Using the Cut & Butt to weld in large panels

[@warpedspeed4517]

In California, we have a great and important car culture, most importantly one revolving around the lowrider. To the Chicano, or the American of Mexican descent, there are not many things more valuable than an old and rusty car brought back to life by personalizing it through artistic expression, but mainly through one's own sweat and handiwork. I am so happy to say that I have restored a 60 Chevy, and am working on a couple more at the same time with my brothers. I owe a debt of gratitude to this man: his methods have taught me so much, and I spread the Gospel of Fitzee to as many as will hear it. When in California, let us know, Fitzee. Men like you are held in high regard. 🖖

[@labrd41]

Gospel of Fitziee! Amen brother!

[@smarternu]

STOP with the racists crap. I am a Mexican and I do not like low riders. Just because you say something nice doesn't make it "less racist." If we don't all stop talking about race we will go back to idiots calling everyone who looks like me a "wet back" and crap like that. You could leave out the race and make everyone look better. You probably have some killer skills. I wish you could post pictures but describing your art would be enough. Live Long and Prosper.

[@warpedspeed4517]

@@smarternu I have not heard that term in a very long time, and I am glad I haven't! I should hope this means that people are more accepting of people that look like myself, and do not judge based on color, nation of origin, language, cultural difference or what may you. I hope they judge me as an individual, unique as they themselves may be, and not allow musunderstandings or our differences to disallow peaceable relations. Your emphasis on race hints at a tough and lamentable experience as a Mexican in a foreign land, which has left you with a trauma. But your gripe is ill-applied when addressing it to me. Had you read my missive attentively, you would have understood that I described myself as an American first, one still proud of his antecedent's national upbringing and uniqueness (Mexican), who is praising a man from another country (Canada) by thanking him for his contribution to what I personally value as a Chicano, which is the art of Lowriding! How is that racist? It should be read, I would hope, as a statement made by a creature that accepts the reality of who one is, what others are, and decides to reach out to make a connection. It is racial, not racist, only in the sense that now you and others know what I may be in a world outside of the network, and the 20 or so likes from people seem to accept me and approve of that. I thank them for it. (I do not want to point this out here, as this is a venue for car restoration and work, but Mexico has its own issues with discrimination, namely colorism and classism. I have experienced that when I have traveled to the lands of my forebears and the Aztecs. You must know terms like "pocho" and "norteño") I know you are Mexican and that you do not like Lowriders. But I am a Chicano, and I do. I didn't expect that we would be the same or share the same appreciation. Similar blood, different cultures. And, yes, not everyone is the same. I probably have much more in common with some of the Japanese- as they are deeply into Lowriding- than I do with Mexicans, because we share affinities! But I do not disapprove of their artistic expression through Lowriding; I encourage it! Different, but the same- through culture. I welcome all to it. A post-racial, post-color, post-language world would make it all easier for everyone involved, would it not? Until then, I will let others know that I am a tan-colored, multilingual, physically-fit, video game-playing, lowriding former boxer who loves working on old cars like my brethren of all colors and from all parts of the world. They will NOT be hated or discriminated by me. Now, to the important and valid reason we congregate here at the Church of Fitzee: I have fabricated metal pieces and patches using methods learned by Fitzee to restore a 1960 El camino that was in a state of decrepitude. I did the welding, shaping of metal, and body work; one brother did the painting (first car ever) to paint it rose gold with 3 different grits of gold flakes, and multi-colored scallops on the pearl white roof; my youngest sibling, owner of the vessel, used his money to buy all the products and equipment to update it with a 5.3 Vertec engine, fancy air bags, a powder coated frame in pearl white, and assembled it. We have to install the engine atop the frame, the body atop it all, then drive it nice and slow. I have a 1970 Impala Custom, a 1967 Impala Super Sport and a 1968 El Camino. The sibling who painted has a 1964 Volvo PV544, which is close to being painted. I also now take in some others' cars for restoration, on my time, for scratch. I hope this missive does not bore you (some call my postings "dissertations" as a joke), but I hope you now have a better understanding of what my intentions were with my original posting. 🖖

[@chuckstith838]

​@@warpedspeed4517 you guys need to get a room

[@jiwbink]

Lighten up,the guy was just describing a genre. Y are people so damned touchy these days??

