Basic Equipment needed for first time sheet metal fabricators

[@shwngbr]

It is not the tool, it is the person using it. Your channel demonstrates the importance of knowledge and skill over fancy tools. Great info.

[@AppalatchieRaised]

Fitzie your channel gave me the push to tackle the trunk driprail in my 59 Belair. It turned out better than I ever imagined. I watched your trunk repair video probably 20 times while doing it. You are a storehouse of knowledge and an inspiration to us guys with not much money but a desire to fix something most would call unfixable. Your Crusty project is chock full of ideas that you will not find with the mainstream bodywork guys. As someone else mentioned here in the comments- you changed my life. I was close to selling my 59 I’ve owned since 1987. She’s close to finishing now thanks to you.

[@beavinator420]

Id nvr sell a 59 no way

[@keithd8143]

As a beginner this is exactly what i needed, a grounded and simple approach to the tools list. Its very easy to think you need a bunch of specialized tools when you never done this sort of thing before. Keep up the great work Fitzee!!

[@jerrypuckett6733]

Just remember. There’s no wrong way. Just your way. If it works. It works.

[@David-uu1oj]

Keith, keep going back through his videos if you haven't already, I started watching two years ago and I've even done floor boards and unibody fender replacement by fixing and using cut off panels.

[@RADIOACTIVEMASCULINITY]

Using what you have around to make a project happen is one of the most gratifying feelings

[@stuartmarkman769]

I have been a mechanic since I was 18 and I am 78 now. I have every tool you mentioned and more. I never owned a welder and I decided too buy one last month. I went on line and watched a lot of videos. I decided on a flux core for the type of welding I want to do. I want it for fixing my rusty lawn equipment. I can mig weld but I did not want the expense of the gas so I guess it is what it is. I will learn how to use it and It will give me a good hobby. You are an inspiration too a lot of people and I like the way you work. Great videos. God Bless.

[@joelkoonce8559]

Thanks Tony. You da MAN !!! My Wife is Thai , I have learned so much from Thai craftsmen, They do all Their work on the floor, simply tools , but exceptional work.

[@user-uu8ig5hs1l]

Such wonderful tips. It's good to listen to someone who's gone before you and knows the score. Now if I can get my sons to do the same. It's tough. It's tough.😑

[@homepup72]

Definitely a great idea to recycle metal. I'm currently taking sections of sheet metal off of an old water heater to use to repair a 50 year old 240Z Datsun and it's working great.

[@billnlori3149]

You forgot about the shop kitty!! Gotta have a kitty or a dog around!! Great tips Fitzee, learning lots from your videos.

[@rjung_ch]

Exactly, where is Peanuts? Missed her this time around.

[@BrucePierson]

@@rjung_ch Yeah, something missing at the end of the video.

[@atruefreethinker1944]

Great Vid. I am one of those that welds in shorts and flip flops. You made me laugh when you said that. Also, grinding. Thing is, I caught my t-shirt on fire once while grinding. The sparks like to melt or burn fabric.

[@BrucePierson]

Make sure you use cotton clothing, not synthetic.

[@grishakotov9851]

When I started repairing one of my own cars 2 years ago I stumbled upon your channel. It seemed you would upload a video just in time to help me with the next patch. I've always heard these words "don't get carried away with it, don't overthink it, just start doing it from a simple, bigger peice and work it until you like it". Your tips have saved me a lot of frustration and brought me to a point where I can say I'm proud of my work. Now that my friends want me to do work on their cars, here's what I'll hear you say each time I cut/weld : "focus on doing quality work, not quality tools" I only have 2 grinders, 2 hammers, 3 vice grips, 1 dolly and a small metal bench like yours used to be. Enough to get the job done. Thank you once again, Tony

[@garymccord4277]

I worked on old cars for a long time and you could have not said it any better than you have in this video. We learn something everyday about how to do things. You are a good educator and thanks for helping young guys getting started. A+++++ Fitzee

[@chrishouse5753]

You can find awesome educational videos and obviously down to earth honest people but you nailed it, Fitzees also such an awesome teacher. Keep it up.

