I need to re-curve a short section of wheel-opening molding. Is there a quick-n-dirty way of doing this without buying a shrinker that I'll probably never use again? It's the end that curves down under the fender at the end of the molding; hard to see if you're not looking for it, so it doesn't have to be perfect.
Alternative to sheetmetal shrinker?
- Thread starter 6T9QDA
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Cuda416
Well-Known Member
The way to shrink a section is really to put an intentional "wrinkle" in the spot, then slowly work the wrinlkle flat again without letting the part straighten out.
1. Put the wrinkle(s) in place
2. Clamp both sides tightly
3. Work the wrinkle(s) flat.
Mechanical shrinkers, though they work, they to it differently and it's not the best way. They scar the hell out of the metal.
More small wrinkles will be better than one big one
1. Put the wrinkle(s) in place
2. Clamp both sides tightly
3. Work the wrinkle(s) flat.
Mechanical shrinkers, though they work, they to it differently and it's not the best way. They scar the hell out of the metal.
More small wrinkles will be better than one big one
Heat red with a small torch and wipe with a cold wet rag to quickly cool. Wear gloves because steam and heat will burn your skin. Worked for years for body shops before fancy equipment.
Cuda416
Well-Known Member
Absolutely this will also work as well, unless he doesn't have a fancy tool like a oxy setup.
Just bustin yer chops.
There are a lot of ways to do it without a "shinker", that's for sure.
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