Re: Tool selection

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@domain.elided>]

Hi Hugh:

I used a 5" hole saw to cut speaker holes (for 5 1/4" Polk speakers) in my 
'74 Spider's kick panels.  I used a 1/2 HP drill to spin the saw, with 
enough torque to tear an arm off, but the metal is pretty thick.  Because 
of the limited access, I can't imagine that much else would work (don't 
forget the pedals on the driver's side), especially if you like your 
circles round.  Before you do any cutting there, remove the plastic panel, 
and verify the location of the hole you want in the steel.  Transfer that 
marking onto the plastic, and replace it in the car.  Stop cutting when 
you're through the plastic, pull the panel out, and continue cutting the 
metal, some of which is two layers thick.  Also, be wary of buying speakers 
that are deeper than the hole, so you might want to measure, but you've got 
to do the drilling first.  The end result is pretty good, as the enclosure 
is airtight, and you can make the speaker think it's even bigger if you 
pack the enclosure with some polyester batting material.  Nonetheless, the 
only time I listen to the stereo is with the car in the garage.

I haven't cut any floors, yet, but my weapon of choice would be an air 
chisel, at least for the rough cut.

Remember:  Measure twice, cut once.

Regards,

Dean

At 01:59 PM 11/3/2002, you wrote:

> Date: Sun, 03 Nov 2002 08:18:10 -0700
> From: hugh shawcross <shawcros@domain.elided>
> Subject: Tool selection
>
> What are the tools of choice for cutting interior sheet metal from a Spider?
>
> The jobs I'm entertaining are floor pan(s) and speaker holes in the
> footwell side kick panels.
> Obviously I don't have much experience in this kind of restricted access
> metal work.
> I've been mulling over the possible application of die grinder, metal
> shears, air nibbler, cut off tool, Dremel and hole saw (4-5") for these two
> jobs, but would like to hear from others on what has worked well for them
> in the past. Hopefully it will save me (and perhaps others) from taking a
> wrong turn in the process of planning and doing the work.
> All tips and hints welcome,
>
> Hugh
> '74 Spider
> Medicine Hat
--
to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided