How to make patch panels/weld thin sheetmetal

[@jojojeep1]

I am a house painter by trade I’ll never have a reason to do what you’re doing, but I’m amazed with your skill and knowledge I just spent the whole day watching 10 hours worth of your videos my wife thinks I’m losing my mind ha ha ha ha

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Haha. Thanks

[@byronperry6014]

Welcome to the crowd.

[@Mr19901993]

Gifted beautiful

[@AppalatchieRaised]

You are a store house of metalwork wisdom. You have no idea how much you are helping folks deciding to finally take on a project they’ve been wary of attempting

[@lawncuttingplusdelta]

Ditto , brilliant how he made the little round plug ..... dang .... fitzee always has me at “ hello” lol

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

He is a "MIG MAESTRO."

[@bobcrouch6062]

I’ll second that motion!!!!

[@desarmandoted21rd50]

@@lawncuttingplusdelta y

[@billsmith5166]

"It's not your fault, it's the metal's fault." That actually made me feel good.

[@perryegerton2056]

My dad taught me everything I know about sheet metal, bodywork, welding, etc. unfortunately he passed away about 10 years ago and now questions are hard to get answered. Your video reminded me of watching my dad work the “Magic” hammer and dolly and making patches out of nothing. This video also answered a few questions I wish I could have talked to my dad about. Thanks so much and I am sure glad I found your videos…

[@Hammy-l6i]

Sorry about your dad, truly sad

[@gregzoller9003]

You know what I love about these videos? If he doesn’t get it quite right the first time, we get to see the corrections. That’s gold! What good is it if all we see is pefection on each process? When mortals do it, it will be far from perfect, and now I know how to fix it up.

[@tgodsey1]

Üi

[@robbyddurham1624]

I'm doing some of this stuff for the first time. I'm seeing a lot of things I could do better and I see things I did right. That's how I've had to learn my whole life. I can't just watch and do it right the first time, I have to jump in and make my mistakes.

[@colinwyndham7903]

Puddings fabrications had a few datsuns of the same vintage, so he might be able to help with the fenders. Worth a try, 😁

[@colinwyndham7903]

Puddin's *

[@the_realJP_]

I couldn't agree more!

[@philipmiller1030]

I've welded a few bits and pieces like that over the years, it's like welding the head on a snowman.

[@Liberatus]

This expert deserves a compendium of video tutorials, as a set to pass down through the generations.

[@retiredtruckersgarage.7606]

your cut n but is famous across the world and now many diy restorers qoute your name when performing it,im pleased your revealing the actual time in completing each task that is worth loads to the diyers and i believe stops them throwing in the towel,i myself never tire of watching you bud and your the first ebayer i go to if i want to know about metalwork.

[@itaintrocketscience]

It’s always fun to dig through KZbin videos looking for repair answers. There is something about finally finding the actual professional way of doing something… ya kinda just know when you found the guy… This is the guy.

[@nicholasarrigo3733]

tony next you have a hole try this use a steel roofing nails they work great for holes and easy to use too and save you time and been doing this for years.thanks - nick

[@JustinPaul1st]

Please explain exactly what you do with roof nails seems interesting idea

[@nicholasarrigo3733]

@@JustinPaul1st put them in the hole and pull back on them and weld its that simple my friend.thanks - nick

[@ameliaward7429]

Nice. Then just grind off the spike. Great tip.

[@steptoeandson3554]

@@nicholasarrigo3733 That saves time, are you using the zinc dipped nails?

[@nicholasarrigo3733]

@@steptoeandson3554 uncoated steel nail or coated doesnt matter.thanks - nick

[@can-cruiser]

Incredible workmanship and attention to details. Your channel should replace all the text books in autobody and restoration repair classes. Hats off to you, Sir!

[@zsoltrusko2829]

This is very true! Somebody who can do it and also teach it, doesn't happen often

[@paulbarton7886]

i like the fact you show us good and bad i.e. blowthru makes me feel better about my welding! cheers, keep up the good work

[@Lonndog]

I don't know about anyone else but I love the longer vids. Lots of great info.

[@marknantais8283]

Fitzee, your like a metal magician , love watching you work the metal.