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Hang on people. Seems I made it public too soon. My phone says it uploaded while my computer says it is not. So until it's fully uploaded I have it unlisted. Stick around. I'll get this fixed and will be up soon

[@kurtarmbrust]

That was the culmination of a lot of work. Really looks good. Can't wait to see what you do with the quarter panel.

[@jackyy548]

Good work big buddy.. love to see your work!! .. now off to the the shop for me .. been putting off this last inner wheel well waaaay too long... ill share on fb after my 30 ban is up

[@fitzeesfabrications]

@A Mercer I like to fill right over the metal. It a good practice to prime it first but I have run into problems in the pass with fillers not sticking or rolling back the the edges.

[@deankdx]

I've been seeing several people mentioning "Fitzee's Cut and Butt Method" even in Australia. You've definitely explained it clearly and it works very well.

[@g6et_wrx177]

I can attest to that. Fitzee’s has been my tutor for my XA restoration. It’s coming up mint!

[@deankdx]

@@g6et_wrx177 guess you've checked out xacoupeguy also then, be lots of specific stuff on his channel for the XA, recently showed how to fit a whole roof to one ;)

[@stevekingsbury7190]

I really appreciate your explanations of your methods and philosophy for repairing metal. Simple and effective. Love it! Thanks Fitzee.

[@fishguts4247]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos and sharing your knowledge.

[@richkelley5112]

Yep, your tips are good Tony. You're so right about what rusts cars and what doesn't. Here in Maine, the only thing that rusts your ride quicker than driving in wet weather is using your ride to haul your lobster bait.

[@jiwbink]

THE FALSE WORK INVOLVED IN THIS CRAFT IS STAGGERING!! THE ABILITY TO KNOW HOW THE METAL IS GOIN TO RECT TOO MANY DIFFERENT FACTORS, IS A SKILL AND A TALENT. FITZ,YOU'RE A METAL MASTER! GREAT CONTENT! APPRECIATE THE CHANCE TO GETS A PEEK OVER A SHOULDER AND MAYBE EVEN FIND A TRICK OR TWO!!

[@user-js4vh2lw6n]

Thank you for showing and explaining how to do the cut and butt in such an easy way that anyone can understand it. The back section of this car has been a pleasure to watch you redo.

[@bluejack644]

Those tail lights look mighty nice Fitzee. Well done. I like your style son.

[@dwaynelejeune3508]

You are the true metal whisperer!!!!! The way u explain make it seem so easy! Wondering if you would want to adopted a 50ish old kid 😆

[@flatworm00]

I have learned a lot fro Fitzee. He takes the time to exolain why he is doing something and that really helps. Thank you.

[@lawncuttingplusdelta]

Fitzee ….. you are the real deal ! Education !!! ….. you are realistic and know your shit. !!!

[@chrisbaselice1746]

Thank you so much. I enjoy your post and lean so much. All my builds are on a budget and you show me what I need to do with the tools I have. Thanks again!!! SFC Base..

[@jorgefernandez-mv8hu]

That is a work of art. The tips were great and the look shows it. Those are some cool lights on that car.

[@moore2522]

I learn so much watching your work! Great job explaining your techniques.

[@1873Winchester]

I have a 1990 Saab 900 Turbo and it has very little rust after 34 years in finnish climate. Year round driving. We sadly salt the roads here. But people tended to take better care of their cars in the 1980s, they had them rust treated with oil. This car hasn't had a treatment done in many years it looks like. But I bought it before it got too bad. Gonna take care of the rust, clean off the old treatments and apply new oil under the car and in all the hollows. I recommend raw (not boiled) linseed oil applied in the hottest summer month. It has many excellent properties and is cheap and eco friendly. It penetrates incredibly well, paint it over existing rust and it penetrates down to bare metal and stops the ongoing rust attack, then it oxidizes, this means you can paint it over seams and it will penetrate into the seam and then oxidize, so it can stop hidden rust in seams from getting worse. And when it oxidizes it expands, sealing the seam. And on exposed surfaces the oxidized oil forms a durable barrier. One very important thing is to keep it from oxidizing on paint, or you won't get it off ever again. You even have to be careful about oil you put inside near seams because it creeps so well it can make it's way outside.