[@alandust2188]

Sir, you are truly one of Canada's treasures!!! Thanks for being who you are.

[@robertsomerville320]

Thank you Fitzee. You are an exceptional teacher, and have helped me to learn sheet metal fabricating. Your videos are always super informative, and creative. You have done an amazing job at helping people learn the trade, and have sparked the interest of the youth today. Cheers from Winnipeg, Rob.

[@joshdakota01]

You make me feel way better about wanting to learn how to do this on my own car. Thank you!

[@mattthescrapwhisperer]

Excellent presentation Tony. I found a Millermatic 135 at a garage sale for $400. It was on a cart, had a full bottle of gas with gages, and full, large spool of .023 wire in it. It is my go to welder. For the ones just starting out, welders like mine are out there in the used market.

[@calvinmientke3539]

I paid $800 for my wire feed for welding aluminized exhaust work. "I'll just use up the supplied flux core". I don't know where he lives but "Mustie one" picked up my welder, FREE, off the street and fixed it. I just find junk :(

[@jammy93981]

Can you weld aluminum with this welder?

[@DannyDangerOz]

Found your channel the other day and love it! My 13yo and I were looking at trying to learn some basic panel beating/welding and your channel is a gold mine. Thank you!

[@billlezak1977]

Wish I had this info earlier would have saved me money . Practice is the most the most important thing, If you are just starting this is a good place to start,

[@arthurporter1054]

I’ve been using a lot of your videos to teach myself how to weld thank you so much for putting it out there people like you make it possible to restore cars. I wish I was able to ask you more questions.

[@fitzeesfabrications]

@@arthurporter1054 I'm always looking for questions!

[@velixzeen]

Thank you for your tool rundown. A great amount of sense and experience showing in what you use. All the best from Manitoba!

[@jeffreydavenport530]

Hobart welders are made by Miller and in my opinion are just as good. I have owned a Hobart for 15 years and use it almost every day and never had a moments trouble with it. They are also quite a bit cheaper than a Miller but have the same internal components.

[@mycroft925]

Yep - biggest difference between my Hobart and the equivalent Miller is the Hobart has preset values vs the infinite adjustment on the Miller, but that wasn't worth the 50% markup between the two.

[@squarewrangler]

Hobart and Miller are both owned by the same parent company. Illinois Tool Works but I believe are built in separate factories.

[@johnstewart9253]

KISS Method never said better! Cheers from Iron Rock, Nova Scotia.

[@robertluce4194]

Thanks for sharing and being honest and down to earth about the simple tools you use for jobs without the expensive ones you see on other shows that are promoted by big companies.

[@DrAstro-ck7mg]

Gotta say, nothing improved my auto body toolkit as much as the clecos! Thanks for all the tips Fitzee!

[@fuckjoebiden1435]

You can always spot a real fabricator by the burns on the hammer handle. Tack n smack!!!

[@roberthowe321]

I do like my battery powered grinder when I'm out and about and there is no extension cord close by. But corded is most likely best to start out. I do however recommend a battery powered drill/driver,. you will need it for jobs around the house anyway!

[@BrucePierson]

I don't do a lot of bodywork, but decades ago, I bought myself a cheap body hammer and dolly kit with three hammers and three dollies. I mostly use one hammer and one dolly. I started off with a flux-core MIG with switches and I built my shed frames with it and did the rockers on my Mitsubishi L300 van using 16 gauge computer case steel. Later I got a flux-core inverter dial MIG and I built my trailer with it. Those wire clamps you showed are actually brake cylinder piston clamps! One important piece of safety equipment you left out was ear muffs. Very important if you don't want to end up deaf in your old age like a lot of us from using power tools in our younger days without hearing protection. You can also use that vice handle as protection against intruders. As always, your videos are very interesting and informative. All the best from Queensland Australia.

[@alexanderg5929]

I have a Datsun 240z and if anyone knows about them they know how bad they rust. Your techniques and methods have definitely helped me out! Cheers!