[@maxbrouggy3126]

Never thought of that way to make small round plugs, I learn something new every day

[@hurricane2649]

I can not even begin to tell you how much your tutorials have meant to me. I have never welded before not to mention the outrageous idea of fabrication. As I have mentioned in past comments you are truly an artist. It was because of your videos I purchased a welder and some basic tools and had this incredibly arrogant idea to attempt rust repair on my 1976 Eldorado convertible. I have made some mistakes and yes had to redo some of my work. However, the vast amount of repairs has been almost perfect. I am going back to KZbin college and attempting to learn the Art of leading to finish my project to perfection. I can not say enough about your magical art of fabrication. I would love it if you offered a number sticker "Fitzee helped with restoring me"

[@meta4282]

This guy is the epitome of the saying,: universe rewards action not thoughts. He jumps in and does it. So positive.

[@victorgojocco1716]

Exquisite Craftsmanship!!!! You are a very rare individual!

[@johnfry9010]

Wow , what a ton of work , that guy loves his Datsun .

[@ARNFjB]

Dude...you're a beast with the metal fabrication. Good lord you were definitely meant to be doing this...even better you enjoy you work!

[@lottiecooper609]

Uncle fitz is a magician!! A true craftsman and a real gentleman!! He explains everything and walks everyone through the process!! Anyone else probably would have given up, or blasted themselves in the head with a hammer!! Thanks for the great video sir!!!

[@is_what_it_is]

Well it's official....I'm a Fitzee addict. I used to sit and watch an airbrush artist for hours back in the day, learning and admiring. Now I just sit here watching these vids, taking it all in and just itching for my next welding project. Maybe an old 'stang, or camaro, or who knows what. Very inspiring to me and a complete joy to watch. Thank You!!

[@mjm7187]

With every episode a bit more of your experience and insight that you share with us all. A journeyman fabricator inspiring the next generation. Grateful for all the people who make your videos so interesting.

[@terrysamsa860]

Thanks Fitzee, the tips have been very good in the restoration of my very rusty 66 Corvair Monza. A body man friend of mine said it was too rusty for a body shop to make money on. Nobody is going to pay for the time it takes. The car done just doesn't have that kind of value. He is absolutely right. Following your methods and using my basic tools and a good Miller 135 mig welder its coming along just fine. Happy to have found your channel.

[@williamtoon6021]

Dont forget to throw a sandbag in the front end when you get her done. Lost a friend the day after she bought it, slid off the road and into a power pole.

[@mechantics]

Oversteer issues were worked out by '66; nonetheless, terribly sorry about your friend

[@Strawberry80x]

Man of few words compared to the ones who bang on for ages, but the few words you said made absolute sense along with everything you did. Learned more here with a handful of words than anywhere else.. Awesome

[@williesweetjr8713]

Not just a master craftsman, but a master instructor. I'm in!

[@Curtis1880]

Thank you! I have my 1949 Ford F2 truck completely disassembled, and started body welding this week. Your channel has blessed me greatly! C. Dwayne Shafer, Stephenville, Texas

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Thank you

[@timmyterd8354]

I bet those down voters can't weld.I am in my late 50s and have welded cast iron stainless steel aluminum and mild steel ( All thick stuff ) mostly on off shore oil rigs, but I could never weld car door panels without warping them until I watched a few of your videos. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. for passing on your knowledge and experience, it is much appreciated.

[@Kennysdodge]

motivation is key when it comes to putting together a mess of rot and twisted metal, watching fritzee, gets my ass off the couch and back into my garage beating the living shit out my 57 dodge truck which i dragged from the brink of being turned to dust , thanks fritzee

[@henryhumada2087]

Great tips. For the longest time I thought you needed every tool under the sun to get a project started. Your ability to improvise has changed that mindset for me. 👍🏼

[@labrd41]

Just a hobbyist, but I can see a positive difference in my shop work and can only attribute that to your videos. Thanks for passing on your knowledge and experience.

[@barrychristiansen4579]

very nice to see a someone doing what they know well and take time to video the process. A most beautiful labour of luv , cat is awsome too! Blessings to you and the family!!!

