Dashboard Switchplate "shaped"

[Darius Rudis]

My current dashplate is "flat" and would like to make a "shaped/curved" dash switchplate to contour to the dashboard.
How did you guys do that? Build something outta wood, and hammer-bend over template...?

 

[Adam C.]

Press tool to make the curved part first (it has to be a MUCH tighter radius than your target due to springback)
Sheet metal break for the two remaining bends (there is a small one at the very top)

 

[Darius Rudis]

Hmmmmm... I see the difference.
I guess I was looking at the more "soft rounded" ones.
Hmmm, more brainstorming...

1966 Ford GT40 - One the most original examples on earth, matching numbers and less than 5000 miles​

https://www.dhrofgo.com/sold/1966-f...th-matching-numbers-and-less-than-5000-miles/

Superformance:
https://www.superformance.com/factory-models/gt40-mki

Like these:
https://autostradamagazine.com/gallery/ford-gt40a-true-classic

1967 Ford GT40​

https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/am24_r163/1967-ford-gt40

 

[David mono]

Hi Darius, bend the metal over some pipe or pvc plastic pipe it's only 17 inches or so and thin. Do some experimenting with a inch or two wide for desired shape.

 

[Devin]

The good thing is if you over arch them slightly, then the retaining nut should flatten them out and make for a nice fit.

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Hmmmmm... I see the difference.
I guess I was looking at the more "soft rounded" ones.
Hmmm, more brainstorming...

1966 Ford GT40 - One the most original examples on earth, matching numbers and less than 5000 miles​

https://www.dhrofgo.com/sold/1966-f...th-matching-numbers-and-less-than-5000-miles/







L

​

most original my arse! hose clamp aeroquip hose on carbs, wrong sparkplug wires, dont think any of the road cars had the alloy valve covers.... and that is from one photo!

 

[David mono]

most original my arse! hose clamp aeroquip hose on carbs, wrong sparkplug wires, dont think any of the road cars had the alloy valve covers.... and that is from one photo!View attachment 142882

Squirrel Drift

 

[Adam C.]

I don't recognize most of those cars as original. Bends should be relatively crisp and there should be only 2 retaining screws located in the middle.
1075

1032

1030

 

[David mono]

1067

 

[Darius Rudis]

Thanks for the Original photos.
Still havnt decided (yet), on soft-bending my own over a wooden dowel (might be harder to perfect), versus a sharp-bend with sheet metal break to which I have easy access... Hmmmmm.

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Hot gluing a welding rod onto the piece then clamping into the break should make a soft bend

 

[Darius Rudis]

Going to give these an attempt. Have a LOT of scrap .060" Aluminum.
Option#1

Option#2

 

[Chet Zerlin]

I'll looking forward to seeing your methods and results Darius. Shaping the switch covers properly is not as easy as it looks (I'm finally closer on my 10th try!). Like just about everything on my RCR40 symmetrical is a non-existent concept ...

Chet

 

[Andy Sheldon]

Darius
We mold them in GRP
I very much doubt you would bend panels that fit anything like decent as the dash moldings are not symmetrical
Available as a pair
Thanks
Andy

 

[Chet Zerlin]

Andy is there a price sheet or catalog with prices anywhere on your website? Or do I send an email to your "info" address to get the pricing on each individual item?

Chet