From mental image to measurements

[AIbandit]

I know this isn't really advanced fab but we don't have normal fab.

I'm trying to make my inner fender wells. I'm doing it by taking measurements as close as I can, cutting cardboard and remeasuring what should be done in sheet metal. It's a bit intricate because of my Coilovers and hoops coming into the body so I can't just make a box and call it good.

What do you do to get your Ideas down on sheet metal and cut correctly the first time?

 

[jmaxj]

i use posterboard mainly because its easier to work with then cardboard. after its cut i trace it onto the sheet metal and hope for the best usually works out good.

 

[AIbandit]

Good point, thanks . Anyone else?

 

[time2getdirty]

I use posterboard for templates or ducttape the area and cut out what you want to cut with a blade and put the tape on metal.

 

[MoparManiac]

Same thing.

If I can, I rough cut a piece of cardboard and lay it over the hole I'm trying to fill. From the other side, I'll trace the opening onto the cardboard and then lay it onto steel. Works well for pieces on 1 plane. I did this on my inner fenders to clearance them for the 40s.

Another example. This covers my front upper link poking through the floor. Following the contours of the floor without tracing would be a major PITA.

 

[RCman]

I too use the cardboard method. I however prefer a good double corrugated cardboard as it helps to take up the thickness and bends more like the metal will than poster-board. It's harder to work with, but the relief cuts and thickness helps in the end (for me anyway).

I start with the overall measurements and then take/measure random points along the edge to a known surface and transfer them to the cardboard. Overcut large and then trim progressively till I get the shape I want. Duct tape works well when you mess up.

On of my many many many templates.

 

[asp]

17x 1/4-20's holding your access hole covers on. Necessary.

I'm never ever taking those off for you again.

 

[Jump This]

We all use CAD programs around here.
















Cardboard Aided Design.

 

[jeeperjohn]

I like to use manilla folders for smaller parts, cardboard for large items.

 

[AIbandit]

We all use CAD programs around here.



Cardboard Aided Design.

Lol
I did do my first part on solid works today I think it's nice to see the design even though I'm going to have to put it back on paper. I'll use poster board this time.

 

[kastein]

17x 1/4-20's holding your access hole covers on. Necessary.

I'm never ever taking those off for you again.

GRADE 8 1/4-20s! Strongest body panel ever.

I use beer cases, cardboard boxes, just wing it and chop pieces off till it fits, etc. Once in a while I use the calipers.

 

[Boostwerks.com]

http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/free-cad-software/

We even use draftsight to do our CNC plasma work.

Cardboard only goes so far.

 

[AIbandit]

I did make the fenderwell in solidworks and I think it did help optimize the design but either way it has to go back on paper. It was also my first attempt at solid works so there's a lot I don't know how to do.

My dad is a truckdriver that runs loads of paper to beer companies for their boxes/bottle holders
He brought me a fat stack of it that was damaged on a roll. I think it's going to work perfect. as sturdy as cardboard but thin manageable and easily cut.

 

[Vanimal]

it's hard to do stuff like that in solidworks, mainly because with all the compound angles and curves, it will take more time to model up the existing body than it would to just mock it up a few times with cardboard. I dont think i've ever used solidworks for my jeep or cars, only for motorcycle parts.