[@geneva760]

So glad you mentioned about keeping the guard on - I cringe when I watch professionals (IDIOTS) using cutoff wheels without a guard. If anyone thinks there is no need for a guard - they perhaps may change their mind if they search for cutoff wheel accidents - only an IDIOT would not use one after becoming aware of the sometimes deadly consequences of a cutoff wheel disintegrating. Have a safe and nice day all. CHEERS from AUSTRALIA.

[@ebre3080]

I repaired my Mercedes E class from 1999 (they are ALL rustbuckets) with only a grinder a dolly from a railroadtrack an some vicegrips, a modified clawhammer and a ballpeen hammer. i just paid for bending sharp edges because i have no brake. My knowledge is from you, make it kustom (Japhands) and halfass customs and i thank you guys for putting it on the web. I made my own floorpans, rockerpanels?(under te doors) and door bottoms, not like factory but by my liking and i get compliments from mechanicks that they are made well they only laugh about my welds but i don't care for pretty. But!, i do not agree about the welder, i bought the cheapest mig welder i could get with absolutely NO knowledge about welding and started reading the instuctions rammed a spool of flukscore wire in it and with an afternoon of practice and a half spool of wire in the shed i got the feel and i learned welding on the go on the car, yes i burned a lot of holes but after i repaired that i had learned and went to the next mistake. What i mean to say is that you only learn by doing stuff and make mistakes even welding in any modus.

[@mikeburne7581]

Thanks, I have my eyes open for scrap steel now.

[@IllusiveChristie]

Great for starting out, and for myself that finally decided to retire. Fitzee got me to switch to smaller wire, when I was taught to weld on cars (1996) 30 to 35 is what we were told to use. And 25 wire was for delicate work or real thin metal. I was stuck in the generation when people were still gas welding, lead filling, and mig welding sheet metal. So I've been working on cars for 22 years thinking that. Not to mention when you go to other parts of the world they use different methods of doing things.

[@joepacheco4038]

Was there also, sheet metal was much thicker then, and larger wire was the norm. Today's sheet metal is designed to last as long as the car ( not very ) lol actually a lot of repair panels are bonded together with glue.

[@servicetechnician3264]

Hello Fitzie. Thanks for showing this to us beginners. All was good, except no kitty at the end. lol George B. in Michigan

[@seanalexander9531]

There's nothing wrong with the keep-it-simple approach! Not everyone can afford (or wishes) to spend a heap of money and I really appreciate this video. Thanks Fitzee :)

[@tomfull6637]

Hahaha 🤣 I love it!… “you can see the ones I don’t use that much, they’re not burned that much “. Excellent subject and presentation! 👍🏻

[@franstolsma554]

Hi Toni, Right to the point vid. Your right about the welder. A cheap one bite you in the butt. By the way i use computer houses many times for there sheetmetal. Thanks for spending so much time to show what is used to do the job. 👍😉

[@dougscriver7726]

You are still my hero what a inspiration you are thanks 😊

[@OldJoe212]

Hey you new kids!!! What Tony is telling you is gospel. With what you've seen here, I've replaced my rockers, made new fender bottoms, and rebuilt door bottoms. A good source of steel is old bed frames. I built my sheet metal break from one. Not as big and strong as Tony's but perfect for me.

[@BrucePierson]

I haven't built my sheet metal brake yet, but I plan to some time

[@luimackjohnson302]

Superb and Brilliant! Thank you for sharing this video. Greetings from Papua New Guinea.

[@jackrussel8898]

Thanks for your videos I can do body repairs so easy with confidence from watching your videos I would love to shake your hand problem is I live in the UK wishing you and your whole family health wealth and happinesses and may everyday of you life be full of love joy and happiness.

[@adriancooper8192]

At the time of writing, this video has 4,600 views and 818 'likes'. Nobody else on YT has a hit rate like that! But you can see why, 46 minutes of pure gold. Thank you Tony

[@workonitm8]

Thanks, you give some solid advice about tooling, ...........keep it simple ! I worked in an unrelated industry where we made most of our tools.

[@rickjackson3414]

As always….another great video……I started with a cheap harbor freight flux 90….. couple years back I got a new Hobart 140… .23 wire with gas is great for sheet metal ! My old flux core did make me better with the grinder. I love your simple approach. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@paullaviolette2610]

Thanks - you are the best. I live on the west coast of Vancouver Island. On our 25th anniversary we drove to NFL where we found the nicest people in the world. You are truly one of them !

