31 2-dr. Sedan rain gutters, bending!
 

I bought the rain gutters from Snyders but they come straight, I did not get any directions in the box on bending/shaping them. Would someone describe how it is done or post the directions Snyders sent them.

Re: 31 2-dr. Sedan rain gutters, bending!
 

Anyone ever bend their own?

Re: 31 2-dr. Sedan rain gutters, bending!
 

Trace the body curvature on paper
Transfer that arc to a block of wood
Bend the gutter on the wood
The gutter bends fairly easy by hand

I have a nice set of original gutters with no tack strip if your interested
The repo tack will not work with the original

Re: 31 2-dr. Sedan rain gutters, bending!
 

It's a compound curve. Like Mitch says, copy the horizontal arc; cardboard works well for this. Then copy it to a 4x4 and cut it out with a band saw. Rout a shallow channel in the two resultant pieces, then gently press the two pieces together. I used 8" bolts with nuts and washers on each end of the jig to bring the two halves together. Then copy the vertical arc and do the same thing. It's tricky and takes some care but I did it without causing any kinks. The tack strip is even more difficult and delicate, but it is also a little more flexible. Go slowly, and watch closely as you tighten the clamps to make sure the material doesn't slip. Disclaimer: It's been at least 20 years since I did this; new repro materials may be different.

On my pickup, I put a piece of 1/4" aluminum rod in the gutter to keep from damaging it as I attached it to the tack strip. I didn't think of this when I did my Tudor 35 years ago, and the job suffered because of it. :(

Re: 31 2-dr. Sedan rain gutters, bending!
 

On my L-31 Tudor, I tried some heat(drip-drip), then by hand back and forth around a large round pipe in the vise. I got it close, then I attached the rear end and bent it more as I attached the front end. It came out ok for a driver. For a points car, good used parts or repairing what you have might be a better choice. Like Mitch my tack strip was used up.

Re: 31 2-dr. Sedan rain gutters, bending!
 

You wouldn't happen to have a couple of pictures for you jig?

Re: 31 2-dr. Sedan rain gutters, bending!
 

Yes do you have any pictures?

Re: 31 2-dr. Sedan rain gutters, bending!
 

test

Re: 31 2-dr. Sedan rain gutters, bending!
 

I formed the rain gutter for my 1930 2-door using a nearby telephone pole and the bend radius matched the body contour where the gutter is installed. A tree would also work. Telephone poles and trees make fine mandrels and won't damage the gutter.