A little light entertainment: 1939 Ford 1 ton Utility restoration

[jack neville]

I wasn't sure how to get the curve into the sheetmetal as it needed to be folded evenly and with enough pressure to get it to follow the timber. I decided to clamp the panel down to my bench and make a rudimentary device to make the curve. There are already two holes on the side of the bench so I bolted square tube as arms to each side and welded another piece to join them. Pulling down on the arms dragged the cross piece hard against the sheetmetal and pulled the sheetmetal down.

[jack neville]

That worked pretty well but it got a bit loose at the end of the arc so I jammed some timber in to tighten it while I trimmed one end and dressed the edge. A little heat was needed or the tight spots.

[jack neville]

So far it is coming along nicely.

[Mike K]

Very nice work , a little patience and thinking and it all works out

[Ganmain Tony]

Nice work Jack..

When you say 'Carved' how did you shape the timber?

I'm sure you weren't sitting there whittling with a pen knife

Incidentally, what's the thickness of the sheet metal you're working with?

[jack neville]

Thanks lads.

Actually Tony I used a bit of old fashioned method. Spokeshave and a speed file.

[jack neville]

I also have 1940 and 1941 models of these 1 ton utes that I might get to one day. I need a few more bits for the current body as it is lacking military fittings having been a rear body off a civilian model. Today I took the back off the 1940 model. You can see it has been made a bit wider and has been extensively modified over a hard life. But it will contribute quite a bit.