Hi, I looked for the originating message on this metal-bending experience you are into. May I ask what this all about? You replace the hood on a Delorean and you pretty well take what you can get out there. Is there any reason for this extreme modification to have a gas flap on your car?? If you purchase a hood these days, does it come without the fiberglass frame? Like to know how this all got started! John"E". --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Bob Brandys <BobB@xxxx> wrote: > I used sheet metal pliers (a vise grip type tool) to start the bends, > after I cut out the center area. Don't forget to cut the corners at a > 45 degree angle to the edge of the openning. > > Once you get the bend near 90 degrees around each edge, you need to > square up the edges. I good strong hand with sheet metal pliers can get > real close. Squaring the edges is also necessary to make the fit look > good to the new door. > > Before final squaring, place the door in the hole to make sure your > edges are square. It won't fit until you are almost done but it should > be close. > > I used a 4 inch brick cutting chisel and heavy hammer as a weight to > tap the metal against for a square edge. A small ball peen hammer works > best. Just don't hurry the process. > > All you are trying to do is get the radius on the bend to a little less > than 1/8 in. not a perfectly sharp square edge. > > BOB