[@danieldonnelly3602]

Nice ! The old Cut & Butt. Going to be a Million $ car. If only I could get off the Butt, & finish my 80 F150. Covid long hauler. Least I can watch Master T. Txs 4 the videos UR much appreciated T

[@lawncuttingplusdelta]

I must not have rang the bell 🛎 !!!! Missed u Fitzee …. Yiur friend paul from delta bc Canada 🇨🇦

[@raylarkin5004]

Haven't been by lately, glad I did. Always good to see you fab Fitzee!

[@biglakehotrods381]

This old car has been around the block it seems. Cut up and cut up some more. But it looks like you are gonna finally make her presentable. Tail panel turned out great and the tail lights are perfect.

[@lizdejesus5578]

You are the SMARTEST guy in the room.

[@donaldgrant8433]

Nice work Fitee you are very informative and I love every video you make. Thank you.

[@mattthescrapwhisperer]

Tin bending at it's finest! That will be one sweet car once you get it all done. Thanks for another great video Tony!

[@Joel-we2gg]

Thanks Tony, You da MAN !!! I do PDR and paint repair for the dealerships, paint materials are getting absolutely ridiculous on price, I always economize. 😊

[@johnalexander4356]

It looks incredible Tony! Thank you for all the tips. Every auto shop instructor needs to watch your videos before they try to teach kids how to do body fabrication.

[@raymondcollyear4773]

Thank you again for giving us some your insight on how to do the panels the way you like to do them. I'm also glad to have someone who actually tells people that you have to use some filler on the body. Like you said they seemed to want everyone to believe that their metal work doesn't need it ,when we all know there's no way with all that heat and grinding that the panels are perfectly straight. Thank you again, I enjoy watching and learning.

[@jaym4971]

Damn it! All true Fitzee!! Wish I would have seen this vid BEFORE I did the tail pan in my ‘57 Chevy! I think I made every mistake you pointed out not to make! Started at the end and worked my way across. Wrong! Ended up with the metal wanting raise or wanting to drop!! Made it work with a lot of cutting, grinding and dolly work to get it to fit! I’m glad I started on replacing the trunk floor to meet up the tail panel. I’ll do the tail panel from the middle out!! Great video!!

[@Outindacold]

One can only aspire to have your talent Fitzee, well done me old trout.

[@greenriver520]

Thank you Fitzy for sharing. It's a pleasure to watch the work of a master.

[@LuisEnriqueMartinez-rc7km]

👍👍, nice to see you busy again. Keep it on!!

[@johnpetersen8116]

so many great tips on thought process and how to deal with nuance that takes years to perfect. I think of your videos every time I weld! thanks tony!

[@bfrost4350]

love the way the back of the car looks, very nice job.

[@stantilton2191]

Great work Tony, I learn something with nearly every video. One bite at a time, she's going to be a beaty of a ride. Thank you for sharing again.

[@michaelvandenhoy1021]

Another great video, you are a great teacher and a master at what you do. There was alot of chasing of the welds. Your explainations of what you were doing was exellent. This was a very educational video. Thank you.

[@jarmstrong2843]

Body work by a true artist done the old fashioned way by making do with what you have on hand. Anyone can tack on ready made patch panels. It takes an artist to make them

[@carlgeorgtsigakis498]

Tips where good as Always! The transition and integration of those lights is fantastic! Thanks for sharing

[@garyreynolds2218]

Fitzee your an absolute Metal craftsman.👍

[@michaelosborne513]

Yes sir the tips were good , content was great and watching you perform magic with sheet steel is always amazing . I have to eleminate the gas door on my rust free 57 Thunderbird since I put fuel cell in trunk with your videos I'm hoping to get it right the first time without warping 1/4 panel thank you for making these instructional videos Gob bless my friend

[@michaelbuettner6560]

So much detail... love those Vette taillights!

