all of the comments made bring up thoughts i have had before i even acquired the tool. i'll take a pic or two later today or tomorrow showing what i want to accomplish. gene is absolutely right about possibly damaging the tool, but i think i'll try sneaking up on a piece of scrap just to see what happens. i'll pay special attention to the shrinker jaw teeth and the handle pivot area. the reason 16ga. is being used is i have some, and need the extra strength in the rocker area because the truck will be so low. the inner rocker will be welded with internal reinforcements, and was easy to fab because it was all straight shapes and 90* bends. if you guys can think of anything else, please comment.