[@verbat1900]

I've never ever done any body work, never restored a car, but I've always wanted to and I'm kicking 50 in the ass! Just from watching your channel has given me the confidence to try and restore a 76 camaro. Absolutely no way I'd have tried the body work without this channel.

[@itsalldoable]

Hi there, Just recently subbed to your channel. Really enjoying your videos. Great tips and ideas. I have been playing around with cars all my life and I have learnt something new from you to which I thank you 👍. Now in my 60's and restoring /building a replica of an old 1955 MGTF. I have started my own channel to share my project with other people and also show my restoration style. Kind regards Paul from 48 Spokes 🇬🇧

[@Adventcha]

Absolutely legendary info and teaching mate!, Kiaora from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@bennymcmunn9683]

Fitzee, your videos I find have been a great help to me and I find my

[@bennymcmunn9683]

I find myself doing well and I'm learning a lot. I get excited when I make a simple fab piece for my car and it turns out great. Your time and patience is always appreciated and informative. I do at times need to watch some of the videos more than once or twice because I missed some detail. But I am getting the knack for forming pieces and getting a more confident. Thanks and keep doing what you do.

[@dualdrive3628]

Absolute best welding channel on KZbin. Love to have a beer with you one day😊

[@michaelelkins3413]

Hobart and Miller are owned by the same company ITC, last I knew they had a plant in Troy Ohio, I went there to warranty the gun and hose for my Hobart MIG welder.

[@travis1572]

I agree. Don't need big money equipment ,my uncle did work in a dirt floor with what he had, and things came out fine, I have the same welder you have, I do wish it had the dual voltage option thoe. Thanks for the videos, they are very helpful.

[@ScottPetrillo-fh3bw]

Hi Fitzee. I did autobody repair many years ago and thankfully I kept almost all my tools. I just picked up 66 tempest that needs work...go figure. I started cutting out the rusty windshield channel and then found your videos. Never thought about making patches before cutting out rust. What a smart way to make them. Now I'm following your advice and see how much better I can make those complex cuves. Really appreciate your videos. Thank you for taking the time to teach an old dog new tricks.

[@rwstillwater]

I'm 80 years old and have been working on cars since I was 15. In the last 25 years I've built 22 hot rods. Your tools and equipment and mine are almost identical. No need for more unless you are doing world class work.

[@DrFiero]

I had a wheel detonate on me. Had taken the guard off to get in a tight spot. Fragments almost took off my finger, more in the back of my hand, some through the top of my boot and into my foot. Guards. Always. Stay. On. Now.

[@chrisprice4420]

I've got a lot of holes on my car like rockers, tops of the fenders, floors, trunk! I definitly don't have the cash flow for all that stamped metal from AMD or buying used panels, not gonna work for meat all. So watching these videos may just be the perfect alternative.

[@peterzinia3767]

I totally agree with keeping the guard on the grinders especially if your using cutting wheels. I took mine off so I could get it into a tight spot & sure enough the cutting wheel shattered. In the blink of an eye I had a piece hit my finger. It went to the bone. I was leaking pretty good. Should have has it stitched up but I put pressure on it til it stopped bleeding & sealed it shut with Superglue. Finger was swollen for a week so I probably broke it. I will not take my guards of again. Also always wear a good faceshield. A couple pieces hit my shield.

[@richardteale3217]

Many thanks from England Fitzee and a happy new year to you . This video was such a breath of fresh air in todays world where so many people are “gear freaks” such people are not really interested in getting really skilled at a job, unless they can buy their way in rather than spending time practicing . It happens in all walks of life now and is a sad indictment of our consumer society . Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate quality equipment as much as anyone but to get real satisfaction from anything you have to put the time in. A good analogy would be the kid who takes up guitar and when it quickly becomes an uphill slog he asks daddy for a “better” one . Three or four guitars and loads of cash later he gives up. Give the crappiest guitar to Eric Clapton and it would sound amazing . Such a shame that people want instant everything. Progress ? I think not. Anyhow I will get back in my box now and thanks again for sharing your wisdom .