[@markgriffin4888]

After watching numerous videos of yours ,it's the first time that my dumb brain has picked up that one starts in the middle of the joint than work outwards evenly !!! Now I know where I stuffed up with my first attempt welding the tailgate of my '39 ford ute. Thanks for the lesson on welding 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Mikefngarage]

That is exactly how I did the Karman Ghia fender on my channel several months ago. start in the easiest less complex area then move your way to the complex area this will insure as you cut that into a but it wont fight you. I laid a 2 piece fender on and it butt welded in perfectly. 2 scrap half fenders to make one whole fender.

[@fitzeesfabrications]

I seen that video nice job on that.

[@Mikefngarage]

Those Clecos are good when your taking a panel on and off several times. VS screws. Screws work just fine most of the time.

[@Bartman4800]

This is a great learning moment here. Using the cut and butt saves oodles of time! Thanks Fitzee!

[@Rick-O-Shay60]

I really enjoy watching you work metal on projects. I learn something from each and everyone of your videos. Thank you for sharing your talent. This tail panel looks fantastic!

[@harryfaberiii3261]

Always a ringer! That’s one nice rear you got there fitzee!

[@igorcossetto4779]

you have golden hands, thanks for the great tips! just a shame you don't work with fire every now and then so let's see and hear your advice on distortion! Greetings!

[@Don14320]

you crammed a lot of great information into this post. Thank you!

[@teejay622]

You never fail to impress me Tony. I would never have been able to figure out how to make those sides match like you did. Bravo! You are a true artist sir! I just never get enough of watching you work your magic.

[@TairnKA]

A clear and concise demonstration of the process, including dealing with the difficulties. Thank-you ;-)

[@krinkofski2276]

I as well as your other viewers really appreciate the explanations and methodology for your work processes . A pleasure to watch you work. Keep it up!

[@caspere.8461]

I've done exactly what he describes cutting in patch panels and quarters and it is a great way to do it. He is correct about putting o filler after your done. That's the most tedious and most important if you want a flat non wavy panel. There are other videos on here on how to use powder to find low spots and using primer filler after to go over it again. It takes time but I found out the hard way it's a necessary evil.

[@bruceaskin9645]

Thanks Tony, people paying for this sort of work really should watch this, so they know just how much time and effort goes into it.

[@Multi-Skill-Bill]

Sunday Fitzee time!!! Always enjoy your videos Tony!

[@Cseidelmann6770]

Wow… I stumbled across this video, and I have to say I am very impressed with your work- and your reasonings for the ways you do things. Very helpful!

[@minnesotatomcat]

That is excellent true advice about never starting welding on the ends of something and meeting in the middle, it will almost always get wonky and wavy on you as you get towards the middle

[@johns9993]

You sir are truly a master at metal work !! My hat goes off to you ! thanks for showing and explaining it to you viewers !

[@brianmaynard7320]

Another great video, Fitzee.. Love your easy talking, explaining exactly what and WHY you are doing something in a particular way. EXCELLENT!!👍👍👍

[@bradgqute]

Tips were brilliant. Even the most novice person (me) can learn so much from your videos. I’m restoring a 1980 HJ45 Troopcarrier and I’ll be applying your “cut and butt” method to a few areas, particularly the floor pans and rear wheel arches. Thanks for the tips and great explanations along the way. Love your work 👌🏽

[@lonnieciallela1526]

I absolutely love this method!!!!! I learned this from your videos and just tried it on my beetle. I am by far no expert welder and usually messed up panels in the past. But when I did this it came out perfect. thanks fitzee for showing us this. next I am gonna try making patch panels for my 50 merc

[@NialPowerCork]

Tips were really good on this, thank you once again.

[@danielhughes9556]

Hey Tony, thanks for all the tips and tricks. It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. You explain things well, and it always works out in the end. I'm not a fan of the design, but the craftsmanship is top notch. Thank you again. Can't wait for you to get back at it again!!!!

[@Spiritof_76]

That's a backhanded compliment. Google it if you never heard the term. Better left unsaid.

