How to repair rusty cross members

[@paulquirk9041]

Sometimes I look at what Fitzee starts with and think how the hell is he going to replicate that mess? Simple answer is one section at a time. His work is truely inspirational and works of art when done. Wish his shop was closer to me, I'd love to hang out for a bit

[@stevendouglas6593]

Watching him always makes me feel like “yeah, I could do that”.

[@botoepfer8588]

@@stevendouglas6593 I all but gave up on a project, finding this channel has been a huge inspiration

[@MrCapiroto66]

This channel is pure gold. One of the best channels on KZbin.

[@v5u7sulh2]

absolutely agree with you!! This is the kind of Pure Gold channel yt was built on!

[@cars3800]

Agreed

[@mohawkmike142]

I agree Marcello.. Fitzee's work is top notch. Much to learn here. Thx Fitzee.

[@mangoMango-ck3et]

Second THAT.

[@ericparks6386]

I’ve learned so much in just a couple days of watching

[@interpinto]

Yesterday I would not have tried that repair. After watching your step by step I would try it. Thanks.

[@dj9ry]

Same feeling here!!

[@Powerwagon563]

There are few true craftsmen such as this gent nowadays.

[@WILDGEESE399]

I have watched many channels on metal repairs you my friend are heads and shoulders above the rest hats off to you sir 👍🇳🇿

[@brianhinkemeyer1776]

Man you're the first channel I've seen doing real blood and guts restoration work. Thank you for taking the time and effort to share your knowledge with us! AWESOME STUFF

[@musinkaboi6665]

If I live nearby I’d go sweep his shop floor everyday so I could watch him work and learn his craft.

[@katykayy]

My brother just bought a Ford 1929 Model A. He asked if I could help with the rusted door panels and such! I’ve only been welding a couple years. Artwork and gates. I said; oh no! That’s a totally different animal there! I came across your channel Fitz! Now I’m like that little train going uphill with a huge load! I think I can, I think I can! Thank you so very much for being such an awesome teacher! It’s going to be fun!!!!!

[@MikePassey-yg6se]

I needed to make almost an identical piece but on a F100 using #14 gauge, my implementation with the rolled edges needed to change. It turned out better than I would was expecting, thanks Fitzee you give me help to make my own pieces.

[@dariuszornatowski9327]

Fitzee you are the greatest! I have started to rebuild a rusty 1973 MGB and became overwhelmed with the amount of work and not knowing where to start. After watching your video's I have been able to gain confidence that yes it can be done and I don't need a bunch of specialty tools to complete the job! I have a entire cross member to change which was stressing me out, but now I have a plan in mind. The sills are toast but if I get that cross member changed I will have a good starting point to get me rolling! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with all of us!

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Keep me posted on progress. I'm glad I could help

[@aaaapppp2854]

You sir are a true metal artist. You make it look so easy. And all the while you are explaining the process to the point where I can understand and see how it works out. 😁

[@damiancampoz4493]

I work metal too every video I see is new tip I had never thought of , you give me no option but to watch every video, and your work is too too perfect you deserve every penny you charge, you do more work and more perfection than most of us that I know of , great tips please keep making great videos THANK YOU

[@douglasphillips24]

I worked on patching 73 Chevy Truck hood today using your methods & the inside structure was rusted so I fabricated a piece then tacked it in using pulse method. It took several hours but turned out great. Thanks for your videos . Big help.

[@TMart-yw6sl]

I haven't been back to the Rock for 15 years and watching you fit and weld metal is strangely comfortable. Thanks for the videos, very helpful.

[@garethgoodchild2643]

It is so satisfying watching a genius at work! Please don't stop making these videos Fitzee!

[@5tr41ghtGuy]

Now I know why quality rust repairs cost so much!

[@ToreDL87]

Yeah doesnt matter how they're done, they take a long time.

[@FunFun-tv7gq]

Awesome work and tips. I can’t thank you enough. PLEASE keep the good job up teaching us your tips and tricks. Cheers from Melbourne 🇦🇺

[@rvmagnum5415]

watching an artist at work , truly a master craftsmen .

[@blsully]

I have a 54 Chevy I'm going to need to do some sheet metal repair on after I finish up the mechanicals and have been incredibly apprehensive about taking that on. A metal-worker, I am not. But your videos, tips, and techniques make it appear much less insurmountable. Thanks for all your efforts.

[@johnpisciotto9655]

You are such a great teacher, thank you for sharing your skills. I'm 64 and learned so much from watching your videos. Trouble with other people doing repairs is all you do is watching them go back and forth cutting to fit patches. Your method of placing over than cutting on a 45 is the best. I look forward to watching your videos.

