Making a tricky stepped and curved panel, fabrication beating Tips and Tricks#44

[@RonCovell]

Trev - great video, showing how you can often use tools in an 'unconventional' manner to solve problems. I can't tell you how much it pleases me that I helped to inspire you at a certain point in your career. You have taken it a long way, and inspired many thousands of people with your work. I look forward to your next videos!

[@trevsblog]

Ron Covell I cannot tell you how pleased I am that you’re pleased 😁

[@martinsteele3259]

Wow! Kudos from a master like Mr. Covell! Trev I just knew you are a special talent! Well done sir! Follow your passion.

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

One of my favo(u)rite quotes is "He who works with his hands is a labo(u)rer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist". You, sir, are an artist with metal!

[@CliveWebbAustralia]

Hello from the Hunter Valley, Australia (Isolated at home, out in the country away from the virus). I'm recently retired and have been waiting for this part of my life when I have the time to repair my cars. I own a 1959 MGA with dents and no rust, a 1950 Riley which has had the roof torn off it, bought from the rubbish tip for $15, a 1963 Daimler V8 (same as a MII Jaguar) with rust issues and several other old cars, mostly in pretty reasonable condition. I have collected these cars as the became available over the past 25 years to restore in my retirement. I have played with cars all of my life, but since the advent of KZbin have learned so much about body repair and fabrication. I just wanted to say thank you for your instruction and explanation as you have made clear to me now, why in the past my repairs were not as good as I would liked. Knowledge and understanding of why metal reacts the way it does, instruction on procedures which enable a required outcome will make my job so much easier and satisfying. So, thank you for the demonstrations, the skills and knowledge you pass on to me for free, as I certainly could not afford to pay for it and I really appreciate it. All the best, stay safe and thank you. PS: My next job is also to build a shed to work in. I have so much stored, it has taken up all of my work area Lol...

[@fidoexpeditions9366]

Oh man.... I should have watched this two weeks ago. Just made a similar piece along the top of the windshield. Made two L channels and shaped them with the shrinker stretcher before welding them together. Worked.... but like you said 10 minutes in... a bit of a mess.

[@Sethae]

I'm having desperate times with my van panels (never done it before). Shuffling through these videos to calm myself down. This channel is pure gold for people like me.

[@trevsblog]

Glad to have been of help. Please just bear in mind that shaping metal isn’t a straightforward process when you first start out. The best tool you can acquire is patience. It will get much easier with practice so don’t give up. Thank you 👍

[@Sethae]

@@trevsblog it's not hard job my van. MB Vario. Thick metal and very little curves (a lot of rust). An ugly car that won't need to have pretty panels. I will paint it with industrial machine paint. But the point welds and support structures give me the creeps. I'm trying to take it apart without totally destroying the rusted panels and structures.

[@charlesparker8452]

Really enjoying the time you are giving up just for us followers. Thanks again Trev.

[@nogger1956]

I've just turned 64 and I have been working as welder in the oil and gas industry since I was 16 but sheet metal is a different ball game all together. I'm restoring a 63 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible and your tips advice is invaluable.

[@PauliesProjects]

Absolutely fell in love with fabricating and welding. Nothing better than the feeling I get when I can say.. Yeah, I made that. Keep on crackin' on! Cheers Trev!

[@David_Walker16-3-51]

It always amazes me how light a touch a decent metal shaper uses, just enough force applied in the right place. Needless to say, I am a big hammer merchant, single handedly supporting the scrap metal industry.

[@theravedaddy]

Big hammer men always have a giant left thumb...

[@rockerpat1085]

Just like it takes ever finer sandpaper to get a mirror finish it takes ever lighter taps to get out the bigger dents!!! It's amazing how metal will move with light taps when you can identify where it wants to move too!!! Keep Rocking it out!!!