[@raylarkin5004]

I never advanced it a single click! It flew by and i wasn't gonna miss a single second! That is art when i see you fab! Thanks Fitzee, i cant get enough!👍🏼

[@ameliaward7429]

You are my new KZbin hero. Been looking at a stack of Willy body panels that need a lot of love.

[@dayslife]

please Fitzee , don't make us suffer your awaiting ... you made up for it nicely with this long run .thank you for sharing Tony , we appreciate, as we know it puts you back in your work. and hope your water flood mess is resolved, try to keep it ventilated ...

[@sptrader6316]

The definition of a true craftsman. I restored classic cars (for fun) in my 20's-40s, so I can appreciate the work that goes into it.

[@haroldhinson2150]

Your amazing,Boy if I couuld do that Id be tickled,But surgery left me paralyzed, But I can apreate your talent,Keep up the repairs and I’ll keep watching,Thanks.

[@Biokemist-o3k]

Just started restoring a 70's Porsche 914 that I found in a field. The Rear deck lid was time consuming to get off because I had to back the bolts out a bit , then WD40 it then turn them in and back them out until they backed out. The last one I snapped the bolt off trying to force it. It was my stupidity to force the darn thing. That was yesterday. Today I am starting the actual lid and it really is not as bad as I thought however there is a spot right in the middle that is just like what you are repairing. I must have watched this several times now. I hope they used better metal than Datsun did. Fantastic wealth of information my dear friend.

[@mustangpassurchevy]

You are a perfectionist.. Nice job.. I will have to wait until I retire to spend that much time on metal repair.

[@kib2675]

I am probably a tad older than you so I have not done this for a few years, so I like watching. Cars are like women, it is the curvy areas we focus on. Luckily we seldom have to weld in the flat areas. When I was young it was all Ox/Ac and we found it easier to fabricat parts with heat, but later with MIG we did closer to what you do. In the latter years I preferred TIG, because of the less heat input. Today in the shops it is all about swapping parts and the welding is all done in a hobbyist garage. We have become to expensive to spend time on a job.

[@paulerickson3089]

By not following the old hood corner pattern. You have made it stronger, which is better in my opinion. Excellent work. I like you're shop helper.

[@mxsailor1]

Terrific lesson on complex shapes! Restoring a 71 VW bus in Mexico, 2nd year in… my first resto.

[@jimnugent4966]

Thanks for making these videos. I have always struggled with body work and just seeing what the professional do is a great help.

[@buildadventure404]

2 weeks away till I attempt!!!! Love your videos cause you give wisdom and excitement!!!

[@BlueMacGyver]

I am working on a 1969 chevy c10, I am using the things I learn here. You are making a difference in the world by doing these vids Fitzee. Thank you.

[@mlangfordoutdoor]

After watching this I feel much better about my welds, I wanted to hide them under bondo. Now I know I just need to spend a bit more time on my project Thank you from TEXAS my friend

[@johnnyholland8765]

I hope the owner appreciates all the work you put into this job...

[@rwl8150]

Glad to see you work on this old stuff that most shops don't want to deal with.

[@geordiemik72]

I had been pulling my hair out (what's left of it!) trying to weld Japanese tin foil body panels and had almost convinced myself I was no good at it. Then I watched this. Turns out it wasn't me or my equipment, it was the skinny soup can stuff I was trying to weld. I am now making much better progress. Thank you Fitzee!

[@broomad]

Why 3 dislikes ? Your work is impeccable and simplifies even the hardest shapes !!!

[@jimurrata6785]

Maybe all the freaking ads? Obviously this isn't his doing, but it does get a bit much every three minutes with a video this long.

[@Ed70Nova427]

I'm kidding a little bit but I think there is about 15 different Auto Body training manual publishers for tech schools, so I think he should expect to receive at least that many thumbs downs.

[@broomad]

@@Ed70Nova427 Good point !!!

[@jimurrata6785]

@@Ed70Nova427 Screw them all. Tony's doing it right in front of your eyes. Book smart is not street smart.

[@Ed70Nova427]

@@jimurrata6785 I totally agree! I've learned so much from this guy. I'm getting the "Cut and Butt" down to perfection from watching Tony put a gas fill door in the side of a pick up truck. The first time I tried it turned out pretty good but not perfect.