[@JimTheZombieHunter]

Just rewatched this video. This exact cross member is missing the outboard ten inches each side of my Granddad's '68 merc pickup. What I take from this (and the Nova quarter video) is stop worrying about trying to patch with a single formed piece and don't be afraid to weld. I suspect this is where many of us amateurs get gun shy even if we're comfy with the MIG. There's a discarded hood from a seventy-fiveish Ford pickup out back here in the farm dump. I'm going to retrieve it today (that should be fun dragging out of the bush) both for raw material for patching the Merc, and to cut a few bits out of the contoured sections and replace them to practice a few tips that I've learned here on this channel. This is a golden series. Love the can-do attitude and little tricks. After watching you, I feel as if I've been tutored by an actual hands on pro. Perhaps not today .. (practice, practice..), but you WILL make me a better fabricator. A heartfelt thanks pal. One suggestion for future videos .. I suspect many of us shade trees are also arsed by the "how the heck do I get in there with the gun" problems: weird box sections and scratching our heads as to how the factory ever put that together, as well second guessing if what we've done will be strong enough. And fill. Anyone watching you has done it, and a lot have gotten pretty good as far as making it look good .. but are we doing it right? Lead is dead .. would love to see a polyester 123. Have we been doing it wrong all these years? Do the real guys use Crappy Tire quart cans, or is there some other magic?

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Oh i slung my share of filler. Lol. Its one of the reasons i try to finsh off my welded panels like I do. A over lapped patch need 6 to 8 inchs to flow out the lap make it straight. Nothing worse then sanding filler and cutting threw a edge on the welded panel. As for the hard to reach areas with the welder. I look to see if I can remove something or get at it from the other side. It why I believe in doing repairs from the inside out.

[@peaceeagle1618]

Wow, Fitzee what a fantastic series of programming. I'm in the middle of a project involving a 1934 Austin Clifton roadster that was built into an Altered in 1962. I have most of the subframe for the body built but now I have repair bottom of the body where they just cut out the rust. Your videos have proven to be invaluable in this project. Thanks so much for your great work!

[@markwatling5991]

Thanks, Fitzee, for fantastic work. I'm a shop teacher and deeply appreciate your craftsmanship with basic tools and machinery.

[@ruchn1kz]

accidentally found this channel and im absolutely glad i did, been fixing rust on e36 and honda civic eg9 and im impressed about how you do this work with so much quality, it inspires me to be more patient and learn more!

[@johndutton4095]

Love this sort of content, not silly hyped up content, just solid decent usable guidance

[@Hutchy45445]

Another great tutorial 👍 my new favourite channel. You probably know this already, Fitzy, but you’re gonna get skin cancer if keep welding without covering up. Thanks for making these videos!

[@jdpower5552]

The scribe line against the black marker tip was great and so simple,thx

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Ive been fixing rust on my wifes 72 Datsun 240z and Ive used some of the tricks learned from your channel to make the panel replacements. Your deserve so many more subscribers. The time it takes to do a panel justice sometimes go unnoticed. The trimming, fitting, retrimming, welding, grinding takes soo much time. You make it look easy!!!

[@privatepilot2617]

Your prep and execution in so engaging, so completely practical, it is a sad time when each vid comes to an end. Your teacher should be proud that you too, have become a mentor/teacher.

[@gtogreg2811]

Wow. This guy is good. Makes difficult things look easy and gives amateurs confidence.

[@CopyCatGarage]

one of the few channels I don't have to fight back drowsiness with. Great Information and I am learning so much. Thanks Fitzee!

[@bicyclewrench]

Yo Fitzee. Thanks for the education brother! Because of you I've finally started on my 53 Plymouth. You the man!

[@fattony9851]

I be so Excited in a time like this whenever you Post a video it helps to Not only inspire but helps take one's mind off of all the crazy that's going on in this beautiful world thanks and keep inspire🤙👍

[@kevinaloisio3]

Fitz I've been in body business a long time i can't tell you how many little things I've picked up from you in a month thank you sir

[@richevellefr7721]

You are a true craftsman,Mr. Fitzee's.Beautiful work and very conscientious. Thanks. Your videos are great.

[@fojnica2226]

you are artist................greetings from croatia

[@TimmyMoza]

Gotta say fantastic work. And step by step is so appreciated. Learning so much.

[@vintage396]

Amazing...what an excellent teacher.... what experience and talent ....at its best ...nothing is ever a problem... never intimidates anyone..

[@hecner]

I am genuinely blown away by how easy you make it seem. Thank you for sharing your skill with us.

[@britjamaine9229]

New to you about a week ago and couldn’t wait for work on the Bronco. Excited for it as I have been working on one as well, with another in line. I was debating ignoring that problem but now I know how to fix it. Thank you.

