MTAD, masking tape aided design

[Cobbler]

I was watching a taped episode of Wheeler Dealers while Mrs C was getting a meal. Ok I know it's rubbish & all that, but there was an idea I've never seen before. Edd was doing up an Alfasud & cut out a small rust hole in the chassis, stuck masking tape over it, rubbed over it with a dirty finger & then removed the tape & stuck the tape on his sheet of steel, giving a perfect outline to cut for a fitting patch. So simple, just I've never thought of it, I've done similar with paper, cardboard & such like, but so much easier with masking tape stuck direct to the sheet. Everyone else may do this already, I don't know, but if not it may be a useful tip to someone.

Mind with most Alfasuds you would need masking tape a foot wide & I don't think is available that big

 

[130]

Been doing that for 30 odd years. Works with card too, including carb gaskets lol

Also great for butt welding in arches.
Cut out arch smaller than repair panel. Minimise repair panel size.
Tape on body, cut back to remaining arch on car
Put repair panel on, about 1/2" bigger than hole already ideally, cut tape above it away
Peel tape off body, apply to repair panel
Paint dust coat.
Peel off tape and trim.

 

[Cobbler]

Been doing that for 30 odd years. Works with card too, including carb gaskets lol

I've done it with card for gaskets & making templates for butt welding, just never seen it with masking tape, obvious really, just never thought of it, that's why I posted.

 

[WorkshopChris]

Mind with most Alfasuds you would need masking tape a foot wide & I don't think is available that big

No problem just use application tape(wide masking tape) as used when working with vinyl signs, available up to 48".
Toolstation use to stock a 4" tape very handy for working with templates.
https://www.mdpsupplies.co.uk/paper-application-tape.asp