Thanks guys! Started off making my center template tonight but ran out of material. I deliver to my customer tomorrow that sheered it for me so guess I'll get him to make me a couple of more pieces. Figured out how to heat up the templates to an even temp needed, I'll just put them in boiling water. Since water boils at 212 deg ( I need 150-240 deg) should work fine and doesn't matter if templates are wet. Just need to find a tank that will fit templates 4'x2'x3" and I can heat up the tank with my turbo torch. Was thinking the old fuel tanks from behind the seat of trucks, will have to go digging at dads! I can go into more detail of how I made the templates if you guys like, just in case you want to tackle down the road? Think this will also work to emboss emblems/script etc in vinyl, just have to do text in reverse so your not reading backwards.
-- Edited by hawkeye5766 on Friday 12th of February 2016 01:56:44 AM
Finished off the center template last night,drilled another 46 holes by hand. A little trick when bending the outside radius. Because the outside radius is larger than the inside one I just placed about 5 #10 nuts on edge against the inside radius. Then bent the outside, since the nuts are narrow it will fallow the inside contour. Hope to make a pressing jig and cook some metal today! Hope this works or I'll have some abstract wall art!
Thanks guys. Mark,don't you have a couple........dozen 66's. Progress with a bit of a setback tonight. The dang templates cool down so fast because of being 1/16 strips, kinda like a rad fin, also the larger the area the harder to make an impression in the vinyl/foamcore. My jigs came in handy because I had to heat/press more than once. Another problem was the vinyl being wrapped around to the back side, this caused the panel to angle when being compressed because the template was over the wrapped and non wrapped section at the same time. Turned out OK in the end but will do a couple of modes for the next impression. Started laying out the outer templates when I realized I need to work from the middle outwards, this will give me an even distance all the way around the center inlay to all the way around the center template (get my drift?). Boy,sure a lot of work for a couple of door panels!!
Jig for holding door panel and template. Low enough so I still have room to compress.
Holds template and door panel in place if I need to press more than once
Firebox for heating template to 212 deg
Now we're cooking!
After second pressing, would like a little more defined.
Finished off the door panels today. More than happy with the outcome!! Had to press the templates in three short sections. Heated and press the front then middle and finally the end. Abs, vinyl,foambaord was about 80.00, nuts, screws and vinyl dye about 35.00. So two door panels cost me about 115.00 or 57.50 ea. Just glad all that time spent making templates wasn't a waste.
Thanks guys! With the money I saved I can finally get that new camera and get some 1/2 decent photo's!! Will have to cruise up in the spring and see ya Rick!
-- Edited by hawkeye5766 on Sunday 14th of February 2016 11:40:28 PM
You continue to amaze Jim..........awesome outcome........
When's the instruction book coming out...I wanna copy.
Instructions: A crap load of work!
No doubt! Excellent job!!!
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
Simply Amazing! And you make it look and sound so easy when clearly it isn't . Great job my friend. Now this will be something I won't be afraid to tackle in the future if needed.
Don't forget to match up the rear panels buddy,your not done yet.lol
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"The pursuit of perfection is frustrating and a waste of time because nothing is ever perfect. The pursuit of excellence is commendable and worth while. Therefore strive for excellence, not perfection"
Did some embossing last night. Works the same as embossing the door panels so if you want to dress them up the options are endless,door panels/headrests/package tray etc. Couldn't believe the detail that came through. The "Canso" was pressed from the backside of the vinyl.