<VV> Cutting thru painted sheetmetal?

[Nick Elzinga]

There's an electric tool I don't particular like called a knibbler that
munches metal quite effectively without heat.  The cut edge is a bit rough
and you would need to file it smooth with a half-round metal file.  If you
can't source one (car audio shops usually have one) then another option is
to drill a string of holes just inside of your cut-out line and cut through
the holes and file the rest.  Both will be somewhat laborious.  I have also
used a hole cutter where you drill a hole and a cup and cutter are affixed
either side of the metal you wish to remove via a threaded "bolt".  As you
turn the nut the cutter is drawn into the cup and neatly removes the metal
in a perfect circle, but if it's a partial cut out you need, it may not be
ideal.  The same applies to a metal hole saw which is a circular steel cup
with saw teeth and a mandrel in the centre which acts as a guide, but I'm
sure you knew that.

Nick

 

-----Original Message-----
From: virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org
[mailto:virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org] On Behalf Of Rick Loving
Sent: 14 August 2005 07:12 AM
To: VirtualVairs at corvair.org
Subject: <VV> Cutting thru painted sheetmetal?

 

My 66 Monza was converted over to turbo power many years ago by one of

the PO's.  At the time the exhaust cutout was not done, the exhaust pipe

was bent to stick out below the body at an angle.

 

I would like to cut out the exhaust cutout shape in the lower panel for

when I replace the exhaust, what can I use that will only require

dressing up the cyt edge with touchup paint and not repainting the whole

area around the cutout.

 

I need to keep heat to a minimum, obviously, but what should I use?

 

Rick Loving