So, I got busy yesterday afternoon and got started on the aluminum interior panels in the '36. They're .040 4x4 drops I got from the ALRO store, way cheaper than buying full sheets. Anywho, I got them cut out and temporarily mounted, and am trying to layout a bead pattern. Trying to get an Art Deco inspired pattern, something with horizontal beads at the top, running to a "waterfall" down the center, kinda like the dash design. There'll be a map pocket in the center in the inner panels opening, plan is to line a simple box with upholstery to match the cushions and rivet it to the aluminum skin. It's sort of hard in all the mess and poor lighting to see the design I've drawn on with a sharpie, if you squint it's there . Now, if I can keep the panels straight in my buddy's bead roller, it'll look OK...
Looks complicated and very tough to do because of the close parallel lines. Were you doing a 'offset' to create the deco-waterfall? The lines are a bit close and the flat part of the die roller may run over. If i were to do that piece i wouldn't try the mirrored part in the middle, i would move it off to one side to the leading edge of the door. That would both simplify the pattern and reinforce the deco theme as deco relied on abstract visual and the pattern as shown is a bit too geometrical precise. One other consideration is the radius, it may be a bit tight. Some bead rollers have 'locked' wheels and when you turn a corner they tend to throw distortion throughout the workpiece. My wheels are not locked and when doing a radius they can turn at different rates (i expect they could even turn in different directions). I would get some s**** and play with the radius turns, if the radius is too tight you will have to redo the whole layout. Good luck, oj
Or maybe more of a 'fan' shape than strictly parallel lines, something that mirrors the splay on the banjo steering wheel? Looks great, tho!
Well, this turned out even better than I could have hoped! I got the door and quarter panels done and mounted (for now). I redrew the pattern so they were more precice, and tho the curves were tight, l liked the look and left them as I'd originally designed. I made a dumb error on the first one (never leave your foot on the pedal of the bead roller and turn around to grab the end of the panel ) but had enough s**** to make an new one. After some noodling how to do the map pockets, I ended up rolling a bead around the perimeter, and will cut a plywood frame to match, then mount it to the panel, so as to make the edge of the opening safe. I only cut myself twice on wildcats cutting the openings . Also made the shifter filler panels, kind of tricky but turned out OK too. Now a couple of kick panels for the front, and a panel to fit between the radiator and the grill top, and I can return my buddy's bead roller. The job really looks great. I think a little welting around the edge of the aluminum panels and that will finish the interior off nicely. I'm still planning on rubber mats with Dynamat adhered to them for the floor. Brian
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