Head Gaskets

I need to make a couple of head gaskets for an old Fox 25 of mine. I've heard that some folks make these from old softdrink (or beer) can stock.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to do this? Any tips, techniques, or procedures would be greatly appreciated.

You can always use the "old playing card" trick that GMA shared on Isky's board. I've tried it on a .25FP and it works like a charm. Just cut the center section enough for the head to pass through, bolt the head back on the engine, and with a sharp x-acto, cout around the engine to trim the card down to size.

Tight lines to all,

Hi
I've used the pop can method and can swear by it, it really does work.
DW

I've also tried the pop can method, but I always have a problem cutting the head gasket out. Does someone have a trick method for this??

One thing I have used which works well is (very) soft copper tape. This stuff is used in electronics. This sticks to the head (or the exhaust stack if you want to make a leakfree muffler seal), and a sharp exacto knife easily cuts it. The only downside is that it is very thin, so you may need two layers. Also its width just covers a 35 size engine, so larger cylinder sizes are out of the question.
I have also tried the aluminum tape which is used for AC duct work (much wider and somewhat thicker than the copper), but I have had a problem with this material blowing out-at least the one time I tried to use it. It may be that the adhesive used on the aluminum tape is not appropriate. It is much thicker/gooier (sp?) than the adhesive used on the copper tape, and I made no effort to remove it.

>Hi
>I've used the pop can method
>and can swear by it,

Any hints as to how you are cutting the inner and outer radius?

I use beer cans for my heads gaskets, Bud is .003 thick and Fosters is .005. I cut them out on a lathe by trepanning. I built a mandrel, larger than the size you intend to cut, to hold a circular piece cut from the can using a 1/4 cap screw. The tool is ground with a point about .005 wide and is plunged in, very slowly for the OD first and then the ID, measure the size and make adjustments to the size if needed. Once set up it takes about two min. per shim from 1/2A to .60's.

HI
First cut about a 2" by 2" piece of can then remove the P/L from the engine, I place the liner on the piece of can right side up, place something on top of the liner to protect it and lightly tap on top making an indentation in the metal this will give you your I.D. to cut it out I use a pair of small curved manicure scissors then using the piston to hold it in place (carefull not to scratch the piston)also the fit in the P/L could be a little tight but the piston should stick out a little, simply cut around the O.D. and there you have it one pop can gasket. Good luck.
DW