Do-IT-Yourself Steel Flares, using simple hand tools Options

[John Kelly]

Hi Folks,

Some of you know that I'm working on a video on how to make your own flares. I've attached a picture of the first one which is part way done. About 20 hours into it so far. It will fit a 8" wide wheel,and is about 1-1/2" wider than original. It is possible to go wider than this, just a lot more work. Haven't done the metal-finishing yet. This was all done with a ballpeen hammer, a homemade pryng tool, a hammer and dolly, and a few other common and cheap tools.

In the video I will be showing how to get the shape and flow where you want it, how to smooth the surface of the metal with a vice grip clamp, shrinking with a shrinking disc (no shrinking on this one yet), and the uses of a hammer and dolly to name just a few of the techniques. I plan to also show examples of other metalshaping projects using simple hand tools that don't cost much.

I'll probably offer several different kits starting with just the video, then adding a custom shaped pry tool, a shrinking disc for those who want to do the metal-finishing the easy way, and maybe some other tools. I'm a ways from gettin the video done, but wanted to try and gauge the interest that might be out there.

You would have to be on good terms with your neighbors, because you will be doing a lot of pounding!

John www.ghiaspecialties.com

[John Kelly]

Carlos,

You won't have to practice on your roller. This is a very simple process with a few tricks that are better demonstrated than explained. Plus you will wear your arms out as it is. No need to do more hammering than necessary!

Mark D. Thanks!

Milt,

The beauty of it is, you can stop metalshaping at whatever point you decide is good enough, and start using filler. I hope that once folks see how easy it is to fine tune the fenders they will take the extra time to get it smooth enough to where little or no filler will be required. It is rewarding, if time consuming, to do metal-finishing, and learning it is useful for dent repair as well. Ron Covell is a super nice guy. He actually went out of his way to say nice things about a couple of projects of mine on a hotrod forum. I have a few of his videos. They are well worth the money.

Tony, You're in, thanks!

Timo,

I don't think there would be a problem shipping a tape or kit to Helsinki, and I would be happy to do it.

Korijo,

You're in too. The waiting list for flares is kind of in limbo because I'm slow, and a few people have not responded so I'm waiting to hear back from them before going further down the list. This along with several sick family members, Ghia work etc....well you get the picture. I'm hoping that the video will ease the burden of trying to make flares for people in a timely matter. I've completed 3 sets, but have several more time consuming sets of Ghia flares to build in the next few months.

Joe A. Thanks!

I appreciate the nice response from all of you to my work, John www.ghiaspecialties.com