Transmissions Humps and Tunnels

[RootBeer 6117]

I'm working on my 49 AD,some time in the last month some one posted pictures of how they laid out the sheet metal for a curved tranny tunnel.I am trying to explain to a HAVC class what I am wanting as every one know a picture is worth a thousand words.
I have tried the search engine with about as many key words as I can think of and still have not found it.
Careful what you word you use on google for this you might find something you don't want to find.
Thanks Joe

[OrrieG]

Not me but you lay out the front radius on the firewall, then the back. Divide each into the same number or equal segments and run lines between the segments (assuming you want a smooth curved top). You can use masking tape from the segment points to see if you like the shape and adjust accordingly. You are basically making a section of a cone. Transfer the radius segments and measured lengths between them to a flat piece and cut and bend away. I always make a cardboard template first. The more segments you have the smoother the curve. If you want it more angular, do less segments. Basic mechanical drafting and layout, if they still teach that in high school.

[parkwood]

Joe not sure it this what you're looking for but this is how i made one for a '50 chevy.

[parkwood]

For this one i started off with a little card board. This one i made flat which went along with the flat floor in the suburban.

[RootBeer 6117]

Parkwood thanks that gives me a place to start.
Orge Thank you, we were looking at your build last week for interiors I was showing the two guys I have working on my truck how you did your steering column.

[Kim57]

Here's how I did mine.
Kim

[FarmerSid]

Pretty slick Kim!

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by FarmerSid

Pretty slick Kim!

Thanks
Kim

[RootBeer 6117]

Thanks Kim, we had a discussion on your method last week,unless I go your route it looks like mine is going to be closer to parkwood's, the HVAC guy said he couldn't roll(or didn't want to roll) the sheet metal,I'll figure it out.

[nacho55]

heres what i did, after making some cardboard mock ups, my floor in the front was shot on the drivers side, the passenger side wasnt bad but i swapped it all out, I used my welding tank and a deadblow hammer, and a sandbag for beating most of it into shape.

[BlueJeep]

Here's mine:

[skymangs]

Here's mine. Posterboard is your friend! I just templated each piece with posterboard, and hand bent it over something I had laying around the shop.

[parkwood]

Those are some nice humps guys...

[skymangs]

Parkwood... that was almost dirty! LMAO

[RootBeer 6117]

Originally Posted by skymangs

Parkwood... that was almost dirty! LMAO

Just like a class of high school boys. Amazing how things can get twisted and bent, and I don't mean sheet metal.

These are all great ideas thanks for the replys.I really like the wleding tank idea.

[nacho55]

The bottle trick works great if you dont have access to a slip roller it takes a little time to beat into the shape you want but worth it when you have it the way you want, then when your all done spending a bunch of time on the Transmission hump you can cover it all up with a center console. heres what i did to mount my stereo in.

[RootBeer 6117]

After much debate I allowed some creative license this is what we ended up with, I can take it out to get to the transmission if I need to. The wire rats nest is soon to be gone. I have to give a lot of credit to two of my afternoon students Derick and Kyle they have done a lot of good work on this truck.