The tools you may not know existed thread

[Lexi]

Anyone know what this vintage tool is? It is about a foot long or a touch shorter. Does a job most Cadillac owners will eventually engage in, if they own a vintage ride. Clay/Lexi

[Lexi]

It is actually a gasket cutter. Markings on one of the sides determine where to slide your cutters, then lock down. Probably best to fasten the gasket material with a staple gun so it doesn't move, determine center, then insert the sharpened pivot point, adjust the cutters using the markings on the bed rail, then cut away. Like using a compass. This one came with an extra spare cutter. Using the cast engine part you are making the gasket for as a template, you can trace the outer edge of the casting and cut that portion out by hand. The inner circular portion of objects are the hardest parts to copy, hence this cutter. Looking forward to making some carburetor to air cleaner gaskets, as one upcoming project. This is heavy duty and it is extremely sharp. Clay/Lexi

[Lexi]

Replaced my front bumper clip with a newly chromed set a few days ago. It was then that I noted that my car's Gold Grille had been damaged in the past, with the result that it is "pushed back" 10 degrees by my measurement calculation. So I put on a spare silver grille for the time being, while I contemplate whether to repair my Gold one. Many of the horizontal bars have to be bent back 10 degrees, plus some of the vertical bars must be straightened. This has to be done so that the grille will sit flush against the bumper. I found a rusty metal bender that a shop had for sale. I cleaned it up and and oiled and greased all applicable moving parts. Rust remover and a combination of wire wheels removed most of the rust. It is ready to go. I hope I can get some repeatability in making exact repetitive bends to repair my grille.

Fortunately, all of the grille component "slats" are notched as it all fits together like a large jigsaw puzzle. These notches, or cut outs, will facilitate bending as there will be somewhere for the metal to go when reforming it. Not that it has to move far. Wish me luck. Perhaps a tool others can use to augment various fabrication projects and maybe even saving a trip to the body shop? Clay/Lexi

1) Overall shot
2) Close up of the business end

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Replaced my front bumper clip with a newly chromed set a few days ago. It was then that I noted that my car's Gold Grille had been damaged in the past, with the result that it is "pushed back" 10 degrees by my measurement calculation. So I put on a spare silver grille for the time being, while I contemplate whether to repair my Gold one. Many of the horizontal bars have to be bent back 10 degrees, plus some of the vertical bars must be straightened. This has to be done so that the grille will sit flush against the bumper. I found a rusty metal bender that a shop had for sale. I cleaned it up and and oiled and greased all applicable moving parts. Rust remover and a combination of wire wheels removed most of the rust. It is ready to go. I hope I can get some repeatability in making exact repetitive bends to repair my grille.

Fortunately, all of the grille component "slats" are notched as it all fits together like a large jigsaw puzzle. These notches, or cut outs, will facilitate bending as there will be somewhere for the metal to go when reforming it. Not that it has to move far. Wish me luck. Perhaps a tool others can use to augment various fabrication projects and maybe even saving a trip to the body shop? Clay/Lexi

1) Overall shot
2) Close up of the business end

I wonder who anodizes these grilles still?  I remember having a heck of a time with my 57 when I still had it.

[Lexi]

I wonder who anodizes these grilles still?  I remember having a heck of a time with my 57 when I still had it.

I knew a couple of places, but they no longer do that kind of work. I did ask the chrome shop if they can anodize but I was informed that they don't do that work either. Clay/Lexi

[Carfreak]

I wonder who anodizes these grilles still?  I remember having a heck of a time with my 57 when I still had it.

Two possibilities in the Motor City:

https://www.mcnicholsanodizing.com/

https://decometalfinishing.com/classic-car-restoration-in-detroit-mi.html

[bctexas]

SUN Battery / Starter tester


This unit will load test a battery to 300 amps using a carbon pile rheostat.


(snip)

tony

Hi Tony!

I collect old tune-up gear, especially Sun.  It is great to see an old BST still in use!  FWIW, I found yours in a Sun catalog dated June, 1952.  I have a slightly older version, but the resistor pack is broken to bits so it is non-functional.  Thanks for sharing!  Do you have any other old Sun gear?  Here is the catalog page:

[Carfreak]

The CLC Museum have a few pieces of Sun equipment on display in their Service Bay similar to your ads.

All are still in working condition.