Does anyone on here custom cut Stainless Steel?

[Sporto]

I am working on my dash and I want to create a panel out of stainless steel that will cover the hole from a single DIN stereo, while also providing me somewhere to mount a switch and a gauge.

You can see what I have in my project thread already, post #17. However I want something that is more visually appealling so I am thinking a nicely cut SS panel (or perhaps brushed aluminum) would be the perfect thing to finish this out.

I am open to suggestions or ideas.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2014368#post2014368

Thanks

Rich

 

[Greg_B]

I made this last week. I needed a programmable fuel gauge so I came up with this.

I also made another one exactly like it but it holds three gauges instead of the 12V power jacks. I decided to go this route instead.

It isnt stainless... it is 14ga mild steel powder coated a metallic silver. I might sell it if you are interested.

Just an idea... terrible iPhone pic... sorry.

Greg

 

[bluemonday]

That is nice greg.

 

[Sporto]

Wow Greg! That is sweet and it would look great on my dash, but the lower half of it would block the double DIN radio that I am currently installing. I am open to any material though, it does not have to be stainless, so if you come across anything that just covers the hole please let me know! I will pay for something custom.

Great work though very impressive.

Rich

 

[migs]

Hi, I have a machine shop/ fab shop and have made custom one off panels and gauge mounts out of stainless or aluminum, brushed or polished. If you think I might be able to help you out just send me a pm.
thanks

 

[allenfahey]

Check with Drew, he should know someone that can do that. Maybe one of the Kiser (roadrunner) guys can do it. One of them made the MEB raffle drum out of stainless.

 

[dave67fd]

Rich,
We use and cut stainless on a weekly basis. For all of our custom cut-outs we have them laser cut. There is most likely an outfit somewhere in your area. They usually only charge for set-up costs and then a minor fee to cut. Seeing as your panel is probably a pretty basic cut-out it would be quick. They usually have material available.

You would though probably have to give them a detail dimensional drawing of what you want cut. Our laser house charges us a one time fee for each piece regardless of how many cutouts and there around $125.

We also do on occasion cut-outs on enclosures (14ga) which are too large for the laser table. We usually make a template of the cut-out, transfer to the material (use a fine point sharpie) and use a varaible speed jig saw with a metal blade at about 14 tpi. If you feel confident to do this you don't want to run the saw too fast as you will burn the blade and harden the material. You can clean it up with a grinder/file.

Aluminum will also look nice and is easier to cut. We do the same basic procedure for both.

 

[Sporto]

Great replies and suggestions. Actually now that I think about it, aluminum is probably the better way to go. I will see about getting some specs on exactly what I need in terms of size and cut out. It should be pretty basic as you said.

Thanks a lot this is giving me a lot of ideas.

R

 

[Heus33]

Rich,

Did you see what I did with my ashtray cover on my blue bronco?

Carl hooked me up with this little beauty.

Here's an old thread of his if you're interested in something similar.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144821

 

[Revelation]

Don't get the stainless bug! I ended up with Floors, Firewall, front inners and core support all stainless, as well as a custom dash overlay.

 

[migs]

Here is a little sample I cut out on the plasma machine and ran through a time saver. it is 12ga stainless. couldnt really get a great picture with this camera though.

 

[Sporto]

Here is a little sample I cut out on the plasma machine and ran through a time saver. it is 12ga stainless. couldnt really get a great picture with this camera though.

Is there a picture or am I just not able to see it for some reason?



R

 

[dave67fd]

Here is a little sample I cut out on the plasma machine and ran through a time saver. it is 12ga stainless. couldnt really get a great picture with this camera though.

What grade SS? 304?

 

[migs]

yes, that piece was cut from 304. that's the grade we use for most of the stuff we make. I do have some bits of 316 left over here and there for the occasional specialty job that comes along requiring it.

 

[xcntrk]

Well it's not the cheapest alternative, but you can have anything machined these days:

http://www.emachineshop.com/

If you can dream it, they'll built it/cut it/mill it/inject it/etc...