1947 Jowett Bradford Utility: 'The Power of Retro Rides'

Your threads always make even the most challenging repair look possible, they're a real boon.

For large compound curves like the front wings, how do you get the profiling smooth? I seem to always end up with flat spots no matter what combination of tools and techniques I use and it looks like the panel is a slightly underinflated football.

Probably better / easier if I explain the process with some images attached - has I will be undertaking this exact process in few days time - I will go through it then if you can wait a few days

Inner wing / splash guard & wing / headlamp bracket now fitted to the offside



Which in turn allows the radiator cowl to be offered / bolted up



Fastens to the front of the inner wing



And the top of radiator which in turn also supports the hinge rod bracket for the bonnet centre hinge



Now the 2 sections of the front panel can also be fastened up



The joint of the two panels will have a piping bead inserted once the panels are painted and finally assembled



So now the nearside wing can be added





Went over the panels by hand & eye - slightly adjusting / improving the fit has required then went over with the panel hammer & dolly improving the areas on the wing prior to skimming - very difficult to show in the images - the main profile shape of the wing is fine - it just has many small imperfections / minor dents to it



Then got the wing skimmed up



Along with the front panels in preparation of the profiling back tomorrow

Yes & yes - so with the panels bolted to the van I can make any final adjustments / allowances to ensure that the piping bead will look correct when inserted between the panel flange joints - It's also a lot easier to profile the wings with them fastened to the van - once all the profiles on the loose panels are correct - everything gets unfastened / removed and primed / painted individually prior to final assembly - it sounds a faff and it is but it's the only way to do it properly.

Any dark colour will show the smallest imperfection / ripple / dent - the higher the gloss the more it will highlight - satins will still show defects in dark colours - matt finish less so but it will still show defects - white & very, very light colours tend to hide minor defects but it depends on where they are - horizontal surfaces tend show up more than a vertical surface with white - same old story really - black absorbs light whilst white reflects light - In my book it makes no difference preparation wise - I want every vehicle that passes through the workshop to look right when it leaves the workshop completed.

What's the rust prevention stuff you recommend again?

Wasn't that rad cowl a pretty involved piece of bodywork for a humble workhouse. I like it.

So onwards with the profiling on the nearside front wing and with a few tips & hints along the way has I said would cover profiling compound curves

First - guide coating there are various 'Dry Guide Coats' available in the market - I don't use them - they are good but there is a lot cheaper alternative - tin of cheap aerosol matt black does the same job - just dust it over the filled area before sanding



There are quite a few different rubbing block profiles available - might help the novice but I very rarely use them - I tend to rely on my flat block more than anything - even on this wing





The guide coat used with hand / eye coordination is what I use - you need to keep running your hand over the area to give you a profile reading



If its a large area or a full panel break it down into smaller sections for sanding profiling





Work the block over the area in all directions - I tend to do opposing diagonal strokes then run over it left to right, top to bottom but there is no set pattern

Has you progress the profiles you will have to go over the radial edges and swept curvatures by hand - keep your hand flat and work the profile shape keeping a supple wrist but with a fair to firm pressure on the sanding - don't be tempted to rub with end of you fingers -you will just end up finger size troughs in the panel



Keep assessing the panel with your hand - top tips - always use the hand that you are not sanding with to assess the panel (sanding hand will desensitised through sanding movement) when you find a lump / bump / ripple in the profile but cannot pinpoint exactly where it is with your hand - look away from the panel or close your eyes - again access the panel with your hand and when you detect the defect place your finger to it - you can now look at the panel and your finger details the exact point which you can work if its too high or mark with pencil if it's low and requires further filling (it's very difficult to explain in text / images)



If your results have previously looked slightly deflated - it sounds to me like a combination of the worked / filled area not being large enough to cover the damaged area and insufficient depth of filler



A profile gauge may help with compound profiles if you are struggling - you can always check with the same panel on the opposite side of the car (providing that panel is undamaged)



Meanwhile I have started to prep the offside front wing with rust treatment







More tomorrow

excellent advice