EightballZ

hey guys,

i'm new when it comes to bodywork and such. so my question is, what tool is necessary to fabricate the raised bolt holes i marked in the attached picture?

joe_padavano

Typically you would need a punch and die. For limited use (a couple of stampings) you can sometimes get away with forms from MDF. The actual shape of the form requires a little trial and error, so expect to stamp some test parts first. For a recess this size, you may get away with squeezing the punch and die in a bench vice, though a press would be better.



You can also sometimes form a recess like this by making a female pattern (again, MDF or hardwood) and a clamping plate that goes above the sheet metal to hold it in place. Sometimes it helps to drill locating pin holes through the two forms and the sheet metal to locate everything - you can weld the sheet metal holes later. Now use a blunt chisel or brass drift or hardwood strip to hammer on the sheet metal and form it into the pattern.

RROLDSX

They are called dimple dies. I would sure like to find a reasonably priced source for this type of tooling including louver punchs.

allyolds68

I used a hole saw to cut a piece of 1/8" or 3/16" steel plate, ground the inner hole a little smaller, and then used both pieces on each side of the sheet metal in a vice to form the shape. Aluminum plate would have probably been easier if I had any. I did it about ten years ago and I had a lot more time than money.

EightballZ

wow..hard to find a pair under 100 bucks

i guess thats one of the reasons why body work is so expensive