[ProMetalShop]

Hi Folks
This is a customers 32 3window we were commissioned to install a stout 392 Hemi and muncy 4speed trans. Now some kits are made to bolt together rather easy and others seem as though the parts were made for a few different makes and models thrown in one package.

Its fairly obvious this was the best fit we were going to get with these frame rail covers.

Although we really try not to reinvent the parts at hand ordering new ones at best may still fit half as good, so we set out to make our own to keep better control of quality and fitment.

The panels not a difficult panel however the edge has to keep a continuous round over edge of 1/4 inch around the complete radius.

A few things are important and one is to keep a tight gap between both parts to be welded and good penetration in your weld.

 

[ProMetalShop]

Hi Folks
This is about the finish product until the other side is made.

The fit is very close and that is only with a bolt threw with no fastener to hold it tight so I am sure fit will be satisfying

Now I am sure you have noticed this is the opposite side but I had forgot to take photo's of the step one of the round over which I will so you can see how it was achieved.

It's at this point what I call timing marks come in handy to realign both panels when I remove them from the frame to make changes.

At this point I had to break my tack weld and cut back some of my round over so my top would lay flat in a straight line.

Now remember before when I said use what ever you have to achieve the shape desired ? well here is a great example, I had to use one of my wood mallets to roll the bottom of the contour with out loosing a nice radius.

 

[ProMetalShop]

Again the simplest tool will work most of the time.

Next I tacked about 1 1/2 apart starting from the center and worked out to ether edge and back to the center to keep the distortion down to a minimum, after which I finished welding in the same pattern.

After wich I knocked the high or proud side of the weld down with a grinder and then finalized with an 80 grit just in the affected area.

The next step we will make a louvered panel between the two rail covers.

Here is what the finished product.

 

[1946Austin]

Veryy nice Steve! That's making a silk purse from a sow's ear for sure!

 

[ProMetalShop]

Thank you Vall

 

[Marks63PontiacGasser]

Love watching your work Steve. You keep giving me ideas and then you show me how to make them. A very big thank you Steve. Mark L

 

[19mach69]

This was great. I like when you can use a simple tool ti male a professional product. It shows you don't need all of the fancy stuff.

 

[1946Austin]

I'd love to build a set of forming dies and a press to make louvers. I don't see me doing enough of them to buy the dies and press, but if I could build it cheap enough it would be fun and I'd give it a shot.

 

[maddog3299]

truely a master at work!

 

[Cptnbob]

truely a master at work!

Well said Mike..........and I agree!

 

[ProMetalShop]

Thank you all for the kind words.... I try to do a pile of my work with the every day common tools but on some jobs it demands other equipment to get the job done in a timely fashion. I have to look for the pictures of the rest of that 32 Ford build. It had some neat stuff we had to make.
Vall I made a louvre press year ago and use for mostly inside fender panels and dash vents. I has a 40 inch throat and I've put some large hoods threw it. But I'm lazy now and don't really want to do hoods anymore.......

 

[OpelGasser]

Another great masterpiece by the Master.

I love "louvers"!!!! Especially like the way Steve has them roll so evenly around the contour..... like they were painted on.

Want to louver the rear hatch on the Opel.... with a recessed area in the middle for the parachute to be mounted in ..... and a round pipe push bar rear bumper.

Now if I can just afford to get the Opel to Steve's for an EXTENDED stay!!!! ..... "All I want for Christmas is........ L o L !!!!!

 

[ProMetalShop]

Hey John we can surely make a panel For ya give us the dimensions and you could ether weld it in or do an old style rivet, which would look very cool. I have 2 , 3 , 4 inch dies.