E69 Using a Stud Welder for Pulling Dents! 1956 Chevy Bel Air Restoration

[@jimallen2977]

"I'm trying to preserve the soul of Christine." That's awesome!

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I don't mean to channel my inner Arnie Cunningham, but there it is!

[@MagaRickn]

I bought one of those stud pullers too. Very nice piece of equipment. My Longhorn bull had damaged the left rear quarter panel of my 56 to the point that my son convinced me that replacement might be the better plan. This was after he had beat and pulled on the quarter panel one whole afternoon. Got it looking good, and he definitely has some skills! I ordered the new driver side quarter panel, which unfortunately they only offer 2 dr hardtop panels, so a sedan requires more work. I used the stud puller, and I am way more of an amateur that you are Bill, but I was really pleased with the progress I made! And I did not have the lever tool you showed either! Highly recommend the stud dent puller. After practicing with the old panel, I will probably still replace the complete panel as I spent $1,000 on it and have it waiting. Really enjoyed this video!!

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I guess everything has its place where it makes sense. Some of the repairs that I've done I might do differently now, having learned quite a bit along the way. The one thing that I am doing this go-around with Christine is that I am not going to hesitate to spend a few dollars on a better tool to either do a better job or to save time and back-aches!

[@elkgroveflorin5223]

I always think of Shoebox Chevy's as a shoebox that contains mementos, memories, experiences, with pictures, or birthday cards, father day gifts etc...Just like these Shoebox tri fives, the memories contained within the soul of the car, should be preserved just like the memories contained in a shoebox of keepsakes. One's journey is what is of value and learned lessons that can be shared, just like the journeys and experiences learned and shared with a classic. Not sure if that makes sense, but I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer. lol

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Pretty deep and cool sentiments! I ran across some old pics the other day, the kind that when they were first taken were the sort that don't get "framed." They're the ones that aren't interesting when they were first developed, but NOW they are the ones that really tell the story!

[@stevemason6850]

Thanks for the info on the stud lever.Ive got two creases on my 55 Roof just above the windshield.Dont want to remove the head liner ,and windshield so I can hammer/dolly it.Looks like the stud gun is my answer. As for the high spot on your door have you ever used a shrinking disc? Take your time,and let the heat slowly build up.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I saw it used by I believe Karl Fisher and the other metal working guru that seems to be an all-out master metalsmith. It just couldn't get my head wrapped around it. But, it may be the secret!

[@flyer615]

Once again, a fine episode in the books. Also, again, I totally agree with the parts deserving to remain with the car. Myself, I have more time than money anyway, so it's a win-win. 😆 I truly appreciate your willingness to share the experience and your knowledge. You have a great ability for teaching. I have always been a bit timid to do bodywork, but your "lessons" give me confidence to move forward with my own project. Thanks for the continued education!

[@RestoringChristine1956]

You are very welcome and I appreciate the confidence!

[@bradreeves7534]

Hi again Bill. If I was the one that said replace the door I want to apologize if I offended you. On my 55 I try to use original parts when possible. Bought two used fenders that had been in barn loft since the seventies. Drove 500 miles to get them. I understand where you are coming from. I even paid extra for a made in usa floor. Keep at it.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Brad, absolutely no offense taken! Replacing the door makes practical and logical sense from the standpoint of saving time and labor. I guess I just needed to profess the love!

[@mazeurbanski]

she is coming along nicely good work

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Thanks!

[@dylanheyl]

Great video, as usual. I'll definitely have to rewatch when it's time for me to do this on the lightning.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

It's super easy to use! Biggest trick to remember is to be sure that the metal is BARE!

[@Sam-yy1db]

Bill nice to see you working on Christine again! The weather is looking good to start back up on my end also! Just got some trunk pans in going to install those. Wish me luck and patience. 😂

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Ah, yes, if only they sold patience at Harbor Freight! LOL!

[@3MonkeysGarage]

I like what you said on that door. And, you can buy a door, but you can't buy experience. Plus, I would much rather work that old steel compared to what is produced now. And, there is plenty of garbage in the crusher piles. And then you have that package that arrives with brand new bent body parts you have to work over. You have really demonstrated how to dig into the worst and bring it back. There is a lot of value to that. And that is going to inspire someone else not to throw in the towel on their own project.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I keep telling myself that it's all worth it, because no one in their right mind would pay someone to do all of the labor! LOL! Glad you're finding the inspiration!

[@sheet-son]

Power tools are awesome. Well done Bill

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Thanks!

[@kidjeff4304]

glad you found that stud welder--I was gonna recommend it, but I try to not give advice...

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I was going to try to get by without it, but I could never find a good way to apply brute force from behind panels that were enclosed. A hammer and dolly wasn't going to work and I have a couple of nasty areas that need to be un-warped. After using it just this once, I can't complain about the $100 that I invested!

[@johnjason7204]

Bill you should try to remove the studs with a pair of wire cutters. Grab close to the head and a usual 1/2 turn will let the stud fall away. Get good with it and you can reuse some most of the studs. Without grinding those pimples off..Give it a try.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I will definitely try to do that when I hit the top of the rear quarter panel. I was using the 2 mm studs and they're kind of wimpy - they might break off. The 3 mm studs are a lot beefier. But, I'll give your tip a try!

[@kennoland5319]

with your stud puller lever. while you got pressure on your panel, tap around it or the high area with a body hammer. it will help bring the low up and make everything uniform. instead of just pulling it up then it just springs back.

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I will definitely give that technique a try!

[@sizzle073]

I didn’t have much luck with the harbor freight stud welder, they kept falling off on the first or second pull. In my frustration I tossed in a corner and forgot about it. But seeing this I might give it another shot. Now I have to dig for it cuz I don’t remember where I tossed it at lol. But I will look into the stud lever, never heard of it. Thanks and keep up the great work!!

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I was surprised as to how easy this worked. I had maybe three or four studs pop off out of about 30 or 40. Without knowing what happened in your case, I'm wondering if you still had paint in the way? It passes a current between the tip and the barrel collar, going through the work and into the tip of the stud, causing it to fuse. If that circuit can't be completed, it won't bond.

[@sizzle073]

Your right, it requires a good electrical flow. I was always using bare sheet metal. Perhaps I used the bigger studs I don’t recall.

[@MagaRickn]

Do you have a link to the lever tool??

[@RestoringChristine1956]

Look up ''Steck Stud Lever Tool" model #20014

[@joewolf4483]

Wise to get that metal as close as possible because the door takes a constant beating in normal life ... excess mud would not be a good idea ... gives you peace of mind too ...

[@RestoringChristine1956]

It's one of those deals where if you've got the right tool, you're going to use it, and if you don't have it, you don't realize what you're missing!

[@mazeurbanski]

I'm a True Believer if you can salvage all the original sheet metal you used the original sheet metal

[@RestoringChristine1956]

When I restored my 71 Cutlass, all of the metal was salvaged from a 71 trunk lid!