Scuttle wrapping

[Steve Bryant]

The one operation of my 1929 AD Van body build that has me intimidated and apprehensive to some degree is the wrapping of the scuttle in sheet aluminum. John Heath’s Instructions are rather simplistic:  “make and fit scuttle panel. Ensure pillars don’t move when wrapping panel”

Since I’ve never wrapped a scuttle before, I am appealing to those of you who have had some experience in this procedure to share your observations and experience with this if you’d be so kind.

I’d like to do this with one piece of sheet if I can and I have a pretty good idea of what is required, but I would dearly like to find out how to reduce the issues that might arise from doing it this way.

I am lucky to have the use of an English Wheel and a bead roller, along with a good selection of hand tools for panel beating so I am not wanting in that department.

I have even considered making the aluminum scuttle in three pieces and having them welded along the right angle bend from the windscreen pillar to the radiator shell, or the same thing only in 20 g steel which I can gas weld the seams on.

What are your thoughts on this ?
Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Stephen
Stephen