metal project ideas - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

74 C-30 · 01-04-2010, 02:02 PM

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

suprachrgd82 · 01-04-2010, 02:21 PM

BB power steering pump bracket

**old Rusty C10** · 01-04-2010, 03:48 PM

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

OJOE · 01-04-2010, 04:41 PM

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

74 C-30 · 01-04-2010, 04:42 PM

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..

Big Port Jimmy 6 · 01-04-2010, 07:40 PM

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

4ofakind · 01-04-2010, 08:38 PM

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

Mal

**N2TRUX** · 01-04-2010, 09:15 PM

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

AceX · 01-04-2010, 09:19 PM

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

munger · 01-04-2010, 09:27 PM

Billet pedals and shifters and gas tank cap or mirror

ghettoluxury · 01-04-2010, 10:21 PM

A completely custom grille.

Gemp · 01-04-2010, 11:10 PM

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.

Infanti · 01-04-2010, 11:59 PM

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

Tex_50613 · 01-05-2010, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

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

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

79gmcc15 · 01-05-2010, 07:23 AM

High quality all metal badges

74 C-30 · 01-05-2010, 11:11 AM

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

*BGRAFX* · 01-05-2010, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4ofakind

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

Mal

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

4ofakind · 01-05-2010, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGRAFX

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

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.

Mal

1LowToy · 01-05-2010, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4ofakind

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.

Mal

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

jdurant · 01-05-2010, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGRAFX

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

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

Pyrotechnic · 01-06-2010, 03:18 AM

Custom rear suspension with coil springs.

Scootin 81 C20 · 01-06-2010, 08:55 AM

A bowtie wing nut for the air cleaner.

*BGRAFX* · 01-06-2010, 09:17 AM

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

68 TT · 01-06-2010, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdurant

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

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.

01-04-2010, 02:02 PM	#1
74 C-30 Dually Pride Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NH Posts: 540	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 __________________ If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand. '74 Chevy C-30 350/4 speed/dually '94 Ford Ranger

01-04-2010, 02:21 PM	#2
suprachrgd82 Farmtruck desciple Join Date: May 2009 Location: 90605 Posts: 158	Re: metal project ideas BB power steering pump bracket

01-04-2010, 03:48 PM	#3
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,299	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 __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

01-04-2010, 04:41 PM	#4
OJOE Crew Cut Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: MONTGOMERY,AL Posts: 757	Re: metal project ideas check out the tail gate band thread. it would make a good project. __________________ 85 SWB 1/2 TON CREWCAB/5.3 03 CHEV 3500 DURAMAX CREW CAB 85 CHEV SWB/TPI 06 CHEV TAHOE (WIFES) 30 MODEL A HOT ROD 07 HARLEY DAVIDSON BAGGER 09 STREET GLIDE AN D A LOT MORE JUNK

01-04-2010, 04:42 PM	#5
74 C-30 Dually Pride Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NH Posts: 540	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.. __________________ If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand. '74 Chevy C-30 350/4 speed/dually '94 Ford Ranger Last edited by 74 C-30; 01-04-2010 at 04:44 PM.

01-04-2010, 07:40 PM	#6
Big Port Jimmy 6 Addicted to Rust Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Abbeville SC Posts: 1,030	Re: metal project ideas A slide out cup holder to replace the ash tray. Jay __________________ Current trucks: (48 GMC100 320 inliner) Gone (48 Suburban in pieces) Sold 87 GMC CCSB 5.3 4l60E Daily Driver ECTA National record holder XO/PP We never really grow up, we just learn how to act in public.

01-04-2010, 08:38 PM	#7
4ofakind Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 91	Re: metal project ideas How about a full billet grill w/optional bolt-on bowtie or gmc emblems? Mal

01-04-2010, 09:15 PM	#8
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: metal project ideas I like the billet dash piece idea. You could make matching trim pieces for your door panels. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

01-04-2010, 09:19 PM	#9
AceX >130dB Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,130	Re: metal project ideas Why not step it up a notch and make a billet tail gate band? Or billet wing window frames? __________________ Living Life @ 130dB LED Tail Light Conversion; How-to Friend. Father. Brother. RIP El Jay ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLICK HERE and for less than $0.07 a day, you too can help support and build a better forum.

01-04-2010, 09:27 PM	#10
munger Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: goodland,ks Posts: 217	Re: metal project ideas Billet pedals and shifters and gas tank cap or mirror

01-04-2010, 10:21 PM	#11
ghettoluxury Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Waynesfield Ohio Posts: 1,991	Re: metal project ideas A completely custom grille. __________________ 1949 Five Window, 1973 Step Side, 2000 Z71

01-04-2010, 11:10 PM	#12
Gemp Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Cleveland,Ohio Posts: 262	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. __________________ 06' GMC 1500 Crew cab..... Last edited by Gemp; 01-04-2010 at 11:14 PM.

01-04-2010, 11:59 PM	#13
Infanti www.infantimachine.com Join Date: May 2007 Location: Delta,BC Canada Posts: 311	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

01-05-2010, 07:23 AM	#15
79gmcc15 Gettin It One Pice At A Time Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: everett, washington Posts: 2,688	Re: metal project ideas High quality all metal badges __________________ RIP ELJAY Work In Progress 1979 GMC C1500 Trailering Special. Getting the truck done, one piece at a time. “You can tell a lot about a fellow’s character by his way of eating jellybeans.”Ronald Reagan “I don’t know the key to success but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” Bill Cosby

01-05-2010, 11:11 AM	#16
74 C-30 Dually Pride Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NH Posts: 540	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 __________________ If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand. '74 Chevy C-30 350/4 speed/dually '94 Ford Ranger



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

01-06-2010, 03:18 AM	#21
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: metal project ideas Custom rear suspension with coil springs. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande

01-06-2010, 08:55 AM	#22
Scootin 81 C20 3/4 Ton Rodder Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Manlius, IL Posts: 1,146	Re: metal project ideas A bowtie wing nut for the air cleaner. __________________ 1981 Chevy Scottsdale C20 "Orange Crush": SOLD 1989 Chevy Silverado K2500: All Stock (For Now), 350 TBI/700R4. DD/Light Duty Toy.

01-06-2010, 09:17 AM	#23
BGRAFX Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: kansas city Ks Posts: 1,970	Re: metal project ideas Diamond plate gauge cluster cover. to match your dash and door panel bezels.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.