MTFCA Forum

We shouldn't get in a hurry. It's human nature to goof off for 2 or 3 days and then get back to a project and want it done quickly. Perhaps it's because these thimbles don't show I forget I need them until it's too late. Putting the radiator on today I could only find one. The other disapeared or it wasn't there when I took the radiator off. They only cost a couple bucks but I didn't want to wait for an order so I made one today. It took about and hour and was kind of fun. It resembles the rusty one because I made it too 7 years ago. I have them on my shopping list now.
Rich

So now I cannot unsee this. Is that roof flashing metal? Put a socket inside and peen it over to fold the top then cut the fins then put it in another socket and bend the 'fins' over?

I believe it is just 22 gauge sheet steel left over from building some fenders or top iron sleeves. Fortunately there always seems to be a socket (or wrist pin) the right size.

You do nice work. I've used my sockets on occasion for light press work but never a fabrication like that.

Richard: I'm surprised ( shocked, actually) that you do not maintain a pre-rusted inventory of that particular sheet metal so the finished parts match the car better. Nice work on the part by the way, I continue to enjoy your posts, pics, and artwork. best, jb

I have turned shafts specific sizes to use that way but in a hurry the sockets are close enough. I have only ruined a couple and that was in the press. Sockets are cheap at the secondhand store.
That thimble will be suitably rusted next time I see it. I sacrificed a ruined slash apron with rust on it for items of that thickness. I also got a discount on a full sheet of rusty 22 gauge from the steel shop but chose to use a small piece of "new" for this piece.
Bending steel is such a pleasure. (Perhaps a Superman quote).