Hot Rod Cockpit Bracing (Making It Strong Like Bull!)

[@betweenthesharksgarage]

dannnnnng man... look at that! dimple dies and all... thats sharp

[@AJStarch]

lol. Thanks dude! I’m loving the dimple dies… at this point I’m just looking for stuff to use them on.

[@clarkmarkey1498]

Just an idea... You can use the stretcher on the hat flange. You will need to stretch the "vertical" of the flange with a body hammer and an I beam or anvil of some sort directly next to the stretched flange. That will result in the wide section just warping to fit. That will work especially well with the twisted action you need at the corners.

[@AJStarch]

@@clarkmarkey1498 Thanks for the ideas Clark, I’m definitely going too explore different methods when I go to do the rear section!

[@VinoRatRodbuilds]

Well they turned out very nicely It's too bad you are going to cover them up.

[@AJStarch]

Thanks Vino, they’ll be expose for a while yet, it’s going to be quite some time before it’s ready for interior and I learn to sew!

[@BoxcarsGarage]

You pulled er out. Maby next time instead of forming the complete hat channel...stop at the first 90 then shrink or stretch...then a tipping die for the next 90. Or....make it as you did...then slice to contour and weld up.

[@AJStarch]

Shrinker/stretcher & tipping dies is the plan for the rear. When I started the front I didn’t have all the tools so I just improvised. I’m hoping the rears will go faster and easier!