[@Topper-gf8xl]

Another fine piece of craftsmanship Trev. With the exception of the bead roller, basic hand tools and junkyard scraps shows what can be done. That little piece was more complicated than first shown. 👍

[@tonydalton6756]

I started my journey aged 17 by bodging cars & fooling the MOT guy. I became an expert at it, Through necessity £££ . I then thought what am I doing? The effort required to bodge was far more than doing the job properly. My life changed after that & I now chase perfection as much as a Gorilla with two left hands could. Education through book & guys like you are bringing me on more than I thought I could ever achieve. Thanks Trev, You're the Man.

[@tinnedanger]

Inspiration... Thank you. I needed that. I don't have a bead roller or an english wheel so my stuff takes a little longer. I get there.

[@johnbarker6703]

Don't make the assumption that what you do is not interesting. We are here and follow what you do because it is interesting. Watching any craftsman ply his/her trade is fascinating when it is done in a way so others can learn. Keep at it Trev top job

[@marciabaldwin2506]

Amazing Trev great video so informative your skills come shinning through as do many of the other people who show how to overcome obstacles To restore our heritage my partner's name comes up but I'm Dean and admire your skills love what you have done to your Bedford CA Van well done fella

[@wittemotor100]

Yet another stunning video by an ever so gentle craftsman and Teacher....thank you very much!

[@Laugh1ngboy]

Dude old school part making is some of the coolest stuff to watch and one of the skills I envy the most.

[@johnserou6466]

I have a hard time understanding how anyone can criticize you after watching what you do. You are an artist! Thank you

[@sunilmaharaj2059]

I've been looking at your videos for some time now, and found them very inspirational and informative. But this is the first video that I felt like I got to know a little more of the man behind the skills... It amazed me how much, we have in common in our life and work experiences, even though I'm from all the way in Caribbean islands of Trinidad &Tobago.. Keep up the good work.. great videos.

[@trevsblog]

Thanks for your comments Sunil, they mean a lot to me. Cheers Trev 👍

[@Maltinis]

You might have no idea how much help you provide for absolute beginners. Thanks allot! btw those lambrettas and actual dyes, WOW now that is some next level stuff, just amazing.

[@orlandostead8703]

Trev I'm seriously impressed with this, I thought it would be a right bloody struggle, but you make it look so easy.

[@barryshepherd2058]

Trevor i love your blog i really like the way you explain things simple and straightforward keep it up man. Barry Shepherd from the u.s.

[@messenger8279]

Not forgetting of course that you yourself are now someones inspiration to do something similar.

[@stevesloan6775]

Great video! Not the first time I’ve watched it either. 😂🤜🏼🤛🏼😎🍀 I’ve learned so much from you. That’s heaps for all your efforts.

[@trevsblog]

Thank you ☺️

[@petergoodwin2465]

Thanks Trev, very enjoyable video again. Can't get enough of these .

[@stevewuertz3598]

Fantastic examples of a DIY ethos that allows mere mortals to fab stuff that before meeting your channel, I'd have just thrown my hands up. Thanks

[@CarlosMendez-hs8yi]

Yeah your bang on Trev people don't realise what it takes to do what you do that's why a lot of car restorers who start projects do not finish and when pricing a job they don't see the art and passion and time that it takes to do a job like your van looks brilliant that's all due to your love and hard work and it greatly shows. Thanks.

[@testpilot6456]

Although a shade tree car restorer ,same thing happened to me,when I stumbled across at a auto swap meet, Ron Fournier's metal fabricators book , a complete revelation what you could do with auto body sheet metal ,most people will never understand your passion for what you do. Thanks for sharing your knowledge & passion .

[@tomthompson7400]

Ron is great , his presentation skills are fantastic as well as his metal shaping , his voice is just made for u tube.

[@marcijunebug]

tom thompson agreed!

[@poke168]

Yeah. Sheetmetalfab ft. Jeeves&wooster. Awesome.

[@tedhewitt4299]

I like Ron Covell work too. He is very good. Your are also very good Trev. You have the patience needed to do the work. Keep it up.

[@ChipsAndSparksGarage]

Great video, Trev. I enjoyed hearing what has inspired you, in your art. 👍 Tony B

[@donwalker7931]

Trev, keep on "upsetting the bed-wetters"! Anyone who is upset by your work product or processes deserves to be upset. Good on ya, man, keep it up. dw

[@syetube1]

Bang on Don...:)..