[@anthonylester3247]

My God you are spectacular plus you're accent = I can't get enough, teach me my Lord 🙏 Fitzy

[@johnpaulsmulders8639]

Thanks Fitzy, that is the best step by step tutorial to achieve what look like complex repairs with basic hand tools. Right down my alley!

[@davidfusco6600]

Really nice work! I went to school for autobody, and loved doing restorations such as you are doing. Unfortunately, my attention to detail made for a slow worker in a fast paced shop, and jobs that didn’t last long. I’ve been a machinist now for forty plus years, looking foreword to retirement and again restoring old cars!

[@jamesbashaw5831]

"...on that infamous 45 degree angle." This very well may be the best channel on KZbin.

[@airtimegraphix1084]

dude! im addicted to this channel

[@tomchristopher71]

You're advice to have more metal and trim it is golden. I had trouble cutting my metal too small and then it made sense when you mention it in your videos. Thanks.

[@SketchysGarage]

You can also start with poster board for a template then transfer to metal.

[@1965Gindy]

I like that ih

[@randytravis3998]

@@SketchysGarage your talking about using the CAD system .. Cardboard aided design ..

[@SketchysGarage]

@@randytravis3998 🤣🤣🤣 I liked that.

[@stantilton2191]

Another fine job Fitzee , Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Danno74Z]

Love this series! Teaching myself to use these techniques to repair rusted areas on my 260Z.

[@Skihist2]

This channel has inspired me to get into welding and fabrication. Awesome job!!

[@123suzukisamurai]

Man o man. U sure got this figured out. My hats off to u

[@EldonRHiebert]

It's these little tips that you show the way that really helps. Use a lot of heat and do spot welds instead of trying to run a bead. That little tip is magic right there. Love your channel, love the real work you do, and the editing is fantastic. Some people edit out way too much and you don't get those little tidbits of magic like you share. Working on a '66 Mustang myself. Frame rot, inner panel rot, etc. Your teaching shows me the way. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@tombaker3794]

I don't do this kind of work, but I can recognize an expert craftsman when I see one, and this individual is just that - a top notch expert.

[@MorrowSind]

You, sir, are a master of your craft. Beautiful work!

[@williamcharles9480]

A true fitter and fabricator, you certainly are, Mr. Fitzee. I'm loving your way of using minimal pleasures to achieve marvelous results. There's a lot to learn here because you work in an environment that much matches those of us that have had the fortune in finding your channel. There's quite a few expensive specialized tool hawkers (vendors) that would like to silence you, I'm sure. Again, many thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@MrDurandal25]

Brilliant stuff. Well laid out, and insightful

[@johngenova9870]

Thanks for doing this, you're a craftsman and a fine teacher!

[@magnum357225]

Great job, a lot of people think metal work is easy but it take a lot of imagination, planing and being able to see all the steps before even starting.

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Yes and many times you see the problems you will run into along the way before you even start

[@mjm7187]

First you build a body rotisserie, great videos and camera work. I love the make do with what you have attitude on this channel.

[@jameshuffman835]

Sweet! Looks factory!! You are an inspiration! I have a few "retirement projects" and being from northwestern Ohio, I have a lot of rust out!! Thanks for the last tip on the heat, and stitching!!

[@rayrayadkins6178]

I love the way you explain the stuff that you have been working on

[@stinky817]

You, my friend, are a magician with sheet metal

[@nel6211]

I'm glad you mentioned how long it took to make that one small piece. You really need to take your time to make it right. Nice work.

[@stephenedwards7280]

I wish I had of found this channel 12 months ago when I started my project. It’s saved time and money. Thanks from Aus for all your tips champ👍

[@deadwood3764]

Tips were great .Like the felt pen scrib trick.Classic

[@billsmith5166]

It hurts me to watch you do this. Beautiful work.

[@robertdavis6708]

Nice job Fitzee. There's nothing better than a perfect fabrication. It's either right or wrong. And always remember, " Your Eyes Will Never Lie To You " !

[@highpointjdm4223]

Just go found this channel, and have no regrets. Pure gold! 🍻

[@chandiaz7694]

I just can’t get over Fitzee approach to problem solving!!!!

[@carlmason983]

That repair is spot on so much that once painted you would never know it had been repaired.

[@scottbrowder4967]

Thanks for taking the time to share you experience. I always learn something watching you work.

[@robertb8280]

Another Great video. I wish that I found this channel before I did my rocker panels on my Ford. I spent weeks trying to bend long pieces of metal into a z shaped pattern. Live and learn. Thanks

[@alzzla2730]

That was professional quality work could not even tell at the end matched perfectly 👍👍👍

[@shawnlawrence4840]

Cant tell you thanks enough brother, it doesn't get any better than you.