[@billmiller7138]

I've started using silver welders pencils (after 60 years of metal work). Easy for my old eyes to see and can sharpen to a fine point. Great info as always!

[@kirkbillings8171]

Thankyou for your great knowledge I always learn a lot every video your my favorite channel to watch

[@endeavour2127]

Great video!👌 I would highly recommend everyone watches Fitzee videos at least twice. I've found that as I am gaining more experience I am picking up information I missed the first time around. We are all blessed to have found a fantastic teacher like Fitzee!!👍

[@mikeallenfort4691]

Thanks Fitzee. I’m learning more from you because you don’t use fancy stuff. I’ve always liked to reuse old stuff and make things from scrap. You’re the best!

[@stephenmorgan8510]

I'd like to add hearing protection to the list of equipment. Grinders are loud and will ruin your ears. Good stuff Fitzee.

[@yorkshirecarrestoration]

Nice to see someone else also using basic tools :)

[@flatworm00]

Thank you for this podcast...it was great.

[@jeremyhanna3852]

It's simple the tools don't make the man the man makes the tools work

[@alanreed9187]

Thank you, very informative, it reassures me what kind of welder I need to get. I appreciate your knowledge.

[@jasonhoffman9895]

Thanks for always being so willing to share your years of knowledge and making this kind of work accessible to any one willing to try. Not a big correction but Hobart is owned by Miller, my Hobart had a Miller stamped stinger when I took it out of the box brand new 👍. Keep the awesome and informative content coming.

[@joelkoonce8559]

Thank you Fitzee . I have learned so much from you. I have been doing paintless dent repair for 25 years for the car dealerships and am always trying to expand my ability. Thank again. 😊

[@kevinfitzpatrick2913]

Great advice.......thanks for all the great videos. The tips are always good! Cheers mate.

[@grege2383]

The grinders with the On/Off switch are DEADLY! SOONER OR LATER IT WILL KICK OUT OF YOUR HANDS! The paddle/ deadman switch saved my femoral arterie from being severed when it kicked out of my hands and the cutting wheel hit the inside of my leg. All it did was nick my jeans. Had it been "on" spinning full speed my femoral arterie would have been severed.

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Ouch

[@frodobaggins169]

I think the round spring clamps purpose are used for holding the drum brake wheel cylinder together during a brake job. At least that's what I use it for. Thanks for another good video!

[@BrucePierson]

Yep, exactly. I just commented on the same thing.

[@nickploszay2310]

Love your videos really helps a person out who is tackling rusty metal. You explain things better than my body shop teacher ever could. Thank you sir and stay safe.

[@glenhynes3593]

Who needs specialty tools when you have the talent that you have

[@tonyrandazzoe8210]

Thank you Fritzee for sharing this

[@minnesotatomcat]

I use my angle grinders for EVERYTHING, they just feel better in my hand and I have better control than trying to hang onto a little air grinder or something. I don’t mind cords, piss on them batteries. Love the channel bud 👍

[@humblekind4857]

Always good tips but also your approach to the tasks I find to be excellent as well. A can do attitude gets things done as well as knowing when to have a break and think on things. The sense of achievement after reviving my car from MOT failure (UK) is seriously good and I can't thank you enough for the videos.

[@David-uu1oj]

Always enjoy your channel. Since I started doing my own metal work a small variety of clamps and self taper screws are my extras hands and a quiet helper.....🤣 Oh, pick up your Ryobi drill and battery sets around fathers day for good sales.

[@garyf5192]

Haven't seen all of Fitzee's (excellent) videos, yet, but this one gave me the most reassurance that I could tackle what needs to be done without going crazy with equipment I might use once or twice.

[@petediamond7263]

Fitzee you are a humble man with excellent skills thanks for sharing your tips! The only thing you are missing is a shop dog I know one guy that has a shop Rooster true story ya can't make this stuff up.

[@fitzeesfabrications]

I got a shop cat!

