Instructional DVD: Custom Metal Bodywork is now on sale to the 914 community. $20 delivered. It is just over 80 minutes long. I re-mastered (for quality and clarity) some of what was in Custom Metal Bodywork #1 (now obsolete) and consolidated it down to about 20 minutes of this video. I've added more simple and advanced techniques and information from what was to be Custom Metal Bodywork #2 ( the rear flare work on Felix's Neo 914-6), as well as a section on making and using a shrinking disc. This makes one very densely packed, tightly edited, and comprehensive metal shaping video aimed at the do-it-yourselfer.

Although the main focus is on making fender flares from existing body panels, or from scratch for the 914 and Ghia, the techniques are universal. Whether you want to make a whole car body, sculpture, fender flares, restoration panels, or learn to fix dents, this video will have something in it for you.

Multiple methods of stretching, shrinking, smoothing, roll forming, making reverses, and contour swapping are shown. Working with solid stock, flat bar, and small tubing to make structures that support sheet metal either permanently, or just during the work. Design work on the fly. Fixing mistakes as part of the learning process.

There is a section showing two ways to make one of the most amazing tools ever: the low crowned shrinking disc. Also a simple to learn method of metal finishing using the shrinking disc that will be of interest to those who want to do filler free dent repair, or metal shaping. Inexpensive ways to reduce the amount of labor involved in hand made parts.

I have developed several new methods of metal shaping that are more intuitive for beginners than what is traditionally taught. The focus is on learning to make what you want, while stimulating imagination and creativity, not spending years collecting tools and information to make things the way they have been done before.

Inexpensive, as well as more exotic tools are shown in use. Ballpeen hammer, shotdolly, shotbag, mallets, hammers and dollies, planishing hammer, english wheel, shrinking disc, palm nailer, edge shrinker, slapper, post dolly are all featured. All you need to get started is about a $100-$200 worth of tools.

I have put the video together with a lot of text on screen to better explain some of what is shown. The video should be watched several times all the way through and then again more selectively, by backing up and watching areas of interest over again to get the most out of the information. I have edited very tightly to make the video as short as possible which makes it less laborious to watch over again. The louder metal shaping portions have the sound levels reduced.

Originally I was planning three videos to cover all of this information. My more recent goal was to put the most information I possibly could into one video. It involved hundreds of hours of work, but I think I have managed it. The DVD was $40 delivered. It comes in a simple, easy to mail sleeve... no fancy packaging. I am available through email to answer questions if something is unclear to you after watching the video.

There is a resource section at the end for tools, and videos by others. Here is an album showing some of the tools and the work involved:

http://allshops.org/cgi-bin/community/comm...d=9980138836765

I accept paypal using my email address: ghiafab@coastaccess.com or your check mailed to:

John Kelly
PO Box 233
Moclips, Wa.
98562

Thanks, John www.ghiaspecialties.com

Zach Yeager's 914 features stretched fenders.

Felix's Neo 914-6 below shows both flare making methods. Fronts stretched by Mark DeBernardi, and the rears roll formed, shaped and welded to the car during this video.

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Simple forming techniques...
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tools...
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and lots of naked metal porn...
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I just got mine and watched it through. This is a great addition to the collection. I especially liked the fast forward hammering. Good stuff!

One issue though...

The last section: 'using a shrinking disk' has the correct audio, but the wrong video.

Hi Mark,

I'll send another one out to you. I'm not sure how that one ended up with the flaw.

I had some feedback from another guy saying some of the text went by a little too fast, so I'm including a flyer with the ones I send out from now on with this in it:

To pack as much information as possible into this DVD, I have used on screen text. You may find that the text goes by too fast and/or that it is distracting. Please either ignore the text during your first viewing, or use the pause and reverse scan buttons to get the most out of the video.

Thanks, John www.ghiaspecialties.com

The text did go by fast, but there is a lot of information there and pausing works fine. I'd rather have more information, than less!

Alright! When the funds come in, I'm gonna grab one! Just spended way too much this month and couldn't ask the wife to let me buy it yet...but SOON, John!

I know this is a pain in the ass but I hope in the future you would consider an open or close capitioned version which would be easier for ones who can't hear worth a shit like myself....grin!

Looking forward to collect them anyhow....Yeah, gotta finish Mueller's car...but it's gone, isn't it, Mueller???

Jerry

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the kind words. I have had a guy I respect tell me he likes videos that are less tightly edited...almost real time, so it is good to hear that someone likes more information instead! And the glitch at the end of yours was caused by the burn method I used. The last chapter was corrupted when I copied files for my shrinking disc instruction DVD. Now I'm burning from a disc image which is more reliable...just takes longer. Still learning this stuff. Glad I have the Mac. It does make it pretty easy to do everything yourself.

Hi Jerry,

My computer and external hard drive are both just about full, so another version of the DVD that will only sell one or two copies would not be easy....not to mention the time involved. Would it help if I make up a written script that you can read while using the pause button? It will be a lot of typing...I'm a bit talky Let me know and I'll start working on it.

Just because Mike sold the car, does not mean you won't have your hands full, judging by the fine work you did on it, somebody else is going to want your skills. You and Mark could start a flare factory!

Thanks, John www.ghiaspecialties.com

I have modified the original post to reflect a 1/2 price sale.

Thanks, John www.ghiaspecialties.com