Thought I would share some tips that I came across. This is the first one which is aimed at those collectors that either build their own model kits, modify existing models or are missing parts and wish to fabricate their own. Try using the pull off aluminum tops from peanut cans (see photo).The great thing about using these is that the metal can be cut to shape using scissors. No need for razor saws, etc. They are thin enough that most parts fabricated will be to scale, it has a brushed aluminum finish which works good for chrome parts (no need to paint) and the metal can be bent to shape easily with your fingers. I have included a picture of the hood ornament which was missing from my Conquest '56 Plymouth. I fabricated a new one using a piece from the peanut can lid and a small, small dab of JB Weld followed by a light sanding.
Thought I would share some tips that I came across. This is the first one which is aimed at those collectors that either build their own model kits, modify existing models or are missing parts and wish to fabricate their own. Try using the pull off aluminum tops from peanut cans (see photo).The great thing about using these is that the metal can be cut to shape using scissors. No need for razor saws, etc. They are thin enough that most parts fabricated will be to scale, it has a brushed aluminum finish which works good for chrome parts (no need to paint) and the metal can be bent to shape easily with your fingers. I have included a picture of the hood ornament which was missing from my Conquest '56 Plymouth. I fabricated a new one using a piece from the peanut can lid and a small, small dab of JB Weld followed by a light sanding.
Good tip. For decades, I have been using sheet aluminum available from hardware stores. It can be cut off a roll that are 8 inches wide or more some times. This material can be cut with a good scissors or sheers, easily filed and bent to various shapes. I tried beer can aluminum and it has its uses but is much thinner than the hardware store material. Also a long time ago a fellow modeler, Bill Harrison, gave me some sheets of metal that I believe were used in the printing industry and this has its use as well, being thinner than the aluminum. Here is a picture of a Morris Oxford MO Traveller conversion from a sedan in which I formed the roof and sides of this hardware store aluminum. Finished pics to follow. I've used this aluminum material to make hood ornaments, badge and side view mirrors, even hub caps, over the years.
