Type 57 Bugatti Stelvio -1935

[The Old Tinbasher]

It interesting that the fender is made in so many pieces. But my thoughts are that the body and fenders would have been hand hammered. Then welded together. As I know it, there are three schools of metal work. Southern Europe and Italy it was all hand hammered. (I found this out the first time I stripped the paint off a Ferrari and found all the hammer marks and asked why, the joy's of youth.) Northern Europe it was Helve hammers and England was the English Wheel. Originating from making Armour.

[Peter Tommasini]

Originally Posted by red baron

I am curious how many pieces Peter Tommasini would have used to make that fender. ... either way, came out great!

Mike because of the nature of the job (guard) I probably would minimise just a few of the welds, but never the less there would be still a few pieces needed to make that particular guard

Having said that providing that the panels are right ,the welds are well done and smoothed out properly , file finished, one can do that guard in as many pieces as one likes depending on the individuals capabilities
Peter
PS the only thing I would change is the position of some of the welds

[ojh]

Great stuff, I can't get enough of a Bugatti, they have so much to learn from.

[jhery]

The front bumper bucks were made from 4" round stock, 2" round stock and filled in with 3/8" plate which was reinforced with iron. The blanks are 14 gauge cold roll which had to be heated with the rosebud to roll around the buck. I drilled three holes to line up and hold the steel piece from shifting. The slots for the horn and the blank were cut with the water jet. It take about 8 hrs to shape and metalfinish for plating. The original pattern was made from ash and was shaped from a photo.

[jhery]

The rear bumpers were made on the Pull-max with delrin dies. The ends had to be stretched more than main part of the bumper and this was done with Kent White's hammer before rolling the ends.

[cliffrod]

Wow, Jim. That's really incredible work. "Very cool" doesn't quite cover it.....

Thank you very much for posting and sharing.

[Dave K.]

Great post! Thanks!

[RockHillWill]

Glad you took the time to post this. Folks that are not able to visit you are not able to see the scope of work that you are capable of.

[Mike Motage]

That's some serious hammer forming! Thanks for showing Jim.

[JimRussell]

Fantastic Jim. I appreciate you showing the steps involved.