Aluminium Checkerplate rear door panel

Hi Bill, just wondering how you made the rear chq plate trim ? What tools did you use ? Where did you get the chq plate from ?

Thanks
Matt

[Winaje]

Hi Matt, welcome aboard.  The panel was handshaped using 1.6mm plate that I got from the local aluminium supplier.  It took me a day to do it using an angle grinder to make the major cuts and shapes, and then the rest was down to files and drill bits.  A slow way of doing it, but very precise.
Bear in mind that it was done when I was on holidays, so I had the time etc.

Nice work, I want to do something similar and have a drop down shelf as well.  Might powdercoat it though, could be a bit to reflective in the sun  

Did you just use some metal self drilling screws  :?:

Matt.

[Winaje]

I used about 50 or so black pop rivets, to match the body of the car.  I'm also interested in a fold down panel to use as a picnic table etc, mounted on a piano hinge arrangement...

[walker]

I like the fold down table idea. How much room is available inside the back door panel. I have a lot of ideas swirling in my head 8O  and one is to make a panel similar to what you have and a set of draw the hinge back into the rear door.
What do you think? Possible?

[Winaje]

I'm thinking of using a continuous hinge and mounting a second plate onto the main panel.  I'd use some form of padding or buffer to stopp all rattling, and probably some thin sash rope to hold the table.

[simon_arch1]

Will - have looked in your gallery...  can't find the pic of the checkerplate on your truck - point me in the right direction - we love checkerplate...

Simon

[Winaje]

Simon, I edited the first post in this thread to add the picture, have a look there.

I was inspired, and here is my sunday's handy work...







Just got 2mm (I think !!) chq plate from Aluminum place $40, some self drilling metal screws $5 and some metal jigsaw blades... took me 3-4 hours.

Matt.

[walker]

That looks great Matt. Now do you live in Melbourne? Cause if you do I think we are all coming round for a beer & work day.

You work on my back door and I drink beer  :lol:

Sorry you work on my door and I bring you beer  :wink:

[Winaje]

Now that looks damn fine Matt.  The only thing I would advise is that you use a couple of screws to tightly secure the middle of the main area, so that the panel does not drum.

It seems that I have started a trend, hehehe

Don't think it needs it, as I put thick double sided tape (just peeled one side of it) all around the outside and in the middle too, hasn't made a sound since I put it on    Time will tell though.

[Winaje]

Good idea, and also being a DI, your door is a little bit narrower, and also the internal stuff may be in a different configuration.