Make your own tank?...

[Lucky Strike]

Any of y'all ever attempt it. I mean build a real tank, not just a plate or a block of wood... not that there is anything wrong with that. Its also very cool.

Teaser shots of the beginnings of my first attempt. Part of the long painful process of downloading the image in my head, of a luxury cruiser, into reality.

Note the protective tape is still on the aluminum sheet metal.

P.S. if anyone has experience hand bucking solid aluminum rivets, please PM me... "Bwahahaha!"

L.S.M.F.S.T.

 

[Rockit!]

Well, I've done rivets in copper, brass, sterling silver, and steel. What do you want to know?

 

[B607]

Not bad so far. Keep the pics coming! Gary

 

[Lucky Strike]

Tank update. My idea was to make a horn tank, that had an air craft look. Basically riveted aluminum...

Had to find the right size rivets. The one on the left is the right size....

Made a template for the center section

Cut out center section and bent it up using wood and clamps as a home spun metal break

Started bucking the rivets into place

Partially finished and test fit

Need to cut bottom section, fabricate attachment brackets, tap and massage to make panels fit flush and brush and polish. But the hard part is done.

 

[Gary Mc]

Now that is beginning to look very cool and making me want to give it a try. Lots of ideas start to float in my head like a WWII bomber inspired build. Very cool and great job!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[B607]

I like it. The rivets give it the "bullet-proof" look. Paint, or leave it bare metal? Gary

 

[Lucky Strike]

I like it. The rivets give it the "bullet-proof" look. Paint, or leave it bare metal? Gary

My current thinking is to polish until it resembles this:

 

[Lucky Strike]

Preview of polished look...

Before:

After (330 grit to remove deep scratches, 400 grit, 1000 grit wet sand paper then aluminum polish)

 

[Lucky Strike]

Shiny:

 

[axsepul]

Nice work man! What kind of frame is that?

 

[Lucky Strike]

Nice work man! What kind of frame is that?

Western Flyer x-53 I got it for free. But it was missing all the cool stuff: tank, light, front fender, rear rack, etc. So, I'm making it my own... more to come.