I just found a job in a company that makes all sorts of stainless-steel things. I have to draw machineparts and steelsheets in 3D-Modeling software (SolidWorks 2004), and because now I have access to all the machines (laser-cutters, CNC machines, etc. etc.) and stainless steel, I was thinking to draw some parts which I could use for my '67 (rear disk-brakes?) and make them in the company.
I don't think they will make lots of problems of this, as the employees have built almost a complete (mid '70?) Chevy truck using home-made stainless steel parts.

What are common parts that can be made in stainless steel, and are there any measurements available online of these parts? (I cannot dissassamble my '67 yet to get the exact measurements of certain parts :( ) So if someone has a handdrawing with measurements of, lets say, a rear disk I could draw this part. If someone wants, I can send the 3D model, DXF-file (CNC), autocad drawing of the parts to everyone who wants to have one... I just want to practise with the new version of the program, so I want to do something usefull :D

So, which parts can be home made?

How about a custom gauge pod where the stainless trim is in the center of the dash on 67 & 68's. Where the heater controls are & ash tray. Make a solid piece with gauges.

A custom console?

A stainless firewall piece to bolt on? That would be cool.

How about doing what Bob did to his wifes 67. He modified the 68 RS upper door & quarter stainless to fit on a 67. Remember seeing that?
Maybe you could make some upper stainless pieces for 67's. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Sorry Bob, you knew someone would follow you eventually, right? LOL smile.gif

What do you think DL? smile.gif

Now there's a good idea(s). I agree with Steve. Having a set of upper door & qtr window ledge pieces would be alot better than the rolled edge pieces GM made. The OE's scrape the paint and eventually rusts underneath.

What about wheel well moldings? The ever-breaking temp lever for a 69 heater and the ever-breaking air-vent-defrost lever for a 67 & 68? Or all of the levers, for that matter...

Stevo and Everett both have some good ideas. Let me know when the parts are available. I want to buy some. Especially the dash parts and wheel opening moldings.

What about complete stainless steel bodies?, stainless steel blocks? stainless steel steering wheels, stainless steel springs?

Okay, ill stop fooling around.

can u also make some parts for my car?

How about a handsome wedding ring made of stainless with a big 'ol bowtie on it for Robert :D :D :D

A few come to mind, like brake rotor dust covers, drum brake back plates, battery trays, some kind of caliper covers?, window cranks & inside door openers.
Originally posted by MrDanB:
How about a handsome wedding ring made of stainless with a big 'ol bowtie on it for Robert :D :D :D LMAO, you guys are gonna make him quit. :D
Hello Robert, J/K.

DL, I've been making some homemade parts for a couple years now using Solidworks, Mastercam and a 5-axis machine. All ideas here are good, I've mostly made brackets and some small parts, also suspension bushings, subframe bushings, CalTracs, and the list goes on. You'll get some ideas when you're wrenching on your car, that's when I get most of mine.

Originally posted by Silver69Camaro:
DL, I've been making some homemade parts for a couple years now using Solidworks, Mastercam and a 5-axis machine. All ideas here are good, I've mostly made brackets and some small parts, also suspension bushings, subframe bushings, CalTracs, and the list goes on. You'll get some ideas when you're wrenching on your car, that's when I get most of mine. Hmmm, holding out on us Matt? Strange you never mentioned this BEFORE! LOL ;) J/K smile.gif

Never mind DL. We'll order our parts from Matt. LOL tongue.gif

I like all the ideas guys, I think I'm gonna take some measurements of several parts.

Robert, I think there should be no problem of making some parts for you too...It all depends on when I can ask the boss to 'borrow' the entire workshop.

Matt, do you think it is possible for you to send me some solidwork-files you made? I have already put new bushings etc. onto my car, and threw away the old ones, so now I can't take correct measuresments....
Thanks in advance!

Hey StevoCamaro,

You mean a center piece like this! :D

www.geocities.com/boodlefoof/newinterior4 (http://www.geocities.com/boodlefoof/newinterior4)

It is the pic at the bottom of the page.

I just made it about a week and a half ago thanks to the suggestion of another fellow TC member. Thanks again for the idea!

Sure, I can send you the files. I'll get them from work, which is kinda strange I don't have them at home 'cause I've got Solidworks here also. If I can't find the Solidworks file, then I could probably send you the NC file although that probably wouldn't do you any good.

What kind of machine are you running? Are you using Mastercam for a post processor?

Originally posted by MrDanB:
How about a handsome wedding ring made of stainless with a big 'ol bowtie on it for Robert :D :D :D HMMM, now thats not a bad idea after all!
thanks for the tip!

Robert, I'll see what I can do for you, regarding the 'bowtie-ring' :D

Matt, you've got mail.