Reddit reviews Professional Sheet Metal Fabrication (Motorbooks Workshop)

This is the book I bought. If you want to learn from someone who loves to shape sheet metal then look no further. I met the author, Ed Barr, and he is the real deal. You will learn a lot from his book.

Edit: it's 300 pages of information that applies to what you want to do

Also, there are car restoration classes at the McPherson College in Kansas. They have a summer session that is open to the public. Each class is a one week session (M-F 8:30-5). The faculty and everyone else there are all friendly! Unfortunately, the classes are over this year, but they run every year in June. I took beginner and advanced sheet metal classes as well as a drivetrain class.

In the metal classes we learned how to TIG, MIG and torch weld sheet metal. Also, learned how to shape and form the sheet metal like bending, stretching and shrinking in certain places to get the right shape for your need. They have all the tools you need for your task. English wheels, bead rollers, metal brakes, hammers, dollies, power hammers etc...you name it and it's there. Plus they are open to students bringing in a manageable piece in to work for your advanced class.

The drivetrain class, we were allowed to take apart transmissions and put them back together. I did a Model A, 63-67 MG A, and a TH400. Someone else did a tranny from an 04 Mustang. We also took apart live axles. I took apart an axle with a Dana differential.

They offer a lot more and I promise you won't leave with a frown on your face!

P.S. A lot of students say they know the ins-and-outs of something until they take one of these classes. Almost everyone learns at least something new.

Just a lot of books... Here a re some of the ones I've bought over the past year:

Welding:Principles and Applications (this is a bit overkill but I found it at a used book store)

Advanced Custom Painting Techniques

Four Stroke Performance Tuning

Engine Builders Handbook This is more focused on V8s but has a lot of great advice/best practices.

Sheet Metal Fabrication I have only used the skills in this book to make my electronics box so far, I was originally going to make a cafe style seat but decided on room for a passenger. Someday I would like to make my own gas tank.

Other than that it's a lot of online research!

"Mom, I am going to need these for school"

https://smile.amazon.com/Sharpie-Metallic-Permanent-Markers-Silver/dp/B06WGZMK5T?sa-no-redirect=1

https://smile.amazon.com/Spellbinders-PLP-002-Platinum-Silver-Sheets/dp/B01F326COW?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_13

https://smile.amazon.com/Professional-Sheet-Fabrication-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760344922?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_9