Straightening a steel sheet without a press - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Railroadman · 11-09-2022, 03:40 PM

I removed the front sheet from my '66's utility box. Overall it's solid, but years of having heavy stuff tossed in there has left it looking like a potato chip. The finished result does not have to be perfect but there's a lot to be desired at the moment. It measures about 51" wide by 24" tall.

My thought is to support the outer edges by 6x6 timber, place a 2x6 or a 4x4 on top, and wallop it with a BFH enough times to bring it closer to desired shape. Anybody disagree or have a better idea? I do not have a press but do have a pretty hefty sledge.

61hawk · 11-09-2022, 07:13 PM

Put it on the driveway and drive over it. I see a lot of hammering in your future.

Railroadman · 11-09-2022, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 61hawk

Put it on the driveway and drive over it. I see a lot of hammering in your future.

Well....had not thought about that, but it makes sense. Certainly can't hurt it any. Thanks!

SkinnyG · 11-09-2022, 10:46 PM

I straightened the header panel of my '61's box by beating it down lots, and then hitting it with a shrinking disk - the dents are "stretches", which the shrinking disk removes. I got it pretty gosh darn good after a good long while, and I am no pro at this.

Railroadman · 11-09-2022, 10:54 PM

I'm learning as I go on the bodywork. I'll admit I have never heard of a shrinking disc but I see there are lots available to buy, and several videos on their use. My education continues - thanks!

SkinnyG · 11-09-2022, 11:14 PM

I have a dedicated grinder with a 4-1/2" disk. I took the guard off and ground down the nut so the whole disc can just float on the surface and gently smooth all the highs down.

Freaking black magic and voodoo, it's one of the seven wonders of the world.

Railroadman · 11-19-2022, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 61hawk

Put it on the driveway and drive over it. I see a lot of hammering in your future.

Hey, that was a good suggestion! That, plus a little hammering, made a big difference. I'm not done with it yet but way better than it was. Thanks!

I tried to take these at about the same angle as the "before" shots.

**Warrens69GMC** · 11-19-2022, 04:56 PM

See, were not crazy, just resourceful

Railroadman · 11-19-2022, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

See, were not crazy, just resourceful

I agree. If it works, why not? I'm not going for a "Day 1" look and with some follow-up straightening and paint, that will be quite satisfactory.

11-09-2022, 03:40 PM	#1
Railroadman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Rochester NY Posts: 117	Straightening a steel sheet without a press I removed the front sheet from my '66's utility box. Overall it's solid, but years of having heavy stuff tossed in there has left it looking like a potato chip. The finished result does not have to be perfect but there's a lot to be desired at the moment. It measures about 51" wide by 24" tall. My thought is to support the outer edges by 6x6 timber, place a 2x6 or a 4x4 on top, and wallop it with a BFH enough times to bring it closer to desired shape. Anybody disagree or have a better idea? I do not have a press but do have a pretty hefty sledge. Attached Images

11-09-2022, 07:13 PM	#2
61hawk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 324	Re: Straightening a steel sheet without a press Put it on the driveway and drive over it. I see a lot of hammering in your future.

11-09-2022, 10:46 PM	#4
SkinnyG Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Beautiful BC, Canada, eh?! Posts: 2,265	Re: Straightening a steel sheet without a press I straightened the header panel of my '61's box by beating it down lots, and then hitting it with a shrinking disk - the dents are "stretches", which the shrinking disk removes. I got it pretty gosh darn good after a good long while, and I am no pro at this. __________________ 1961 Apache: "Grabber Orange" Shortboxed, pancake, step-notch, air-ride, turbo, LS 1977 Silverado: Shortboxed & dropped, potato-potato V8 Pontiac Firefly (Chevy Sprint): The ultimate engine swap: 5.7L in a 1.0L bag Lotus Super 7 Replica: Scratch-built street-legal rollerskate

11-09-2022, 10:54 PM	#5
Railroadman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Rochester NY Posts: 117	Re: Straightening a steel sheet without a press I'm learning as I go on the bodywork. I'll admit I have never heard of a shrinking disc but I see there are lots available to buy, and several videos on their use. My education continues - thanks!

11-09-2022, 11:14 PM	#6
SkinnyG Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Beautiful BC, Canada, eh?! Posts: 2,265	Re: Straightening a steel sheet without a press I have a dedicated grinder with a 4-1/2" disk. I took the guard off and ground down the nut so the whole disc can just float on the surface and gently smooth all the highs down. Freaking black magic and voodoo, it's one of the seven wonders of the world. __________________ 1961 Apache: "Grabber Orange" Shortboxed, pancake, step-notch, air-ride, turbo, LS 1977 Silverado: Shortboxed & dropped, potato-potato V8 Pontiac Firefly (Chevy Sprint): The ultimate engine swap: 5.7L in a 1.0L bag Lotus Super 7 Replica: Scratch-built street-legal rollerskate

11-19-2022, 04:56 PM	#8
Warrens69GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Safford,AZ Posts: 3,621	Re: Straightening a steel sheet without a press See, were not crazy, just resourceful __________________ 1969 307, t350 1950 Chevy Wagon 1978 Big 10 1967 C10, 250,3-OTT



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