Not exactly high-tech, but something I've been meaning to try out for a while. I never know whether to call these "washers" or "flanges" or what. At any rate, the 324 Oldsmobile Rocket for my '27 roadster project ( http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=292739 ) is missing a pair of 'em and I'm tired of trying to track down replacements. I've got plenty of 1/8" scrap lying around and more time than money, so I decided to make some. They're a little trickier than they initially look, edges turned down and curving on a slight radius in the opposite direction, so I made a die out of 1/2" scrap. Welded an 1/8" piece in the center. Ground the two short ends down a step to get the shape right. Drilled and tapped the center for a 3/8" bolt to hold them in place.
Cut some pieces of 1/8" scrap, drilled out the center. Then I heated things up; hammered the center of the two long sides to curl them over. Then I heated the two short ends and hammered them down. The "step" on the inside of them is just right, and they make contact with the valve covers on the four outside edges, and along the edge of the outside ends. The one in the photo with the surface rust is the original factory piece. Cleaned them up a little bit, and they're ready for paint. Or chrome.
I have to agree with what he said. It's those little details that make or break it in the long run. That one makes it for sure.
Chrome, or silver powder coat. I like the contrast, small enough to be a highlight, not a distraction. And paint the raised letters on the valve covers and it will look cool - a sort of classic old-school cool. At least I think it will
Thanks, guys. It's also these little hardware details that nickel and dime you to death! I wish I'd started making more of this stuff myself way earlier in this project.
Some times you just have no other choice except doing it your self and these came out looking factory. Great job and who knows you may be able to sell a few. Thanks for posting an interesting process.
marx, Great job, if you could buy them they probably wouldn't fit as well. It's fun to make stuff for for this thing we call a hobby, my wife calls it a sickness? Like you said this shit nickels & dimes you to death, keep up the good work and have fun..............
Great job! They look great. Stainless may be the way to go for selling them, but FYI, chroming will be about $5 each, unless you have like 20 at a time or more. Most shops have a minimum order anyways, so you may as well get something else small done too.
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