CMD Body Panels

[lpcoating]

I now have the rear panel prototype at programming. I was hoping that our tooling supplier could make a progressive rib tool to copy the bead around the A1 tail light but it doesn't look like it'll work. We'll look at a manual process next. I'm going to offer two styles of rear panel. A complete panel and also a patch panel which will be the rear panel without any of the bends for those that only need to patch a rusted out area. The second option will also be cheaper than the complete unit and not to mention a lot less labor to patch an area compared to replacing the entire rear panel. Hopefully I'll be able to have a sample for Gilbert but we'll see as this stuff always takes longer than I want it to.

[lpcoating]

Ran this on the laser today. This is just a test part as you can see from the picture, there is no rib around the tail light holes. Also, we don't use rusty steel for customer parts! The "wings" on the ends are for locating the inner bends. They are tabbed on and get broke off and burrs removed after bending. Part will be bent up by the end of the week.

[halftracknut]

WOW ...looks great...Will you do an A-2 also?

[lpcoating]

Yes, will do the A2. There are differences between the two so I'll need some info when I get the A1 version done. Jeepman 68 is sending me pictures and dimensions of the areas in question. I'll post pictures after this one is bent. Then I'll verify fit up, dimensions, bead length, etc.

This part is a good example of the benefits of modern equipment. The C1 laser as the ability to index the rib tool to the different angles required to make this part. It does this through the program and changes the tooling rotation while the part is running on the machine.

Guy

[Hambone]

Sweet! Looks like you're about ready for that dash. Hambone

[lpcoating]

Sweet! Looks like you're about ready for that dash. Hambone

Send it when you can. I still have to make the rear cross member and complete the seat supports.

[whiterabbit]

Man, that's sweet!

[Elvis Presley]

Hey lpcoating - just wondering what you have in stock at the moment for an A1, or when new runs are planned to be made?? I'm still saving my nickels and dimes and I'll hopefully be ordering some of those solid gold goodies you guys have been graciously been reproducing for us !!!!

Thanks!!!!

[lpcoating]

Hey lpcoating - just wondering what you have in stock at the moment for an A1, or when new runs are planned to be made?? I'm still saving my nickels and dimes and I'll hopefully be ordering some of those solid gold goodies you guys have been graciously been reproducing for us !!!!

Thanks!!!!

Look at the Products page. We have all parts in stock at this time.

www.m151bodypanels.com

Guy

[lpcoating]

We were able to bend the rear panel today:






Next step is to verify to the original. I just got off the phone with our tool supplier and might have an option for the tail light bead. They make a progressive rib tool that can process diameters. Thought is to run the rib and then drop the laser head and cut out the hole after the rib is formed. Worse case would be that the part would have to be flipped over if there is an interference problem between the rib and the laser head (the technical term for this is "crash") and do the cut out from the back side. We'll see...

[lpcoating]

Started to verify the rear panel tonight. Have to make some minor adjustments to the bead lengths and where the spare tire mount is but it's pretty close. The hole patterns and panel width look good. Also have to order the tooling for the tail light rib.

[lpcoating]

Tested the tooling modification that was done for the seat support hinge bracket. Looks much better than the first attempt.

[lpcoating]

I ordered the tooling for the tail light rib today. Should have it next week and we'll do a couple of test parts before we run the entire panel. This tooling works the same as the other rib tooling but is capable of forming ribs in a circle. After talking to our laser operator today, I think we'll be able to form the rib and then come in and drop the laser head during the same operation without having to flip the part. The laser nozzle has a small pointed end and if the machine detects the nozzle hitting the part it'll raise it up (on it's own) and re-focus the beam. While this tool is not an exact copy of the original tooling, it's going to be pretty darn close. I don't expect any complaints...

[04mustang]

Guy, Im noticing a a new dash panel in that photo of the rear panel. Hows that going?

[lpcoating]

That dash was the first part I made for my jeep. It's made out of 16 ga. I have a "Buddy" sending me a NOS to copy.