[@StevesConsul]

I had a similar panel in my 'drivers side rear wheel arch part 2' video by watching all your videos it gave me the confidence to attempt this, after many hours and 2 attempts i got there. Thanks for showing us what is possible.

[@iancameron1662]

We always lost money because it was the love of the art of being able to weld and fabricate.makes you feel like you accomplished something

[@dennisbjones]

Now Trev, don't take this the wrong way but I always look forward to your outtro. It's such a cool track :)

[@Manandmachine772]

Enjoy the metal shaping videos and stories on the origins of Trev. Looking forward to the next video.

[@3xzena]

Good morning from N.Y Trev. Thanks so much for sharing your talent. I am currently restoring a 1966 Ford Mustang coupe I have owned for many years. I am a mechanic by trade and until this project came along I had little to no experience with any type of body repair or metal work. There have been many dimensions to my project and many lessions learned but my passion is definitely the panel work. The intricate fitting and forming are therapeutic to me. I look forward to all your videos and advice. Stay healthy in these difficult times. Gene

[@tomcoryell]

If the end product is right, then you’ve done it right. Starting there, I’m constantly looking for ways to build in efficiency and cut costs without hurting quality. Trev, you are an inspiration! I dig that you are a musician as well.

[@mikego18753]

Really enjoyed that Trev.Somthing 'normal' on an odd feelling day. thanks.

[@MrCrankyface]

I'm always amazed at how you solve problems like this on the fly, great video!

[@HayabusaRydr]

You sir are truly amazingly talented

[@dennisbinyon9023]

thanks Trev for mentioning my tribe i’m a proud bedwetter and i am happy to report that your prattling on in no way upsets me. cheers from australia

[@michaelthomas7898]

Ron Covell is an inspirational fabricator, I have watched several of his videos. Your not bad yourself Trev, you always keep things intresting. Runge Cars makes some beautiful Porsche's as well

[@tarmac245]

What a great video. Thank you for your sharing.

[@escort402]

Sir you are an inspiration.i too come from accident repair background and also ran my own restoration shop . You have a great style and your knowledge is brilliant.im learning a lot from you 👍😎

[@malcolmyoung7866]

'Just the right side of hand made...'? They look pretty spot on to me!!! That book would be a good 'giveaway' when the hammers finally run out...Right I'm off up to the garage to bash some metal...

[@bryanmerrison1275]

Hi Trev, sounding a bit under the weather, hope its just a common cold and thank you so much for this video. I have asked around and searched everywhere I could think over the last few years[!] to work out how to make a repair for the windscreen scuttle that has very awkward compound / reverse curves and a flange etc, your video has inspired me on how I can start to make it [using my 'Trev's Blog' KZbin hammers of course!!] Thank you so much and keep the videos coming, they really are invaluable

[@tonyhawkins568]

Amazing vid Trev. I'm fairly new to your vids and I'm blown away by your ability, however what impresses me most is the encouragement you give to us non celestial beings..... I loved your comment about when people tell you that you did something the wrong way, and I love the fact that you stated that you would have made this panel with a different method a few years ago, it shows that even a master like yourself is always learning new tricks. I'm just starting a restoration on my classic Triumph and will need to make some patch panels myself, I'm not entirely new to metal work but not far off if that makes sense. I think I will be referring to your vids a LOT over the next few months..... Great work, thank you for all of your videos.

[@davidbalicki2624]

I really appreciate videos like this. I would have tried it a bunch of other ways to do that and this video was quite helpful in making me think of other ways to do it. I just found your page and donated. Thanks for your videos!

[@erikpras1113]

Great to see you and your videos back Trev. Nice story about inspiration. Recognize every bit of it

[@briancampbell4947]

Great to hear your story Trev

[@kenrasmussen4270]

doesn't matter how you get there as long as it looks right and works, sometimes you have to think out side the box, all the best Trev take care.

