Auto Part Art Dog Sculpture

Project by Ric Scott from Pasadena, Calif.

Ric, an accomplished electrical engineer, was looking for an artistic outlet, and he found it in recycled auto parts. He admits he doesn't know how to use auto parts to fix a car, but he certainly has a knack for welding them into hip toy figures like his auto part dog.

Materials:

collection of used auto parts
bio-degradable cleaner
clear-coat spray paint
welding supplies
wire wheel grinder
safety goggles
magnet

Steps:

1. Locate used parts from a junkyard, local mechanic, etc. Check pieces with a magnet to make sure they can be welded. Each piece must be magnetic.

2. Clean all parts with a biodegradable product.

3. Pre-assemble the dog to determine the layout of body parts. Figure out his position, stance, expression, etc.

4. Begin welding parts together. Starting with one foot, weld the metal slug to one of the leg bolts. Then weld three ball bearings to the slug. Add the back.

5. Repeat for other three legs. Weld legs to the backbone.

6. To make the head: If you want a springy head, weld a spring to the body. Add a collar at this point if you wish.

7. Weld the bottom rocker arm to the spring. Weld the tongue inside the rocker arm and then weld the top rocker arm.

8. Add cool ears. Add two small ball bearing for eyes.

9. Weld the small spring to the base of the back legs. You can also weld other cool additions to the spring for a more "happy" bouncing.

10. When welding is done, clean the dog with a wire wheel grinder. Be careful during this process! The force of the grinder can break the parts. Make sure to wear safety goggles too.

11. Add a clear coat of protective spray and allow to dry.

Website: www.ricscottdesign.com

E-mail: ric@ricscottdesign.com