Im trying to make a rear cover out of sheetmetal for my racing car.

Basically I need to get some small domes (less than 4" in Diamater) that will give me space to get the fuel lines into the fuel cell. I know there are other options but thats pretty much what I want to do.

The metal is ALuminum in .080

So far Ive tried annealing the metal and bending it by hammering around the welding cylinder cover. The result isnt so good. Not quite getting the stretch I need (1" high)

Anyone have any homemade advice? I thought about a leather bag and hammer but dont think Ill get the shape I wanted.

Anyone got any ideas?

 

Make a mould and die and press it in a hydraulic press??

 

Carve a bowl shape in an old tree stump and dish it in with a hammer starting with the center working your way out every once and a while anneal the metal to keep it from cracking. To finish the piece use a planishing hammer and a steal ball secured on a shaft or auto body dolly. I used to do blacksmithing and stuff before got into cars. Hope that helps. Cheers

 

http://www.metalmeet.com/forum...=bowl

http://metalmeet.com/forum/sho...Stump

http://www.metalmeet.com/forum...=bowl

 

can't you order domes and spheres from Mc Master Carr? I have ordered SS spheres there before that i used for floats

 

http://www.sharpeproducts.com/ball_hemispheres.htm




Modified by jazzpur at 2:27 PM 7/5/2008