Modifying wheel arches

[Austin T]

I'm working on a 57 Ford right now that will be a Gasser when finished, so far I have done almost all the body mods I need done except for one.... Opening up the wheel arches for the rear slicks. I have practiced on my practice body with a dremel but that was a mess . How do you guys cut them perfectly round and even on both sides?

[vypurr59]

I use the tire as a guide. I use a pencil compass and draw on the body. I use a dremel up to the line, and finish sanding by hand.

[cobraman]

I do the same thing that Jeff does.

[Austin T]

What bit do you guys use in the dremel?

[ScaleDale]

The kind of Dremel can effect this kind of work. I did something like this with a corded Dremel 4000 using the Flex Extension and a foot pedal like for sewing machines to control the rpm better, but it was still tricky. I used a sanding tube thing. Don't know what they really call it. Now I have a cordless Dremel Stylus and anything like this is much easier. The 4000 will cut metal like butter. To finish by hand, wrap sandpaper around something round and keep reducing the grit until you finish with 400 or 600.

Dale

[Jantrix]

I usually cut out the extra with a sharp #11 until I'm close. Then I switch to some low grit sandpaper wrapped around an appropriate size piece of pvc pipe.

[vypurr59]

I use the sanding sleeves in the picture. They have several grits to choose from.