[@stevethompson5092]

Fitzee you sir are my idol!!! I've recently purchased a mig welder and have been stocking up on a scrap sheet metal that I've found and what friends have given me. I've learned a lot from every video you post! I even rewatch most of your vids ! You do amazing work and seem to be a stand up guy! Keep up the great work and by all means keep the videos coming! I'm currently working on a rusted 2004 Sierra 2500 that the rough Buffalo, NY winters have taken its toll on. Wish me luck!!

[@daniellynch9841]

Luv learning fabrication from old timer that has those tricks of trade.teach us more old friend

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Nice. Like welding soda cans. We used to joke that was what they were made of when I was a kid.

[@AintScaredGarage]

I picked up something again, I always do, your a great teacher, I recommend you on my cannel when ever I'm doing welding, Thanks for the know how

[@stuartmarkman769]

I just purchased a Flux core welder to do home repairs too my lawn mowers and whatever needs welding. I like your videos and I am going too do some of the patch work on my mower decks that have rust through. Great ideas and great instructions. Thank you.

[@lcar9871]

I remember the Datsuns and Toyotas from the 70s (graduated H.S. in 1979). They ran well and rusted even better! I think Chevy bought some of that same metal for the front fenders of their early 80s pickup trucks... Outstanding video. You packed a ton of content and knowledge into it - thank you again!

[@irongoatrocky2343]

Tony, we both know its a feel and guess but when you've done it awhile you make it look easy when in reality its not, you have good skills my friend and the patience to make it work!

[@Rick-O-Shay60]

If I watched your video 100 times, I could still not duplicate this quality of workmanship. Even so, I really get a kick out of watching this kind of skill level, performed with ease by a craftsman of the trade. What I learn from your instructionals, is that "Anything" is possible when it comes to body work. Thanks for taking the extra time to share sir.

[@DIYWHEELGUY1970]

At 3:01, rust hole in hood, and at 16:40, it was like it never happened. Great video, can't wait to see what you do with the Toyota hood

[@roberthuston5508]

I'm sure you've heard this a million times , but you do amazing work with what seems to be very few tools and nothing fancy , but it always works out .

[@davidhumby]

i could watch this man all day . so good to see a person who really knows their stuff and boy he really knows what its about.

[@ronrobinson1990]

You are a real master and and your instruction and tips have encouraged me to pickup my Meg again!😊

[@vsurg]

Your videos have given me the tools needed to do a rusty Fiat 124 Spider restoration. Without them I would be in the weeds. Thank you sir!

[@dbradford24]

perfect time to watch this video. I have been struggling with blow through and some door corners have been kicking my butt. I will use this technique. Thanks Fitzee!

[@daisybobglover5096]

Yet another inspirational lesson on metal working. Keep them coming sir. As CanCruiser said below, you are the new textbook.

[@radicalanddangerous]

For the life of me, I can not understand how ANYONE could give a THUMBS DOWN to any of Tony's videos! They must have their heads so far up their arse that they can't see the sunshine!

[@fitzeesfabrications]

I don't worry about it. I think it's just people who go around disliking new videos. Seems I get a few dislikes within first hour. Must be a game or something. Nothing to lose sleep over.

[@ChrisS-oo6fl]

The day I turned 16 I was hired as a Finnish Grinder. I quickly found out that it was an actual art. We’d grind tolerances within the thousandths by hand. Getting Mirror smooth finishes all with those 36 grit and 50 grit Norton disks. If you grind correctly with tight enough lines you won’t even need the DA before paint. A few mil’s of paint will look like glass. Everyone focus on even grinds, high low, and cutting in on the start and stop but they always run the grinder improperly for a smooth finish grind. They always grind all sporadic winging the grinder back and forth leaving the lines looking like a cat scratching post or an off balance hone. The trick and proper way is to use equal pressure and speed. A slow and level pass with finesse. You never whip the grinder back and forth on a finish path. The cut lines should follow one single direction and meet at a 45 on corners. The cut lines should be tight together but not deep. You should see your reflection in your finish grind. Then through a scotch bright disk on and it will be smooth as a baby’s bum. Looking like chrome. Flap disks are primarily for those that struggle to grind unless your fitting tubing / trimming concave surfaces!