[@josephleister9198]

Thats some really nice work...you got a good eye for how things fit up...some folks do not....

[@russelldmytrow823]

You are still my new hero ! You have revived hope that i CAN complete my projects ...THANK YOU !!

[@joelkoonce8559]

Thanks again Fitzee . Your Craftsmanship is TOP NOTCH !!!

[@springvaleaccommodation3487]

I reckon I'd have spent three days measuring, making templates, cutting, folding and trying to form that thing from one piece....I'd have used enough plate to re-sheathe the titanic, used about 20 metres of welding wire and still not have been there. I've sat here for the last two hours watching your videos I've knocked round cars all my life but had no formal training. I'm currently rebuilding a 76' Long Wheel Base V12 Jag. There's no real fabrication needed but I feel much more confident to give the bit there is a go with my limited workshop. I'm in Hobart, Tasmania, the Island state of Australia, about as far from Canada as I can be. Thanks yourself for putting this knowledge out to the world

[@mrk.dilkington]

"Better to be looking at it, than for it", as my old Grandad used to say. Great advice. 👍

[@toad3048]

Wow, this channel is a treasure. This is better than Christmas morning! Thank you

[@ProleDaddy]

The tips are always good. Thank you, Fitzee. You're gold. All my best.

[@geddonmeansome9834]

Ive just got into your channel , absolutely brilliant , love your work. Cheers from the UK .

[@williamgorman7867]

Oh my gosh I just learned so much about sheet metal work by watching just this one video. Great stuff!!

[@Rattletrap2]

It is so rewarding to learn something new from an absolute Craftsman!

[@michaelharrison4066]

Agree one the best channels. Can't recommend enough!

[@workingmansrestorations7071]

I love the round bar and flat stock tool... Home made tools are the best. I could have a toolbox of just my home made tools... Glad i found your channel. I have alot of metal work i am doing now and just getting the hang of using my welder an like it

[@workingmansrestorations7071]

I am working on a stand for my grinder and vice. I want to do something cool. I have some wheels i can use and 2x4 steel... But want some kind of design

[@mayorsman0417]

Nice work, thank you for taking the time to film and share

[@budycelyn]

came for the outrigger repair stayed for the accent, nice to see an expert do his thing,

[@gabrielgomez2483]

This channel is friggin amazing!! You do amazing work and cut right to the chase. I also have to do this repair on saab where the fram rail goes into the rear bumber. This is how I will do it.

[@t-dog8528]

You just confirmed my learning from my own mistakes with some welding issues I've had, definitely worth the watch as im refitting and repairing my boat trailer at the moment. And i think it's definitely time i finish making my welding bench sick of doing it on the floor lol.

[@jr7392]

This vid (and others on the channel) are going to save me a ton of money making my own panels instead of trying to fit poorly-made repros. Thank you sir! Also appreciate how you show using everyday tools. A lot of channels start out, "OK, first buy this $1500 tool that you're only going to use once." Er, no thanks.

[@fitzeesfabrications]

I been doing it this way for 30 years. I do have a metal brake bead roller and English wheel. All homemade. Don't use them as much as you would think. The brake gets the most use

[@dateatorjr9671]

I am so glad I found this channel! True skills shared with us and to the point with no bs!

[@leh3827]

YOU ARE A WIZARD FITZEE! You are also a fine teacher. Though watching and osmosis I can do a little bit better all the time. Thanks for what you do.

[@johnwhelan723]

Some good work and advice here, as good or better than other shows

[@ediwilsonfrancodeoliveira3919]

I’m from Brazil, I’ve now discovered your channel and don’t watch anything else, I’m learning a lot from you even though I don’t understand English, congratulations, you’re super professional.

[@717273mopar]

Wow, You sir are a true craftsman!

[@brendanmoore8407]

It's a pleasure to watch you make and explain as you make tricky sections,crafts man at work and no high speed camera work,patience and talent are rare and you have them by the bucket full thank you and please don't stop making these Spielberg thrillers

[@nickp4179]

My friend, you need an apprentice, these skills should never be lost. Great channel, should be a lot more subscribers. 🤙👍🤙👍

[@malcolmchadwick4047]

Fantastic video my friend. You have inspired me to carry on with my MGB GT which I have near enough completed. I lost intererest in doing it but your videos have given me the kick up the rear to get going.

[@dbayboyds409]

Awesome to see how such complex shapes are patterned and made. Get tips for a variety of fabrication challenges. Thank you!

[@disgruntledmarmotcustomsan1530]

I'm getting a 60 C10 going and it needed body mounts. Watching this laid it out in such a good way I built my own and they turned out quite acceptable. Good stuff man thanks.