The Ford Barn - View Single Post - lower water outlet with a boss to tap for temp gauge

Special Coupe Frank · 09-21-2010, 10:42 AM

Usually plate or "float glass" is made to pretty high tolerances, with both surfaces flat and parallel to each other.

I just lay a sheet of silicon-carbide paper (usually 180 or finer) on the glass, hold it down with one hand, and move the part across it with the other hand.

When I've been desperate for a flat surface, I've even used the flat side glass of the vehicle as a "surface plate"...

Any true, even, flat surface will work; generally you want something thick enough so that it will not flex under the pressure of your work...

I've salvaged the thick plate glass from coffee-tables for use as surface plates...

Probably no substitute for a Starrett granite surface plate, but good enough for carb flanges and water necks.

09-21-2010, 10:42 AM	#20
Special Coupe Frank Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northeast Penna Posts: 2,108	Re: lower water outlet with a boss to tap for temp gauge Usually plate or "float glass" is made to pretty high tolerances, with both surfaces flat and parallel to each other. I just lay a sheet of silicon-carbide paper (usually 180 or finer) on the glass, hold it down with one hand, and move the part across it with the other hand. When I've been desperate for a flat surface, I've even used the flat side glass of the vehicle as a "surface plate"... Any true, even, flat surface will work; generally you want something thick enough so that it will not flex under the pressure of your work... I've salvaged the thick plate glass from coffee-tables for use as surface plates... Probably no substitute for a Starrett granite surface plate, but good enough for carb flanges and water necks.