Kerry ... That sure sounds like a fabulous web site .. I know I would love to see the forming of the panels.. I purchased the part behind the rear window just before the trunk and it wasnt cheap.. it was off of another wrecked and rotted convertable..I changed the hole front end on the car because of rot.. on the left front fender and around it ...if you can make a fender panel , so i can preserve the original front end.. can u contact me off line at lillyvine@xxxxxxxxx ........ Thanks
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Kerry Pinkerton" <pinkertonk@xxxxxxxxx> Date: Sat Jan 25, 2003 05:47:01 PM US/Pacific To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Subject: Re: Apologies Re: IML: patch panels Reply-To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thanks Arran, I do make a small patch panel where I had to cut out a hand sized piece of the left lower quarter.� It was pretty straight forward.� I used the english wheel just because I wanted an exchuse to use it.
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A couple weeks back there was a thread about the price of replacement parts.� Someone was upset that some NOS or junkyard panels were 200 bucks or so.� Based on the emails I get, most people have no idea the level of effort required or the specialized machinery needed.� In the past year, I have built or�purchased an english wheel, sandbag stand, air hammer frame with huge air hammer, planishing hammer, shrinker/stretcher, tucking tools, pullmax machine, and a bunch of other stuff.� I did this primarily so I could make patch panels for old Chrysler C bodies and the like, ie, those that are not available anywhere else.� I'd like to help my IML friends but I'd also like to make a little money to fund my habit.� In other words, I ain't gonna do it for free.
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The hardest part of making a patch panel is having something to use as a reference part.� People want to know what a rear quarter for a xyz would cost.�
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I've made a few whole panels from fender lip to bottom but by far the easiest to install are the inner panels..� That is if the 'frame' of the panel is solid, replace the inside and use the existing frame.� That way you are sure that everything will still fit and line up.� Plus welding in the panel is easier regardless of your welding skill level.
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I think what I'm going to do is build a web site (saga) showing the tools, what they do, and describing how to build something.� Perhaps a rear quarter for a 61 since I'll need some for the GeeA project and have the cars to use as templates.� It should be interesting and educational for everyone interested in the process.
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KerryP
Patch panels fabricated
Imperials -- 50 Limo, 57 roadster, 61's, 64, 68 Convert, 73, a 66 300 and a bunch of lesser marques
Kerry;
�Don't apologize, making patch panels sounds interesting. Unlike some at least you have the courtesy not to conduct business over the list. Will you be featuring some of this on your latest Paint and Body Saga?
Best Regards
Arran Foster
1954 Imperial Newport
Needing A Left Side Taillight Bezel and other trim parts.
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