47-55.1 Hey you all, how the heck you doing? I'm working on my truck again!!!

[MARTINSR]

It’s so amazing what we can learn randomly in everyday life. Today in 2025 I used skills I learned at Nick Cassaro’s “Early Ford V8 Shop” 45 years ago. I repaired these grill bars that were bent out of shape and dented using a Vixen file, vintage baby! Many dents and buckles are now GONE. They are now perfect and ready to be chrome plated.
RIP Nick and thank you so much for all the knowledge you gave me.

Brian

[dsraven]

nice job.
I have a few of thos files. one is the original handle style that can be adjusted for curve, one is a hardwood block with the file screwed onto it, for doing completely flat areas. i have several loose files as well, for doing an initial "shape" or remove high spots on fresh filler filler. rub a little soap stone or chalk on the file first so filler doesn't stick.

[MARTINSR]

I have the adjustable curved one too. I just found that like a sanding block that using the flat one gets the job done. Hmmmmm, never used it on bondo, interesting.

Brian

[dsraven]

I also use plywood strips cut to fit the longboard paper. I staple the paper onto the plywood. they work great for getting straight panels. i found the plastic longboard that a lot of guys use, with the handles on top and a thin foam under the paper work surface, was allowing too much flex and panels didn't come out as flat as expected. long rigid sanding block, light pressure, even on filler, shows and sands the high spots.
yeah, preaching to the choir, lol.

[MARTINSR]

Originally Posted by dsraven

I also use plywood strips cut to fit the longboard paper. I staple the paper onto the plywood. they work great for getting straight panels. i found the plastic longboard that a lot of guys use, with the handles on top and a thin foam under the paper work surface, was allowing too much flex and panels didn't come out as flat as expected. long rigid sanding block, light pressure, even on filler, shows and sands the high spots.
yeah, preaching to the choir, lol.

Yeah, we can make "sanding blocks" out of a bunch of things for sure. I never did what you do with the plywood, interesting.

Brian