The Woodill Brushfire, a 5/8ths scale sports car.
The Woodill Brushfire, interior view.
Hey, what's this model doing sneaking in the picture, it has its own page.
The bumpers on the Brushfire are a bit large to be proper 5/8ths scale, so Steve has decided to have new bumbers custom fabricated. Note front bumper comparison with the 1955 Micklitsch. From the best that Steve can determine, the original chrome plated steel bumpers were modified Crosley items.
It was decided to use stainless steel rather than chrome plated steel for the new bumpers. The same material was used during the restoration of the 1955 Micklitsch bumpers. Two strips of stainless steel for the new bumpers were purchased, precut to the desired width. A crown needs to be formed into the strip to give the bumper rigidity. The first strip has been placed into a specially set up 30-ton Brake machine.
Machine shop owner Tim Junk is assisted by master machist Shiloh. Stainless steel has been protected by white padding.
The bending angle and other criteria can be exactly entered into the numericaly controlled brake.
The top of brake has been setup with a special made round-headed tool. Bottom has two rails to allow bending action. Spring-back needs to be accounted for. Here the strip has been formed with a first strike. It was decided to hit it a second time with another 5 degrees. After this process is completed, the bumpers need to be shaped with a curve, and the ends bent around to match the shape of the body. Dick has ordered some Delrin rod material to make custom rollers to form the Bumpers.
