Extending a 32 Ford Hood

[fastleft45]

Hi,

I need to extend the front edge of a new steel 32 Ford hood since I ordered a stock length one way too soon in the project. As it turns out, I should have set everything up and then took some measurements and either made it or had one made to spec. Oh well.. you live and learn!!
I have no problem forming the panel, but my question is about welding it. I've mig and tig welded a fair amount of sheet metal, but it was mostly for industrial items that needed no metal finishing. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to approach this best?? I've heard and read about hammering welds during the process, but I don't fully understand it. The hood is currently just the steel skin with no frame or supports yet so it is easily accessible from top and bottom for any work required. Ideally I'd like this addition to be invisible from top and bottom.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Tommy

[Wray Schelin]

Hi Tommy,

Lots of good info here.

http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=63

http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=64

Wray

[PSH949]

Tommy,
Based on the fact that you are only dealing with the skin, you would probably save yourself a lot of grief by just starting over. You have the professionally made skin as a guide to work "from" and your car to work "to". Depending on how much the hood needs to be stretched obviously is a big factor in your decision. I have seen both Ron Covell and Steve Davis knock out hoods in less than 20 minutes useing tools like welding cylinders, pipes clamped to benches and thighs. I'm not saying it is that easy for everyone but an invisible flawless weld seam isn't either.

Steven Winnett

[CCWKen]

I'm with Steven. Nix the adding. It posses more problems than just welding on metal. The hood tapers so making it longer would narrow the front unless you reworked it. Making it longer changes the taper angle.


Start new. The 32 hood is one of the easiest to make. (Compared to 33 and up.) :D

Here's a 31 hood that I fab'ed the top panels for:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/CCWKen/Visor4.jpg