I am going to modify this gas tank so I can inset the gauge cluster. The black lines are where I need to cut and replace the material. I want to have a rolled edge around the top instead of a sharp edge. Any ideas on the best way to approach this?
Gas tank metal working help
- Thread starter duc916
- Start date
dr_clyde
Well-known member
When you say a rolled edge, you mean an edge radius?
Compound curved edges are a bit tricky, depending on the radius and the thickness of the steel. I have done it in a couple of ways, some easier than others. I've sandwiched the sheets between matching thick dies and hand formed curved radii before. It works well, but you have to have the ability to cut and machine the tools to do it. I also have bent the part to apply the radius, then ran the part through the shrinker/stretcher to induce a curve.
You probably will need to make this in a few stages, there's likely too much material to do this all in one shot.
Compound curved edges are a bit tricky, depending on the radius and the thickness of the steel. I have done it in a couple of ways, some easier than others. I've sandwiched the sheets between matching thick dies and hand formed curved radii before. It works well, but you have to have the ability to cut and machine the tools to do it. I also have bent the part to apply the radius, then ran the part through the shrinker/stretcher to induce a curve.
You probably will need to make this in a few stages, there's likely too much material to do this all in one shot.
Bodj Built
Well-known member
I'm going to guess this isn't the sheet metal kings method of doing it, but the way I'd do it is cut out the area needed, bend a piece of round stock to fit into the rim you have, and then inset the filler sheet metal piece into that. You'll have enough meat there to weld/blend and you'll have a nice radius.
rsanter
Well-known member
Depends on how you want the edge.
you can leave a bit of extra material on the tank or on the piece you add to the tank and then you use a T-dolly to round the edge over on it.
you may also be able to use a bead roller or power forming hammer to make the roll over
you can also get the right size solid wore it tubing to make the radius you want.
how many pieces you make it in and how you make it will depend on what tools and what skills.
you may want to make a tape/paper/cardboard mock up of what you want and we can advise you better.
i have some of the tools you will need if you are local (California) and if I see a mock up I may be able to better advise you on the approach
you can leave a bit of extra material on the tank or on the piece you add to the tank and then you use a T-dolly to round the edge over on it.
you may also be able to use a bead roller or power forming hammer to make the roll over
you can also get the right size solid wore it tubing to make the radius you want.
how many pieces you make it in and how you make it will depend on what tools and what skills.
you may want to make a tape/paper/cardboard mock up of what you want and we can advise you better.
i have some of the tools you will need if you are local (California) and if I see a mock up I may be able to better advise you on the approach
Firebrick43
Well-known member
Yes it will still hold fuel, its just making a recess for the gauge to set lower. AKA "frenching"
Frenching (automobile) - Wikipedia
ez-duzit
Well-known member
Rather than actually "rolling" the edge, you could weld/braze a bent wire of the proper diameter to give the appearance you want. Such as I created on this stainless handhold I fabricated by using (2) formed solid oval cross-section handles and some stainless plate, followed by a bit of blending and polishing.
I ended up going with a round housing to simplify the fabrication. I modeled a cut fixture and 3D printed it to get the shape correct. Cut the tank, rough cut shown. Then filed it to final shape. Then turned a pipe to accept the gauge, the gauge housing is tapered since it is injection molded. Rough assembly shown. I will cut to length and weld.
Attachments
ez-duzit
Well-known member
That's turning out well.
stinkity stoink
Well-known member
great idea using the 3d print template !
larry4406
Well-known member
Nice!
What are you doing at the bottom of the cylinder to transition it to the tank?
What are you doing at the bottom of the cylinder to transition it to the tank?