[@maciekm7953]

Great tips and I mean not only metal shaping part. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, it is so rare this days👍 and what i can share from my little metal shaping experience is that if you use flat dies on a bead roller you can use it kinda like a English wheel, and add some curvature to the panel by pulling end that you hold up or down.

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Ron Covell is indeed a great innovator and inspiration, just as much as you are!

[@kittonsmitton]

Another great vid Trev, always a pleasure, keep slapping that tin, your fans like to watch, and are always learning from you Trev. Thank you for the time and dedication to your channel and your fans.

[@hisab-n8c]

Stay healthy in these difficult times and keep up the great videos 👍

[@daletuott4545]

Hey Trev, there is no "right" way to do a repair. The end result show if it was built "right". It doesn't matter if you use the original factory dies, 2 pieces of angle iron or a hammer and wood block, the less equipment you use the more talent you use. Thank you for all the great and useful videos you have made and will make in the future they are very helpful and encouraging to many people.

[@kennehthimes5767]

im in awl what you do with so little equipment youve inspired me to take on a 40 chevy project that lots of peaple walked away from ive made all my own pieces to date just with insperation and basic metal tools thanks much for opening my eyes to posibilities and for knowledge its coming allong nicely

[@rickolson9011]

Thanks for Another inspiring video! Just ordered the project book. Lots of sheet metal work to be done on 1926 Model T roadster. Keep the tips coming!

[@formdog9861]

I was waiting for more metal shaping . Your obviously a talented metalshaper and the end result is all that is important. thanks for the videos

[@fredjones1238]

Your The Man Trev

[@chetgingerich2551]

Thank you for the story. You are inspiring. I think I may see another venue to exercise my art skills, since I quit my brick laying career.

[@seandogg7504]

I’m in that metal shaping book! I’ve worked for my father Mark Barton and Steve Hall who were we’re featured in it. You should do a video on what it’s like working in a metal shop and the essentials of what it takes to work with several other fabricators and what to expect walking in to a job like what you do. Love watching these videos!

[@michaelnewbury7869]

I draw a lot of inspiration from you Trev! I have learned so much from your videos! I cannot thank you enough for the time you spend on them! They have given me the confidence to try the different repairs I have on my old 46 Ford pickup. Keep up the good work and you and your family stay well through though these unsettling times!

[@markdowns3145]

Top video,s keep on making them . As I have just got I to making and shaping metal too . Regards Mark

[@paulstanley31]

That was a great video. Your unique way of presenting your ideas is very inspirational and entertaining! I am sure you are giving lots of us some creative thoughts about working with metal. So true that tools help, but they rarely replace skill. All the best!

[@CASHSEC]

When I was a bit of a tear ass in my car and bent it up I loved going to the repair shop in Westfield, Somerset. Mk 1 Cortina days. The owner Les was a great man and he allowed me to hang around until he started to let me use some of the kit. Loved using gas welder to stick on the odd wing or rear quarter. Doing it for love is one thing but doing it for a living is a different matter. At 71 I love what you do. Your blog's are pitched just right. How anyone can tell you your doing it wrong is definitely a bed wetter. I am adding Einstein to your second name. You say you were always looking for time and space well he had a thing about this too but he called it Space-time. I am trying to sus your accent. Are you a westo. North Somerset am I. Take care.

[@trevsblog]

Thanks for your comments they are most welcome. I’m from Gloucestershire 👍

[@taxibirtfx3]

Necessity is the mother of invention. The fun is in the fight.

[@guillermonieri4203]

Thank you for sharing. You are an excellent teacher.

[@steveguest8028]

Brilliant Trev 👍

[@christopherbeeson5923]

Just hand folded and beat my first shell arch, it was extremely challenging but thanks to your blogs and advice it came out really good

[@mjm7187]

Another treasured video for my Mike's stuff folder, Thanks Trev!

