Repairing Kharman Ghia Nose
Kent,
Hello, I was sent your web address by a Karmann Ghia Guru, Richard Troy. The nose on my 1968 Karmann Ghia met up with the rear of a Pontiac and the Pontiac won. The Ghia had never been hit in the nose before, so it's virgin metal, and other than this time, has not been stretched out. I have never attempted body work before, but in order to escape the financial demands of local body "pullers", I'm looking into doing the work myself. A few questions; which tools would be best for the job? What things should I try, not try the first time? What would be the best way to tackle this job? Any comments or info would be appreciated.
The Tinman Respondeth:
- Strip chemically.
- Get photos or patterns of what you are going back to, both horiz. and vertical.
- Bump what you can with dollies, and push the heavies with a screw jack.
- Match the contours of tool to the anticipated finished surface. Think before acting, work schmaht not so hard.
- Do not add damage.
- Look for the wrinkle that locks the movement- don't get a bigger hammer too quickly.
- Reverse the wrecking energy, or- take the damage out in the reverse order that it occurred.
- Never use rough-faced bludgeons sold as "shrinking-------"
- If you need shrinking info- get the Shrinking Magic DVD.
- If you need detailed info on working out the contours-get Edge Those Panels DVD
- Work safely, think eye protection, hand protection, and ear protection.
Kent
See also:
Fabricating Car Parts
More Miscellaneous Metalworking FAQs