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Ford Model A Pickup Restoration - Building new wheel covers part 1 - Mold making, first tests (January 2017)

I want to create new wheel covers made from 1 mm sheet metal.

Ford Model A Restoration Project January 2017

The wheel cover in the current condition - filled and lacquered with chrome spray.

Ford Model A Restoration Project January 2017

I have planned to make the wheel covers based on 3 parts and then welding them together. For the first press test, I build a steel support to fix 4 oak disks.

Ford Model A Restoration Project January 2017

This is then fixed in the three-pack chuck of the lathe and I can start with shaping the wood.

Ford Model A Restoration Project January 2017

The crater shape is made and I can mount the sheet metal.

Ford Model A Restoration Project January 2017

The sheet metal is fixed with 12 screws and there is also a ring of flat steel profiles which do absorb the forces.

Ford Model A Restoration Project January 2017

1st try: hole punched - not what I wanted :-(

Ford Model A Restoration Project January 2017

2nd try: Pushed further downwards by means of a larger tube

Ford Model A Restoration Project January 2017

The top edge already has the correct shape.

Ford Model A Restoration Project January 2017

3rd try: Made a hole, so it can stretch in the center - too much stretched …

Ford Model A Restoration Project January 2017

4th try: Smaller hole - torn sheet metal …

You see, I have to adjust the shape of my stamp and make further attempts until I am satisfied with the result - needs some time but it should work. Must check now whether I have enough sheet metal in stock for all my tests ;-)