[@jeffmesser796]

Hands and brains of a surgeon. I’m learning more every vid. Wish you were my neighbor. Excellent !,

[@peterpowell4821]

Great work Fitzee - thanks for the education. Anybody who's blown holes in old thin metal will appreciate this video. 👍

[@buckwheatINtheCity]

I love Fitzee's. The way you ronounce your a's and o's is remarkable. You inspire me to get started on my own rusty jalopies.😄You're amazing. 😁

[@buckwheatINtheCity]

See, I wrote ronounce instead of pronounce. Soon I'll be saying gawn for gone and kyar for car, spat for spot. You're a true Irish Canadian.😂Fantastic Fitzee!

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Tanks Der by. You noses all bout da newfoundlander slang! Lol.

[@Luvless69Chevy]

I recently welded on a newer BMW and had tons of blow through. I tried everything on the settings and thought my old welder was giving me fits. Glad to see it's not just me and my welder. Thanks for the great channel, tips and tricks. I like the lathe!!

[@williamtoon6021]

He got me on that one. I'm a newbie on this site. When he said that I thought " That old fart is worse off than me. He just called his drill a lathe, then I saw what he was talking about!😄

[@vitix5906]

Your videos are like pages from a detailed owners manual. You have helped me so very much with the rebuilding/fabrication of contours in my truck bed and the welding tips are the added bonus! Thank You as Always kind Sir!

[@markhoward6641]

Incredible stuff. I'm fairly sure I can take on the straighter flater stuff but the corners on the bonnet, well they just make me ask more questions than the video answers. You make it look so easy, but it's not going to be. A true master of your art.

[@jeremyhanna3852]

Tony I wanted to say thank you I bought a 1950's sunvisor for my 50 buick I was at a yard sale dirt cheap because the main panels were aluminum they had this White corrosion on them and were turning to dust super britle but the chrome trim and mounting hardware was like new so I went to metal super markets bought some 20ga sheet metal the right size and reproduced the main panels out of steel used a propane tank to get the roll in it looks great now to paint it to match I dont think I would tried this job before watching your channel

[@Danno74Z]

Hi Fitzee, You are the MacGyver of sheet metal repair! Don't need to spend a lot of money to work and shape the metal. Fixing rust on a 74 260Z panels and for years thought it was me. I stink :) but as you said it's the thin gauge metal. Also, I found if there was any undercoating on the back side of the panel being welded it added to nightmare. Going to try the technique you taught today. Thanks!!

[@andysaunders3708]

I welded up a couple of rotten Nissan 720 cabs, and sevel Corolla wagons, all '70s and '80s models, and they were not fun. I was told by a coachbuilder that the issue was that the steel had a very high carbon-content in it. You've done beautiful work.

[@johnsecord9697]

A little surprised that you didn’t cut the extra hole out of the old piece and weld it in. I always learn from your videos. I thank you and my Model A roadster rear quarters thank you.

[@carbonspyder235]

Fitzee you make me want to buy a old rusted truck just to try some fabrication I think you show how to do it the best i've found on youtube thanks for all your had work you really make it look inspiring !!!

[@waynegoebel395]

This video takes me back to my early childhood when my father and grandfather were in the coal to gas furnace conversion business and made their own sheet metal duct work and copper gutters. I remember the huge breaks (at least they seemed huge to a small child) and other sheet metal equipment and hand tools. I enjoy your videos very mush Fitzee. Thanks

[@zanforsh]

Couldn't have timed this one better Tony, I spent 2 hours this morning trying to put one patch in the wheel arch of my 1997 scabby Jag. Chasing holes as it kept blowing through, welder on the lowest setting. All the while I'm thinking what would Fitzee do? Gave up for lunch, came in, saw your video was up and studied it. I can't say it's solved things totally, but I'm getting there, thanks to your advice 👍

[@kenswitzer4133]

Tony. You got the magic touch with a grinder my friend👍👍✌️😁👌

[@divadyrdnal]

Thank you Fitzee for sharing your craftsmanship. It is greatly appreciated!