[@danielhughes9556]

@@Spiritof_76 just like your comment. Better left unsaid..

[@Spiritof_76]

@@danielhughes9556 Delete your comment and it will be like neither of us said anything. Or edit it and I'll remove my reply.

[@danielhughes9556]

@@Spiritof_76 again. Practice what you preach better left unsaid

[@Spiritof_76]

@@danielhughes9556 I don't mind pointing out bad behavior parading as good behavior. This is the comment section. You read my offer and chose, "No." I'm sure you are a paragon of auto custom design and your tastes are flawless, your judgment irrefutable.

[@joealuminium2540]

Tips were fantastic and the explanations great. I really enjoy the metal work videos and after watching them I can't wait for Saturday to get back to the welding work on my car.

[@RecoveryRoomRestorations]

I've been using this method you taught me from a previous video, and i must say, it works beautifully!!

[@timothymcfarland1307]

I watched your video over and over because it has so many treasures. Thank you so much. Nice clean work. When you showed the dropped side i was totally bafled how to fix it . I know i will run into such . Wow

[@deankay4434]

I am a repair tech my entire life, except repairing somebody work & repainting after teaching 4 kids how to drive forward & my wife to backup. One of your cutting tricks on a butt joint is to hold the grinder at about 45 degrees into both sheets. Now it overlaps, lays flat and becomes easy to weld with a good heat setting. I have owned my MIG new since 84, so nothing fancy or digital but I can weld. Am I correct on the butt joint angle? Thanks so much Fitzee's! Happy new 2023 as strange to say. DK, ASE master tech since 78, retired. I am not an English wheel guy but I am proud of your version of Karl's table extension! lol 😮

[@minnesotatomcat]

It’s really cool to think that metal that once shelved books and things is now a part of a classic hotrod like that!! Great work as always bud 👍

[@wayneforbes7671]

Your tips are always good. The best is K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple _____) Thanks for sharing your wisdom Tony!

[@noelmcgarry456]

Great work, steeping back and looking at the finished job, satisfaction, puts a smile on the dial

[@herbiederby3394]

Hit the nail on the head on this one fitzee looks super kool...🙂👍🙏

[@darico8437]

Great video again Tony! I'm glad you pointed out that rust never sleeps. When I use to do body work back in the old days and a customer would come in and want a cheap job and "just patch it up" , I always told them that just because you see some small holes on the outside of the body does mean that the metal just needs a small patch to fix it. Rust from the inside has now made it paper thin. I always try to explain to them that just regular driving in Nova Scotia that the body work would probably last for less than 2 years unless you were willing to keep oiling it and storing it dry. I'm glad you explained this on the video.

[@triples4good]

Fitzee you are a true artist. Amazing. Thanks for sharing your talent and knowledge with us.

[@stephenyackel2387]

A great video and job as always. Thanks for sharing this.

[@davidmiller1618]

Did I teach you some of this?? Brilliant minds think alike, and ours too. Nice job.

[@rjung_ch]

Great job Tony, just love how you go about, bit by bit. Don't overthink things, sounds right! Hey Inspector Peanut, also helping out 😀

[@J.F.K.O]

looks great Tony thanks for the videos and all of the time you have saved me when repairing rust

[@thistlelee]

Awesome Tony. A large and complicated panel to make. Well done !

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Another great video Fitzee!!! Learned a ton as always!!!!!! You make it look easy!!

[@stevejanka361]

Good afternoon Fitzee, once again excellent technique and expertise. You really have your wire welder kick'n it. It really sounds good. Thanks for another excellent video. Take care and good luck.

[@king0cans]

Wish I had a neighbor like you in Arizona

[@Peacekeeper1966]

I expect that result was very satisfying Fitzee, nice work. I'm now putting into practice all the techniques I have learned from you and a couple of others in restoring my fathers old Rolls. A lot of rust in the rear wheel arches, inner and outer, rear sills, tail lights and boot floor that I'm working away at and doing properly, taking my time and learning more as I go. I had never done serious panel work and metal forming before but the process of taking a flat piece of steel and beating and welding it into a section of car body is very worthwhile, I am amazing myself with what can be achieved with so few basic tools, patience and effort.

