Hi All, For those who would like to see my lower dash handiwork
I was finally able to get my gallery up and running. I`m open to any
changes or suggestions, as I have not purchased the guages yet.
Hope you like!

 

Cool! Glad you finally got the computer issue worked out.

Are the guages going to be mounted in such a way that they angle toward the driver? That is one of the things I was worried about with the guages I have if I mount them under the dash.

 

Looks Good!

 

Ya, Brian, The dash extension is in the same angle as the original
column mount bracket so the guages should be easily seen while driving.
I dont know just what the angle degree is but the bend is close to original bracket angle. As an aside, had a virus and did a complete xp
recovery. Thats what took so long to post pictures.

 

Ahh...now that is a good idea! I was thinking it went straight down. OOPS! Keep us updsted as you move along with the project. I have the guages, sooo I might sort of copy you at some point.

EDIT: (fixed a typo)

 

Brian, Please copy whenever. I should tell you though, the top edge of dash ex.
[edge that bolts to dashboard] on mine is 2" deep. I would suggest edge to be
2 1/2" minium. Notice slots in attachment holes for front to back adjustment.

 

Nice work. Did you use a hammer form to fold the edge?

 

gusso,

Very nicely done my good man! Looks very professional, like it was stamped out.

I can't wait to see what it looks like mounted in the truck.

I'm glad you got the pic issue handled
Bobby

 

Axracr, The edge bend was done like this. Marked a line at bend. Clamped between 2
angle irons,[on the line, in vise] scored line with 4 1/4" angle grinder [being very careful not to go very deep] When done, bend [bent?] on grind line while between angle iron.
Made a nice sharp bend. Put a weld every 2" on backside of bend so it wouldn`t crack in future. Ends were simply welded and ground to shape. Thanks for looking. I should have taken a picture or 2 of backside.

 

Next time try making a hammer form. Cut two pieces of MDF the size and shape of the inside of the piece allowing for the thickness of the metal all the way around. Bend the top flange in a brake or between angle irons on an oversized piece of metal. Make a sandwich of the metal and forms and clamp tightly with as many clamps as you can find. Use a soft hammer or a block of wood as a punch to start bending over the edge working slowly around the form. On the curved corners start in the center of the curve and work outwards towards the straight sections in both directions. Take your time, working it down a small amount at a time with each pass. In 6- 10 passes you should have bent the metal down completely and smoothly without undue difficulty. If you want a rounded edge, run a router bit of the desired radius around the edge of the inside form before bending. You can use the same forms for 2-4 parts before it will start to deteriorate. If you have more parts to make use a more durable material for the inside form such as acrylic or aluminum. You can make some pretty complex pieces this way.
Check out the panels this guy made using hammer forms:
http://www.heritagesonline.homestead.com/index.html

 

WOW. AXracer; Thats a great website for working metal. Thanks. I going back now to learn some more.