in bad shape, I had to fabricate new metal and patch extensively.


Hand fabricated channel tig welded into place.



I fabricated these by first making a template with paperboard... (seen under the pieces) next I cut some sheet metal and bent a 90 deg bend to make and L shape the correct length. Finally I used a Eastwood Metal Shrinker to shrink the lower lip (where the glass would actually sit) by repeating the shrinking process the piece actually curves into shape...it only moves a small amount at a time so it is very easy to get right... just keep test fitting. The top one is finished ...the bottom one is about 1/2 way done.

[6781camaro]

Originally Posted by firstgenaddict

This area was in bad shape, I had to fabricate new metal and patch extensively.


Hand fabricated channel tig welded into place.



I fabricated these by first making a template with paperboard... (seen under the pieces) next I cut some sheet metal and bent a 90 deg bend to make and L shape the correct length. Finally I used a Eastwood Metal Shrinker to shrink the lower lip (where the glass would actually sit) by repeating the shrinking process the piece actually curves into shape...it only moves a small amount at a time so it is very easy to get right... just keep test fitting. The top one is finished ...the bottom one is about 1/2 way done.

James

Nice metal work there!

[68_RS]

Very nice.

Problem is that I'm not much of a fabricator. I was hoping to get a couple of those pre-notched 90 degree angles I could just weld into the pillars.

Are those being produced anywhere else?

Thanks

[GMJoe]

I've been looking at the strecher\shrinker for a while now, if it works well then it sounds like a good tool to have around the garage.

[firstgenaddict]

Thanks, I find alot of satisfaction in making something from scratch.

The Tig Welder was my Favorite addition... it makes the all the difference when fabricating sheetmetal.

[Zulu28]

I would say that any body shop should be able to make that for you... Go to Home depot to get a sheet of 15-20 gauge steel take it to a shop, ask them to bend it and cut it... probably no more than $20 I would think...

[Icemans_67]

Originally Posted by 68_RS

anyone else know where I could find something like that?

You can get them here, http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/m...egory_Code=MWH

Good Luck

[68_RS]

That's it exactly!

I knew someone here would know.

Thanks for your help, man.

[1320King]

Originally Posted by Icemans_67

You can get them here, http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/m...egory_Code=MWH

Good Luck

But what do you do about the many openings in between the sliced metal?

[Rhino]

You have to weld them up. As such, that material may not be the best for a window channel.

I picked up a shrinker/stretcher at a local harbor freight for less than $100.
I purchased it to do a few window channel repairs, although I'm amazed at how much I've used it since.