[@JoshStaley]

I love the old dots and cars i wish more people had wanted them

[@ytwhite5930]

I had your video running in the background(unexpected company) and I STILL learned new stuff...I'll pay attention next time!

[@usmcwaterrescue]

Thanks for all your good videos. Helped me so much

[@maddpeanut6313]

Brilliant, simply brilliant! You're the best. I was surprised you bent up that inner structure rather than piecing it together like you've shown on patch panels. Looking forward to more installments. Stay well.

[@kevinflowers3130]

Thanks for the demonstration of fantastic metalworking skills. Greetings from Indiana, USA.

[@byfunkyoid2917]

The fact we see how to get over things is priceless. I’m in love with Fitzee! I thought I’d need loads of tools, but nope just hand tools. I wish I had seen this channel earlier. Just wow - I’m a huge fan.

[@martinplayford6786]

Fantastic video Fitzee. Its great that you spend so much time showing us all the tricks etc. It must take you twice as long. Thank you.

[@geoffreymills9932]

I'm kind new to welding rust as it's cheaper to buy something old and stay within your budget for fixing them up so I know how quickly a simple fix can turn into a big project, patience is a virtue and excepting things aren't always as easy as they seem can be a big plus in dealing with older vehicles, great job as always Tony, can't wait for your next endeavor.

[@markboza6215]

What such talent you have sir ,you have influenced me with technique and valor to no compromise and i have come a long way from 1 years time since i watch your videos ,you sir are such a big influence i cant thank you enough!.

[@jpcheco]

Fitzee, a friendly suggestion: give your metal brake a nice coat of paint and get rid of some of the unnecessary stuff around it. You are a top notch professional and your shop deserves to reflect it! Greetings from sunny Southern California.

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Space is of a minimum and I make do with it as it is. I need a bigger shop. I want to build on and put in a large tool room just for my equipment. If it happens that is another thing. Lol

[@randytravis3998]

@@fitzeesfabrications I went from a 20 or 22 w 20 ft deep garage too a 30 x 40 shop and a 30 x 80 dome tent barn still not big enough lol would love a 60 x 100 ..with 12 ft up too 18 ft walls ..that would be a dream shop with heated floors also .. and a out side shed for the air compressor

[@daledowning1019]

Been doing the same thing for years that you are doing. The mig welder and grinder have been valuable assets in this line of work , Thanks for tips and videos

[@lucif3r174]

Tips were excellent as always :) It's nice to see some "proper" thin metal welding, just because of how tricky it is to weld. Gotta give myself a pat on the back though, I figured out the quick-trigger-method about a week ago, all by myself. It was fun to see that "my" method wasn't completely wrong. Those thin metals are pretty infuriating to work with at times ...

[@paintslee4524]

Me too, just keep adding little bubbles of hot metal to fill the holes. Works a treat.

[@grahamsmith5252]

Was amazed how easy you made that bead in the brake. Watching your videos makes me want to start my ‘47 Willy’s project all over again.

[@savingsusanna]

Hey Fitzee! I can't tell you how much you're helping me out. I've a 40 year old VW T25 (T3) campervan that i've just bought and am just about to start restoring. I'm good with it all, except welding - and so after watching many many of your videos i feel i'm building up enough knowledge and confidence to make a start on her. I'll let you know in my next comment how i'm getting along! I'm very grateful for your videos, and like so many others, love watching them. All the best, Cheers! :)

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Pop over to the Facebook page. Post some pics. Love to see how you make out

[@savingsusanna]

@@fitzeesfabrications Thanks very much, i'll do that! :)

[@JeffDriskill]

Your videos are so great! I've learned so much! I really like that you showed more of your work on that second corner of the hood. I understand the concepts of how to do it from your previous videos but it's very instructive to see you do the work. There's a lot that can't be said, better to be seen. Thanks a million!

[@IronHorseGarage]

This is great information!! We just formed a few large patch panels for our rusted out bug!!

[@fethri]

Whats crazy is that looking at it, does not even look complex... you re a legend amd it s so kind of you to share your genius knowledge. Thank you !

[@williamtanner1372]

Another great video. The camera angles are very good to see what you are doing.