[dixiedart]

So I'm filling the factory roof seam after cleaning and sandblasting - factory used some lead and some filler - I used short strand glass and finishing up with polyester. I'm having a real time with shaping this "outside" or convex curve. I need to learn how as this will not be my last rodeo - how you guys work with "bubble" tops and fat fendered cars and get 'em perfect is magic. I can handle a straight , flat body no sweat (66-67 Fairlanes, Novas, Chevelles) but I need tips on shaping these types of areas as this is a first for me. A link to any videos known of would be great ! This is my own car, I'm just a weekend warrior.

[Sir Joab]

I think for most of us this is a matter of feel... However, you could also take pieces of cardboard and cut one edge to fit up against the body (say, along those red lines on your picture) using the "good" side of the roof. Then lay on the filler a little too thick and sand down until the cardboard guide sits properly in place... homebuilt aircraft builders sometimes use this method for shaping wingtips.

[cboy]

Don't know if it will help at all but here is how I approached the challenge of getting convex curves fairly straight on my sedan delivery.

Here are a few shot which show some of the tools and techniques I used. Much more detail in the link above.









And here are a couple shots showing how the curves turned out.

[dixiedart]

Cboy -

That's exactly what I'm talking about. I'm using the same Dura block plus others, thanks for the tips. I'd consider the cardboard template trick but, the other side is in the same state !

[57chevy350]

Cboy good on you !!!! nice hotrod ! dixiedart it's all about time take your time use your hands eyes and a guide coat !!!! good luck .

[dsraven]

what I have done in the past is not go straight up and down on the panel. go at a crosshatch pattern with the durablock, that will take off the high spots and not allow you to make the same groove over and over. then when you think you have it, wipe it down with a wet rag full of wax and grease remover and that will show a shiny surface for a few secs. you will be able to stand back and see any ripples in the finish, just like it was freshly painted.
just an idea that worked for me.
dsraven