metal project ideas
 

hey guys i need to do a project in my machining class and I'm trying to come up with ideas for my truck. if you had access to high-end machining tools, what would you make? we can do fabrication too.
ideas so far:
Billet dash insert for the passenger side
polished bowtie for flatbed headboard
receiver hitch
thanks for any ideas, the harder the better, thanks

Re: metal project ideas
 

BB power steering pump bracket

Re: metal project ideas
 

id love to have a real good utility push front bumper with a brush guard and winch set up that looks good

Re: metal project ideas
 

check out the tail gate band thread. it would make a good project.

Re: metal project ideas
 

Bob, several other people in the class are going that route, and i would too if my truck was 4x4.
I have a pretty clear idea in my head. An new dash trim piece made out of aluminum (or some other material, I can literally work with anything) painted to look like woodgrain. with pin striping scrolls engraved in. A Billet Custom logo to to put on too. I want it to look stockish...I'm also making a billet shift knob that has the same factory shape, and door lock knobs. I'm open to any criticism of my ideas and I'm very open to suggestions. I'm trying to make something nice so when i graduate i have something to show to possible employers, to show my skill. I'm trying to get into the machining trade.
Thanks Guys!

EDIT for Ojoe: If i had a tailgate I'd be all over it..

Re: metal project ideas
 

A slide out cup holder to replace the ash tray. Jay

Re: metal project ideas
 

How about a full billet grill w/optional bolt-on bowtie or gmc emblems?

Mal

Re: metal project ideas
 

I like the billet dash piece idea. You could make matching trim pieces for your door panels.

Re: metal project ideas
 

Why not step it up a notch and make a billet tail gate band? Or billet wing window frames?

Re: metal project ideas
 

Billet pedals and shifters and gas tank cap or mirror

Re: metal project ideas
 

A completely custom grille.

Re: metal project ideas
 

If your going into the machine trades for a career.

Make Tools.....V-Blocks, 1-2-3 blocks, Grinding vises, Angle plates.

It will pay off more in the future than billet dash parts...A full tool box will impress most shop owners a lot more.

Re: metal project ideas
 

I have to agree with Gemp.I love machining hotrod parts for my customers,but to impress shop owners, what Gemp suggests is a better approach.But don't let that stop you from coming up with ideas.

Good luck with your machining career, Gerry

Re: metal project ideas
 

I have just the bumper for ya............
but as for Ideas machine tools and fixturing is good way to show a shop owner your skills, and that's comming from a shop owner

Re: metal project ideas
 

High quality all metal badges :D

Re: metal project ideas
 

thanks for the advice guys, and all the kind words
i really like the idea of making fixtures and I probalby will do that, on top of some dash stuff, thanks

Re: metal project ideas
 

I like this idea..although not a big project for graduation. But, does anyone know how to mount an emblem into a billet grill.

Re: metal project ideas
 

The emblem would have to be specially machined w/ tabs that slip through the bars and bolted tight from behind the grill. At least that is the idea I was hoping he would come up with. :confused:

Mal

Re: metal project ideas
 

Nah just some glue. This is 2010 everything you get these days will be glue on:devil:

Re: metal project ideas
 

Just make a backing plate from some scrap. Maybe two little plates. Then use the speed nuts.

Re: metal project ideas
 

Custom rear suspension with coil springs.

Re: metal project ideas
 

A bowtie wing nut for the air cleaner.

Re: metal project ideas
 

Diamond plate gauge cluster cover. to match your dash and door panel bezels.

Re: metal project ideas
 

A billet copy of the optional original bowtie grille emblem that has mounting studs on the back side would be able to fit the stock grille and the tubular grille too.

A sheet metal backing plate like is used on my Camaro grille emblem could hold it in place on the tubular grille.

It won't take you long to make and will leave you plenty of time to make some machining fixtures too.