Aluminum side panel teaser photos

[jp350]

Here are a couple pics of the main side panel w/ the 1/4" bead in it. I will be revising the panel somewhat but this gives you a pretty good idea what the finished product will look like. The other pic is of a roof mounted number plate I made. I used some numbers I had laying around so they are a bit fat for the panel. I have a few other designs for number plates I'm playing around with. These are 8" numbers. Does anyone run smaller ones [eg: 6"] ?

Edit: I have added a pic showing a cross sectional view of the step, 1/4" bead & radius roll respectively.

[jp350]

As of right this moment this thread has 368 views but not many replies. I welcome comments, both good & bad. But please limit any "bad" replies to constructive criticism. I'm always curious to know what others think of my creations. Thanks & have a good one. * *James

[TutTech]

Looking good you aluminum guys amaze me with what you guys can do.
Panels ya I can do but full dash etc.. wow aluminum....

Anyways awesome looking good keep us posted and on any other projects too.

[masterfabr]

On the one pic with a radiused *lip.I assume you do that with a radius brake?

[jp350]

Originally Posted by masterfabr\";p=\&quot

On the one pic with a radiused *lip.I assume you do that with a radius brake?

No sir. A tight radius like that can easily be produced with a special die on my bead roller. I have a very expensive bead roller but when you consider how versatile they are, the cost is more then justified. * James

[masterfabr]

Cool. Seems like it will roll it without waves.Can you post up an end view pic showing how straight an edge it will accomplish with that roll?

[jp350]

Originally Posted by TutTech\";p=\&quot

Looking good you aluminum guys amaze me with what you guys can do.
Panels ya I can do but full dash etc.. wow aluminum....

Anyways awesome looking good keep us posted and on any other projects too.

Thanks for the compliment. Yeah panels are about as easy as it gets. I would like to do something way more trick then simple panels like these but its difficult to justify. When you start shrinking, stretching, etc it takes a lot more time. * * *James

[plkracer]

Dang, if this is simple for you.... I'm amazed! I've worked with some thin aluminum and it's not easy. Just messing with a brake and press is hard enough for me.

[jp350]

Originally Posted by masterfabr\";p=\&quot

Cool. Seems like it will roll it without waves.Can you post up an end view pic showing how straight an edge it will accomplish with that roll?

I could if I had one. lol. I'll try to get you one tomarrow. * . There really is minimal stretching/shrinking in a radius like the one in question. With other shapes thats not the case & the part has to be straightened.

James

[jp350]

Originally Posted by plkracer\";p=\&quot

Dang, if this is simple for you.... I'm amazed! I've worked with some thin aluminum and it's not easy. Just messing with a brake and press is hard enough for me.

I've been fortunate to work with some very talented & well known fabricators in desert racing & I've learned a bit from them. What they produce is a true thing of beauty. It almost makes you jealous. But that just motivates you all that much more to continually improve your own skills.