[@MyBlueZed]

Heading out this Saturday to purchase a welder, grinder, clamps etc so PERFECT TIMING! Restoring a 1978 Fiat X1/9 and I’m at the rust repair stage. Thank you Sir! ❤️🇦🇺

[@juanaguilar1715]

Thank you very much for your dedication to help and instruct us newbies in the repair of our bent and dented car panels. We have a 66 mustang coupe that was rear-ended, by viewing your videos you have given me the courage to tackle the job.

[@neechieandthebrain4481]

Great video Fitzee. Your videos are a huge help for me. Don't matter if I'm working on my 1969 Buick Wildcat or my 1989 GMC truck. Very very helpful stuff you post. Thank you Fitzee 👍💯

[@jessemalsbury9008]

God bless ya Fitzee! I've been watching hours and hours of your videos and learning a ton! Thanks for investing your time into those that want to learn.

[@jorgefernandez-mv8hu]

Thanks for the tips. Your work is tremendous and you have a great way of explaining how to get it done.

[@michaelkennedy9507]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video

[@brianhdueck3372]

How well I can relate to your tool chest. Having always had to make a dollar stretch ever since I was a kid is reflected in my tool box. I am now retired and playing on hot rods still using what I learned to work with. I get all the sideline work I want to pay for my addictions lol. Keep em coming sir! Always great to see your videos. I have learned much.

[@willlothridge3197]

Great video Fitzee, I’ve always appreciated your keep it basic style. Looking forward to seeing your next video

[@thomasweatherford5125]

Awesome stuff! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! The simplest way of doing things is so much better oftentimes.

[@DougsMessyGarage]

Always fun playing with toys... I mean tools. Great info Tony.

[@IllusiveChristie]

I do recommend a hammer that is not epoxied together or fiberglass handle. Looking for a wood handle Stapled or shim construction. Good ear protection, myself 10% hearing loss. A must alone of people forget I did. I also use "free" sheet metal. I will find a a vehicle like dodge ram van, or Chevy panel van and use all the sheet metal and frame. I'll find one that has rust and blown motor for under 500$. sell windows, the rear end, seats, dash, etc. Usually the price for towing and vehicle becomes close to 0$. Once I found a old 25' box truck with steel sides that they paid me to tow away, and an old AMC rambler also. Anything I dont/can't use goes to the scrap yard. Hope this helps

[@johnbarker5009]

I would not have thought to cut my grinder guard smaller, but that makes a lot of sense. I do all I can to leave the shields on my grinders, but they can get in the way. I see a lot of people working with them removed, but you're right. Shrapnel goes every direction if a wheel blows up.

[@robertjospeh1097]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@danielhughes9556]

Thanks for the tips. I'm new to body, but not metal in general. Very insightful information.... I have been stocking up tools, and I decided to go with .030 wire. I'll run it, but now I understand why you go .023. I will be doing a restore on a 69 Datsun 510. Thin sheet metal for sure. Can't wait to get stuck into it. Thanks

[@stevenburton2302]

Excellent demonstration I enjoyed 😉

[@markfuchs9385]

I bought a chunk of scrap I beam after the first video I watched of yours, and I use it all the time....

[@paulerickson1906]

Excellent advice. We all need a sensible approach to getting things done. Thank you Fitzee.

[@chrishouse5753]

Fitzee, I've been loving your videos. This video was awesome. I'm just a tiny do-it-yourselfer and learned a whole bunch as a kid who couldn't afford anything but a rust bucket as a kid. Now, successful, my kids are old enough to buy their own rust buckets and I have all new work to do for them. I'm ready to try all kinds. BTW the Rock is the best Province!

[@carlgeorgtsigakis498]

Seamstress tapes are also great when your alone in the garage, you can attach the beginning with a magnet. :) Also buy a used name brand welder rather then a new "no name" brand, easier with parts and easy to flip again if you need to sell it. I bought a cheap old ESAB for $200, common welder here in Europe, and it does the job, just gotta learn the welder you got. :)

[@chopperhehehe]

Best advice iv seen for a good while . Don't waste your cash on fancy tools Old faithfulls do the job fine 👍👍👍😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦕🦄😁🤞✌

[@Don14320]

Great list of the first timer needs, not wants. Thank you. Keep up the great job!