[@jasongannon7676]

I'm very glad to have stumbled across your channel, thanks

[@e30mark]

I've some spare time and space, just let me know where to send them to! Thank you for giving up your time to inspire others 👍

[@RaperJason]

Nice work on the curved panel I'm just getting ito a lot of metal shaping repairing my old discoverys I know panels are available but enjoy the chalenge of making patches so lots of info for me there thanks 👍👍 That cast iron wheel you found in a skip looks very much like an older theatre Fly weight they used to slot a load of them on a vertical bar attached to a rope to fly scenery in and out most had a slot through to the middle so you could adjust the weights but the bottom one was like yours to stop them all slipping off

[@olddognewtricks4804]

Hi Trev, more videos like this please. Hand making parts, brilliant! Why I started watching your channel.

[@johnchristiansen1623]

Great video - again. Thanks. When weather becomes a bit more warm, I will start to improve my skills thanks to you. You are so inspiring. And I guess a lot like me ( weekend garage worrier ) is strugling with not enough time and space. You are not alone Trev. We are suffering with you. :-) Stay safe.

[@northernmonkey5952]

Good video about shaping your metal,I used to have a length of old rail track and made many a panel on it because of the different angles on it, keep safe Trev...

[@jamescamo4374]

Love your work and advice.

[@garagemonkeysan]

Nice video. My dad had that same book! I remember going thru it many many times. Brings back memories. Mahalo for sharing! : )

[@alanmony1582]

Trev, I've learned so much from you, thank you so much. Although no matter how much I practice or how hard I try I can't seem to hammer as fast as you! :)

[@G513-y3o]

As always great content Trev… Keep them comin ol buddy

[@mickholgate3347]

Ron is possibly THE best metal shaper there is, he is so very talented!

[@seanalexander9531]

Apart from yet another great instructional, thanks for sharing your story Trev. You do have a great way of adding a personal touch to your videos - very inspiring. As a mechanic-turned-home-restorer I will commit to attempting more metal shaping, rather than cutting, bending, welding and grinding :)

[@898moto5]

Nice work Trev keep the videos coming.

[@chriscoesbodyshop]

Your work is truly inspiring! You have a God given talent, thanks for sharing!

[@chrisperry3525]

I agree. I've done rocker panels on 2 vehicled without a lift...way slow. I have a lift now and am doing another set of rockers (i live in a rust prone area) and my skills are better, but it's still time consuming. It is nice to know you can do this stuff and the material is pretty cheap.

[@joerangel611]

Treb Good morning Great video Very deep thoughts, it makes a very sound video. Thank You for sharing all this material

[@markrs2000]

Really great video, love this sort of stuff. Keep on making "boring" videos, the more the better.

[@leslieaustin151]

You’re a craftsman, Trev, and I hope the people who own the cars you work on have an appreciation of the work and skill that you and your colleagues put into them. Cheers, mate. Les

[@polefisher4427]

The sheer quality of your work ever ceases to amaze me. Respect.

[@richardmiller3781]

Love this guy. He explains every step, gives tips and tricks. I had a very similar problem. Mine was no bead roller but needed an offset or step. Ended up using a vise, steel rod, and 3 different hammers to get my step. Keep up the great videos Trev.

[@garyfraser341]

Hello trev .my first post. Enjoy your work alot. Im in canada born in scotland been here 52 years. Ron covell is great and so is ron fornier . Have you ever watched Lazze metal shaping videos. He is very good. I am a fabricator myself currently building a 69 spitfire with a v8 custom framework suspension body and just about everything else. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to more of your vids.

[@OldJoe212]

Great video. Also, a very good rant. I, too, have done things the "wrong way" with excellent results. In most cases, the end justifies the means. Keep pushing forward. Best of health to you and yours.

[@fredblair4307]

good job as always trev

[@ricardobenin7830]

Thanks for the great video

[@classicvolvorestorations3848]

That’s my English wheel you showed in Bill’s book. Really liking your videos.

[@leighharron]

You're really making me think I should give this a go! Thanks for sharing your information and experience

[@jmyers9853]

nice informal chat about life

[@MakeItMetal]

some great points made there Trev. i'm just about to start restoring a beetle..making my own panels would be my preferred direction. i'll be binge watching all your videos on this lockdown :)

[@dougwernham5209]

Another great video Trev. Thank you