Menu

Shop

Garage

Cart

Account

Products to Compare (max of 3)
X
Compare These Parts

10 Best Sheet Metal Tools for Racing

3/19/2019
Add Article To List
Tags: Tech

Building body panels for late models, modifieds, or stock cars can seem like a daunting task. However, with the right tools, some practice, and most importantly patience, you can build body panels in your garage at home that look as good as professional chassis builders'.

These handy little gadgets cut time out of the tedious measuring of every bend or hem you have to do around the perimeter of your piece. These sheet metal scribes are a must have item in my book. I use the large scribe so often that I keep one next to the sheet metal brake and another near my cutting station.

The mockup of sheet metal parts seems to be a constant on and off process at some points in the building stage. I like to mock them in place using clecos and cleco clamps. These little guys come in handy to temporarily mount a panel to add body lines, mark tire openings, etc.

These dimple dies are like icing on a cake. A round hole in a piece of sheet metal is ok but wow does it come to life with a bit of a flare. These dies are CNC machined steel and can handle steel or aluminum sheet metal up to 16 gauge (.060” thick). To use these, start by cutting a hole in the sheet metal to the size of the dimple die you are using, then hold the dimple over your hole and tighten the bolt. These will produce a 1/4” flare around your hole and enlarge the hole size just slightly.

For interior and deck panels, there seems to be a roll bar tube in your way everywhere you look. This handy tool makes quick work of those hard to cut, tight radius notches on deck panels or anywhere that tubing passes through your body panel. After using one of these interior tin notchers a few times you’ll wonder why you didn’t get one years ago.

A hand deburring tool and files are an absolute must. I don’t think I’ve built many body panels that didn’t get at least a little deburring. I find myself using a deburr tool and files constantly while building panels. Some attention to detail at this stage in the process will translate to a professional looking finished product in the end.

If you want to achieve a perfectly round wheel opening, I would highly suggest this wheel well compass from Wehrs Machine. It provides a perfectly round mark on your panels so that you can cut the wheel opening exactly to the size you desire. This tool is fastened to the axle of a floating hub rear end such as a Grand National or Wide 5 rear end. It works with both solid and gun drilled axles.

A sheet metal shrinker/stretcher is a great tool to have so that you can fabricate beautifully curved panels. I use it to create a curve in the front of modified and late model hoods as well as the A pillars and sail panels.

To strengthen up large panels a bead roller is where it’s at. You can create beads or steps into your panel in order to achieve that amount of rigidity needed. You can add beads to deck pieces as well as large interior panels such as the right side interior panel in a modified or late model. Some step beads strategically placed around the throttle pedal mounting area helps create a solid foundation to mount the pedal.

One thing a racer just can’t live without is an air rivet gun. I can’t even guess how many thousands of rivets I have pulled with mine. I’ve tried other brands before (mostly borrowing other peoples at the track) but honestly I’ve never had a better working one than our Speedway gun. I’ve borrowed several cheaper brands that sent me searching for my hand riveter.

Products Featured in this Article

Related Articles

How to Paint Engine Blocks- Complete Guide with Design Ideas
by Speedway Tech Team - Posted in Tech
9/22/2023
Make Your Engine Stand Out with These Engine Block Painting Tips
Drag Racing Tire Guide: Slicks vs Radials vs Cheater
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
9/14/2023
Our guide will help you find the best drag tire for your application and needs
How to Use Body Filler - Show Car Tips from Start to Finish
by Joe McCollough - Posted in Videos
9/13/2023
Discover Pro Body Filler Tips: A Complete In-Depth Guide with Insights from a Show Car Builder.
LS Turbo Setups: Twin vs Single (with Sizing Guide)
by Rob Shapiro - Posted in Tech
8/31/2023
Unleash power, save money with Speedway Motors. Turbo setups for your 4.8, 5.3, or 6.0 LS engine offer unmatched dollar-to-horsepower value. Get it right the first time with us!
Wheel Studs Dimensions Guide - Measure Diameter, Length, Knurl and Thread Pitch
by Jason Orth - Posted in Tech
8/23/2023
Even the smallest car parts play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience. One such component, often overlooked but of immense significance, is the wheel stud. Knowing wheel stud dimensions is crucial for compatibility and safety.
Chevy L79 327 Engine I History, Specs, & Build Ideas
by Jefferson Bryant - Posted in Tech
8/11/2023
The 1964 Corvette L79 327 is legendary, learn more about this storied engine and what you need to build a clone.
Corvette L76 327 Engine History, Specs, and Build Ideas
by Jefferson Bryant - Posted in Tech
8/11/2023
The 1964 Corvette L76 327 is legendary, learn more about this storied engine and what you need to build a clone.
Battery Relocation to Trunk or Other Area of Your Vehicle
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
7/28/2023
There are several aspects of a properly relocated battery installation. Our guide will help you ensure that your relocation goes smoothly.
Adjusting the Throttle on Your FiTech EFI
by Outside Author - Posted in Tech
7/18/2023
Our friends at FiTech created this handy guide to help with that critical throttle adjustment and IAC setting...
The Best Piston Rings for Nitrous/Boost and How to Gap Them
by Joe McCollough - Posted in Tech
6/26/2023
Everyone loves boost and nitrous. But proper piston rings and end gaps are necessary to keep your engine alive. Lake Speed Jr. from Total Seal joins us to talk about the right rings for engines with nitrous and boost.
Error
X
Note
X
Ok