Gravel shields
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I really enjoy reading threads on this forum where you guys share your projects or other cool stuff that you are building so I figured I should try to contribute a bit myself. I have no running boards on the car so I have thought for some time of adding a pair of gravel shields. Partly for protection of the rear fenders, especially if it gets a shiny paint job one day, but mostly because I like the look. Don’t think there are any available to buy that would fit so yesterday I went ahead and started from scratch with a piece of stainless sheet and took a few pics as I progressed.
My intention is not to tell anybody how it should be done, just show some pics on how I did them, hopefully somebody will find it interesting.
The fenders have a little strange shape where the lower part bends out a bit and form a lip. I wanted to retain a similar shape on the shields so I had to start with that area.
Then I continued to shaping the rest of the shield until it had a decent fit.
Trimmed the edge and hammered a ridge close to the edge for added strength and appearance.
Bottom and the rear edges were bent and it was ready for test mounting.
Didn’t want any through holes so I glued a piece of sheet with a screw welded on to the back side for fastening.
Buffing, some screws and we are ready for cruising.
That is really beautiful Bert. I think a lot of people will appreciate you posting this how-to.
I have had many people ask me about those gravel shields.I’m a huge fan of Custom Car with the running boards removed and nice stainless steel gravel shields on the leading edge of the rear fenders. Looking forward to see a photo showing your complete car with the shields installed.
Enjoy the beauty of Customizing
Looks great Bert!! When you bead the outside edge do you leave extra material, roll the bead and then trim up to the edge of the bead?
You are always one bloody step ahead of me Bert.haha. I made mine up and followed the old rubber shape but now fear they are too short..Did you run your bead thru a swager? Yours looks better than mine damn. But judging by your distorted funpark reflection in one of the pics, I think I am more handsomerer. So I win.
wow looks great Bert! isnt that stainless some tough shit to work with! it looks factory build, just the way i like it!
Thank you for all nice comments, much appreciated.
Rik: Well, it is still the same old Buick and the rear bumper is at the chrome shop for re-chroming due to transport damage at the moment, luckily not on my account. However, I will take a pic and update this thread when it is on the road again.
Palle: I have no idea what the correct trademark is for the stainless sheet I used but it is a type that is pretty ok to work with, guess I can find that out if you need the information.
Quentin: I would never dare to argue with you on which one of us that are most handsome considering all the weight lifting stuff you have in your shop. By the way, I think me and you might have more in common than you are aware of, but I will come back to that at a later date.
Regarding the bead: I didn’t use the bead roller for the bead since I didn’t have any proper wheels for a small bead like that. And, my bead roller is hand operated so I find it pretty hard to make a good looking bead with a small radius. So instead, very inspired by the latest space technology, I made this ultra high tech tool real quick and the bead came out real nice after two or three passes. Note, the worn out plier is just used as a hinge to keep the upper and lower tool in correct position.
Thanks for showing us your tool. I have never said that to a man before. I really love backyard ingenuity. Especially when it shows up the guys who have all the fancy gear.
Don’t be fooled by pictures…..my mates 16 yo son is the Australian kayak champion. The weight gear is his. He can paddle upstream on a raging waterfall, but ask him to pick up a wet towel…….”I don’t have any energy”
I’ve been told I have movie star looks. Do you remember Marty Feldman?
Keep posting, your work is inspiring, just hoping I can keep up. I think I have looked at the 39 body enough now. Next trip I am hoping to start the radical cutting……….Ok, as promised, a few pics of the whole car. Not much done this year but the rear axle has finally been updated with a gear ratio that is more highway friendly.
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