CMD Body Panels

[lpcoating]

These are pictures of my project before the dash was installed:





Guy

[lpcoating]

Guy,

First, thanks for sharing this process with all of us.

I think many people would look at stand-alone photos of these panels, think nothing of the labor involved in getting it right even before making the first part and then be bull-headed when they see the price. Unfortunately, such is the way of the world.

Second, might you take a step or two back and give us a larger view of your truck as it is coming together? I know you want to show off the details of each section but seeing it as a whole would be inspiring.

Were the original panels stamped out and formed on a large press and is your method of adding snouts and elbows because you don't have something that large?

Cheers,
TJ

The original panels were stamped. We do not have a press large enough and even if we did, the cost for machining stamping dies would be crazy expensive compared to how we manufacture our parts. There is no way the low volume would ever justify making stamp dies. The initial cost for making these parts is the reverse engineering time. This is eliminated (for the most part) by the simple fact that I do it on my time, not the company time. Once parts are proved out, they are simple to make as we have modern equipment.

Guy

[lpcoating]

Dash panels are almost done. Weld the windshield hinge pads in and this is complete. This is an A1 dash. As I was posting the pictures I noticed an error. Can anyone tell me what is not correct? Easy enough to fix...







Guy

[m3a1]

[/quote]

The original panels were stamped. We do not have a press large enough and even if we did, the cost for machining stamping dies would be crazy expensive compared to how we manufacture our parts. There is no way the low volume would ever justify making stamp dies. The initial cost for making these parts is the reverse engineering time. This is eliminated (for the most part) by the simple fact that I do it on my time, not the company time. Once parts are proved out, they are simple to make as we have modern equipment.

Guy[/quote]

Well, I'm just spitballing here but, you might consider making those heels and snouts available as well. I know for a fact that the heels are sometimes subject to damage and while I doubt they'd be a really hot item, someone might want just that bit. Just a thought. Keep up the good work!

Cheers,
TJ

[m3a1]

I'm guessing you didn't include any provision for the windshield hinges....yet.

[Fil Bonica]

Is that the “sports” version
No windshield ?!

Fil Bonica

[lpcoating]

I'm guessing you didn't include any provision for the windshield hinges....yet.

Guess is wrong. As I posted, almost done, hinge plates need to be welded on

[lpcoating]

First hinge plate welded on. Also test fit the side cowl. Side cowl needs the lower portion welded on.

[lpcoating]

Here is the first 99.9% completed A1 dash. I have to countersink the holes for the defrost slots.





Guy

[Hambone]

That looks great, probably the most difficult up to this point? keep up the good work, now that your through with the dash, I will be placing an order soon, still have those complete floors, you ready??

[m3a1]

OK, I'm still guessing at what was "wrong" with the panel. What is wrong?

[lpcoating]

OK, I'm still guessing at what was "wrong" with the panel. What is wrong?

The flasher bracket is different on the A2. I didn't tell the spotweld operator and he put the A2 bracket on the A1 dash. My bad.

Guy

[lpcoating]

First time fit up of side panels. Still need to make tooling for lower radius.






Guy

[rickf]

What about the extensions at the upper ends?

[m3a1]

You know, at some point you're going to be done and there will be a great big hole in your life that will need to be filled.

Pssst... What's next?