Making aluminum fender skirts

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

This isn't as hard as you might think, but the end result can work better than the plastic ones that came in the old kits.

First off you need to determine what you want them to look like. To do this I use tape and trace around the body contour. I grabbed a 57 ford and started.

Once you have a pattern, transfer it to the aluminum. What I use is aluminum pipe insulation jacketing because it's what I have. It's .040 thick, but you could prob use thinner.

Now that it's on the alum. cut around the line 1/16th of an in. outside of it using scissors or shears. Make sure you don't cut it less.

Now comes the fun part. Find a reasonably soft piece of wood and something to use as a burnishing tool. I usually use a small crescent wrench, but anything smooth and hard should work. Then you start rubbing the inside of the skirt. This does about the same thing as an english wheel does.

As you're doing this you'll see it starting to curve. Once you get to the contour of the body you're using stop.

Next you have to take that extra 1/16th and bend it over using pliers or something. Trying to get it even all the way around.

Now you can file it smooth. If you can't get all the dents out with the file you can prime it and use putty to fill them. Also you'll prob need to trim the bottom to fit your car.

Once you have that done, prime and paint.

Don't forget you have to do the same thing for the other side only backwards

Here's a different style on a Stud. You're only limited to what you want them to look like.

You can also make scoops using about the same process. The hardest part is getting the corners to work. This'll take a little tapping with something small to stretch the alum. What I used was a pair needle nose pliers.

I hope this helps you. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask and I'll try to explain whatever it is.

Edited September 18, 2009 by Gramps-xrds

[locoengr]

Nice post Bill! What kind of adhesive do you use to attach to the styrene/resin?

TIA!

[Foxer]

I always feared metal working but this looks doable. That scooped skirt is really cool!

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

Nice post Bill! What kind of adhesive do you use to attach to the styrene/resin?

TIA!

You can use crazy glue or do what I do and stick tape to the inside of the fender and press it out to hold the skirt.

[59 Impala]

WOW, a very good tip Gramps. That is a great idea you got here. I'm going to give it a try. Man, I love this place. Thanks again Bill. Dan

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

As I promised George 53. This a different style Bubble skirt. It's still basically the same process except you have to do a little stretching at the front to make the compound curve , but still doable with a little practice.

Is this what you were ralkin about George ?

[purplehornies]

You could also use an old mousepad as a base to strech the aluminum. It's just firm enough to allow the metal to strech.

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

You could also use an old mousepad as a base to strech the aluminum. It's just firm enough to allow the metal to strech.

That might just work I have a few extras around here and might just give it a try. Good tip.

[Eshaver]

Bill , might be a while before I can try a pair of these skirts but I saved every thhing I could in a folder . Thank you very much ! Ed Shaver

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

Russ the mouse pad didn't work as well as the piece of basswood I was using.

I did however find a new tool that works real good. It makes those compound curves a lot easier.

This things been hanging in the model room for a lot of yrs. I replaced the tip w/ a rod and some tips off an old dial indicator and a straight one for small areas. It's a little noisy but works great.

[george 53]

Bill, you GOT it Daddy-O! That's what I'm talkin 'bout! Do you use the same technic to make these as you did the cruzer skirts? Sure came out NICE! I GOTTA TRY IT!!!

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

Bill, you GOT it Daddy-O! That's what I'm talkin 'bout! Do you use the same technic to make these as you did the cruzer skirts? Sure came out NICE! I GOTTA TRY IT!!!