[@mattblack6268]

Great vid Tony, I always learn something new watching your channel. Keep up the good work mate.

[@Sculpin74]

Beautiful job Fitz. Thats a complicated panel and you made it look easy.

[@johnlenoir1023]

I love it please continue to do things the same way

[@fonhollohan2908]

I must admit Fitz your fabrication skills with body work is at another level compared to most body men. A lot of body men today all they mostly do, is just replace panels they purchase them and replace them but not often we see a man like yourself that does body work to this level. I have to admit I'm impressed. I was a welder fitter most of my life but I worked with heavy metal structural steel and heavy equipment, oceanic projects and such. For instance once I worked for a research and development company and I built the welding table for the Austin mini and I had to fabricate the gantry crane for the whole system, when we finished it, it was sent to Birmingham England. That's the kind of work I did back in the day.

[@grizzly766]

I have been watching for years....love learning with you. I had an idea though. When ever you grind welds it would be cool if down in the corner it called out the grit. I'm sure you have covered it in past videos but the constant feeding of that little bit of info would be helpful. Thank You for teaching us!

[@fitzeesfabrications]

24 grit. I thought about that after I did video. Lol

[@kenreeve6549]

As ever brilliant , i so much enjoy your work and methods ,too many vids have £$ thousands spent on tools ,new tools ,beyond us working people (and im 67 ,still haven't 50 % new stuff)the funny thing was my wife always asking "why does he use so many cotton buds ?" ,just dawned on me shes not hearing cut n but is she lol ! Hi from France ,

[@chriskappes9170]

Im not sure what the rear of that car looked like from the factory but that is definitely what it should have looked love those lights more amazing work and to mention it because of fitzee and his videos i now have 3 projects going on that i would not have bought without his videos so i want to thank you

[@stanleyfanning5316]

That turned out awesome. Tail lights make it look great 👍

[@ronwalsh]

Another great one from Fitzee. I have learned so much watching you. Now I just need to keep trying. I have a couple of sills that need to go into my MGB. Should be fun.

[@geoffreymills9932]

That's the coolest looking tailpanel a 48 ever had, 😎 great job Tony 👏 👍

[@faroironandcustoms6577]

Very nice Tony! Seems like I see allot of people downing filler. I'm defiantly no expert at body work or metal shaping. (I'm better than I was. LOL!) I'll have filler in my car no doubt. I'm shooting for as little as possible. I think allot of us (your fans) need to hear more about the finish working. Thank you for the great video.

[@jasonflowers3830]

That is coming out nice Fitzee! Can't wait to see more.

[@daveanderson2865]

Amazing work. A simple L bracket bolted underneath would look cool for the license plate holder. Front and rear.

[@jimwhalen6769]

Great job! I would be very interested in seeing how you do filler! Filler is my nemesis! I have a 78 Camaro that I hope to start on in the spring. I know I need replace the quarter panel on the driver’s side! You have given me the courage to do it my self! Thank you!

[@thomasweatherford5125]

Incredible that we know this tail section is going to turn out and watching the process is just mesmerizing. Thanks again! Such great content.

[@smbrumbaugh]

Thank you so much for the tips in every episode. I have gotten so much information from your channel. I have an old square body K10 that needs a bit of body work before I put it back together the rest of the way, and I've never taken a dive into it. It takes me a lot longer to make things look decent, but these tips have been invaluable to somebody who wants to be able to do this stuff himself.

[@type2ryder417]

Nice work Sir. Thank you for sharing. I learn everytime I watch your videos.

[@jeremysmith3556]

I like that part about not getting hung up on the rust in the back side, me and my dad have been restoring cars on Long Island and I always wondered what the hell people do to get paint everywhere but I guess as long as it looks good on the outside that's what counts

[@irishman63lemans73]

Very nice. Impressive as usual. Enjoy your teaching method Fitzee. Can't wait to see next video on this car.

[@keithd8143]

Thanks for the explaining the process and sharing your experience and knowledge. Your videos are going to be a very useful resource when i start to repair my 74 Chevy Nova.