We're currently building a chopped and channeled '32, 5 window coupe. We need to use a chopped grill shell, but all of the ones we've found are…{"id":6496,"date":"2015-02-17T14:55:19","date_gmt":"2015-02-17T22:55:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/?p=6496"},"modified":"2015-02-17T14:55:19","modified_gmt":"2015-02-17T22:55:19","slug":"tech-tips-from-capps-hot-rods-filling-a-chopped-grill-shell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/2015\/02\/17\/tech-tips-from-capps-hot-rods-filling-a-chopped-grill-shell\/","title":{"rendered":"Tech Tips from Capp’s Hot Rods: Filling a Chopped Grill Shell"},"content":{"rendered":"

We’re currently building a chopped and channeled ’32, 5 window coupe. We need to use a chopped grill shell, but all of the ones\u00a0we’ve found\u00a0are just too low… so we’ve decided to take a full size grill shell and lower it to the height we need by trimming the sides.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once we determined the height that worked best with the body lines, we had a radiator built. But, as you can see below, we were left with a gap that wasn’t pleasing to the eye. Notice the bottom of the radiator tank and the cross member showing through. We needed\u00a0to “fill in” this area.<\/span><\/p>\n

$\"Capps$ <\/p>\n

First, we cut a piece of 18ga sheet metal to the required size.<\/span><\/p>\n

$\"Capps$ <\/p>\n

Next, we rounded off the edges to fit the contours.<\/span><\/p>\n

$\"Capps$ <\/p>\n

The next photos show where\u00a0we removed the primer from places we planned to weld. In order to avoid shrinkage and deformation of the metal, we spot weld. What we do is make a spot weld, move an inch or so, spot again, move, and spot again. This helps keep the heat, which causes distortion, to a minimum. We also take\u00a0breaks every so often to allow the metal to cool. We then come back and fill in the spots, and repeat until the seam is completely welded.<\/span><\/p>\n

$\"Capps$ $\"Capps$ $\"Capps$ <\/p>\n

In the following picture, we have completely welded the new metal in. By completely welding the seam, we ensure that rust will not begin at the connection. You can see the finished grill shell installed. No more radiator tank or cross member showing through.<\/span><\/p>\n

$\"Capps$ <\/p>\n

Mission accomplished!<\/span><\/p>\n

$\"Capps$ <\/p>\n